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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  Roomy, reliable, and stealthy - 1997 Honda Accord
  By nominivan4me - August 23 - 12:01 am

  Wanted something bigger to haul more people/gear, and still gets good mpg. The Accord wagon with a 5-spd is a near perfect solution. While hauling either bikes, skis, or kayaks on the roof it gets over 30 mpg, and 33 mpg without. Parts are reasonable, it is Honda reliable, drives great, does not wander like a minivan, and in winter with a full set of snow tires goes almost anywhere. Compared to an Outback it handles better, has more room, and gets about 6 more mpg.

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  Best CRV ever - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mikeneel1945 - August 22 - 10:53 pm

  This is the best CRV ever! I have owned Honda vehicles and motorcycles since 1982 and this CRV is at least at 10 times better than my 1999 Honda CRV. The handling for a tall SUV like vehicle is outstanding... My wife hated our 99 CRV because it was noisy climbing hills and at speed. She was astonished at the improvement and how much better the 07 CRV is. We are very pleased with this vehicle.

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  My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By F. Flores - August 22 - 4:36 pm

  I drive 25000 miles per year. I also trade every 2 years. This is my 2nd Pilot, and I am already planning for my 3rd. I feel safe and really enjoy my vehicle. We are a Honda family. My wife and daughter have Accords, and we would not drive anything else.

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  Love my Pilot! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Gwen - August 22 - 12:45 pm

  I have owned an Expedition, a Suburban and an Explorer Sport and this one is by far the best! It feels solid, low road noise, lots of leg room front and back. Acceleration is surprising for an SUV. Gas mileage is okay. I love it! Good job Honda.

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  Cant believe Im excited about minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By sdm88 - August 22 - 11:06 am

  Just took delivery of an EXL with Navigation. This is an exceptionally well designed and built vehicle. Honda reliability plus the magic 3rd row seat and the power sliding doors were the key selling point. Navigation was a nice toy to add to the package. Had to wait 6 months like everyone else, but was able to purchase through a buying service so I paid invoice and consider it a BARGAIN. Never thought we would get a minivan but our SUV got to be a challenge with our second child. Still cant believe I traded in my Mercedes to get this van for my wife.

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  Great car, nice Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Steve - August 22 - 1:00 am

  Had the car since April, with two highway round trips of 400-600 miles. Mostly driven around town. Ive never gotten below 33 and never above 37 with regular unleaded gas. Hauled 20 bags of mulch with seats folded up, hauled 3 golfers and all golf gear also, with one seat folded down. Havent needed to fully fold down the front seat to get 6-8 feet of length. Good sound system. Everything has been easy to use. Good pick-up and consistency from engine, in any gear.

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  Good car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By kongster - August 22 - 12:33 am

  The car is beautifully designed. The workmanship is good. The interior is fresh, not boring, and comfortable. The seats are supportive. The center console is a little busy but not too bad. It handles very well, surprised since the car is family car; but drives like my old 1993 Prelude VTEC. Love it.

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  I Just Love It - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By roadturtle - August 21 - 5:20 pm

  I traded in a Dodge gas hog truck. I love the new larger 2007 CR-V. I am six feet tall, and I have plenty of room. I am averaging 23 mpg with 90% city 10% freeway. It drives sooo easy. Parks easy. I bought the EX. I believe the little extra money for the EX was worth it. I am adding the iPod music link this week. I tried the Kias. No comparison. Hondas quality is awesome.

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  Great Mini - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Christa Brownt - August 21 - 4:56 pm

  Bought our 04 in 04. It was great and easy to use with an infant car seat. Plenty of room for those darn rear-facing car seats. Somewhat difficult teather location, but manageable. Love Hondas for their "child-friendliness" Tons of cup holders, pockets, room. Had no problems with engine or handling. My big complaint is the road noise. When we have the kids tunes on and try to talk over the road noise, we pretty much have to scream at each other. Cant listen to talk radio when on the highway, because I cant hear what they are saying over the road noise. It is really my one and only complaint.

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  A must for any true sports car fan - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Female S2000 Owner - August 21 - 1:40 pm

  From one who has owned this car for almost three years now, one word suffices: Whee!! I cant think of a better buy. For those with complaints about rattles, the fixes are simple: For the passenger seatbelt rattle, twist the metal part of the seatbelt around the strap so that it lies flat against the passenger seat. For the rattle the clips for the convertible top make, pull the control for the top toward you after you put the top up for the night. That locks the clips in place. They no longer rattle. If the glove compartment rattles, line it with something soft and black. The dealership did that for me for free. It looks great and there is no more rattle.