Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Fun in the sun - 2005 Honda Civic
  By KB - May 14 - 12:33 am

  I purchased my Honda Civic a little over two years ago. I went originally to get a Honda Accord. After test driving several cars and even taking one of the Accords home with me for the weekend, I decided on the sporty Honda Civic. I feel for all the options that I got with my car, which was everything they had to offer, the price I paid for it was very reasonable, not to mention the great percentage rate I got on my auto loan. I wont drive anything other than a Honda now.

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  The only new car I have ever bought - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By deanobravo - May 13 - 8:42 pm

  This is the only new car I have ever bought. 190k miles now and running strong. Still using the original brakes and brake pads. On my 3rd set of tires. The only parts replaced have been the timing belt/water pump at 120k miles reg maint., and distributor and radiator at about 140k miles. I think I replaced 2 tail light bulbs too. Thats it. This car has surpassed my level of comprehension of reliability. I am going to give it to my son, and am looking for a replacement that will be as reliable.

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  Great little car overall - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ivan delgado - May 13 - 1:51 pm

  Good little car love it bought it with high mileage still runs strong vtec kicks in and puts a smile on your face 280,000 miles still takes 8000 rpm like a champ quick car holds up great

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  Great little car overall - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ivan delgado - May 13 - 1:51 pm

  Good little car love it bought it with high mileage still runs strong vtec kicks in and puts a smile on your face 280,000 miles still takes 8000 rpm like a champ quick car holds up great

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  Love My Odyssey - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - May 13 - 11:39 am

  I have 180,000 miles on my Odyssey. I will keep driving it until it dies. We love the seat arrangement-use the fold down back seat. My grandkids love to sit in the "wayback" seat. My kids drove it all through high school and it is still going strong. The interior and exterior still look great. No one believes it is as old as it is. Door locks have a mind of their own. Added a satellite radio a few years ago.

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  Nice until A/C failed - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JPettibone - May 13 - 10:49 am

  I really liked my CR/V until the last few years. 1st, the cabin materials did not wear well. 2nd, the gas mileage seemed to decline over time to the point that I could not get more than 275 miles out of a tank even with highway mileage. 3rd, we had reliability problems. Had a $600 transmission sensor repair last year, and then the A/C compressor imploded and destroyed the entire AC system a few weeks ago. The cost for that repair was quoted at $3800 by the dealer, and American Honda refused to help even though theyve helped other customers with this, but left us out to dry despite owing a 06 accord and doing all service for both at the dealer. Were done with Honda for a while.

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  Enjoyable SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Lanie - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Pilot first the get-go. It is fun to drive, seats the kids and dogs and groceries and whatever I pick up during the day. The GPS could be better, more detailed. The MPG is NOT the advertised MPG I get...I get much less. Wish I could have gotten the GPS and the DVD system together...wanted Honda to add DVD on but they said no go.

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  love my pilot! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By June M - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Im so happy that this is the car I chose. With the third seat up my three children and their friends all fit with room to spare. The Pilot is a great alternative to a minivan or extra large SUV without compromising any space. Its fun to drive and MUCH easier to park than my husbands Suburban! I highly recommend anyone looking to check out the Pilot.

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  I Love My Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Janet Seal - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Pilot and the service and assistance I have received from Frank Kent Honda in Fort Worth has been wonderful. Its the first time Ive owned a car for almost a year and not started looking for what I wanted next.

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  A Great Choice! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Lisa Wilson - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. We love our Pilot. We first became interested in it because of the wonderful safety ratings it was given by consumer reports, and we are very happy with our decision. There are some extras, like automatic lights and power passenger seats that the EXL does not have. We wish these features had been offered to us.