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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  Honda Fit Review - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Diane - October 22 - 2:30 pm

  Very cheap carpeting! Freeway road noise more than I would like. Gas mileage in town is poor- 27-29. Hwy 36 with Sport A/T. (I drive very carefully!) Wish seat was a couple inches higher off floor and I really miss passenger armrest. Seems to be great variance in mpg among Fit owners from online chat rooms. Mine idles at 9-10 mph consistently. Was told thats correct. Very short on small storage spaces.

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  Beautiful Beast - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Kp VtecFuZiOn - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I just recently got this car from my sister, but Ive been with it ever since she got it brand new back in 1995. From then to now, the reliability of this car amazes me. There havent been any engine malfunctions ever since the day it was off the dealership. Theres over 100,000 miles on my Accord right now and it still runs just as good as the day my sister got it. A great car!

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  Love my van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Cindy Mac - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I went from driving a 1995 Suburban to my new Odyssey, and I couldnt be happier with this van! Its like driving a sports car for moms. My two kids and all their stuff fit great. Even my husband, who is six-foot, two- inches tall, can fit in it comfortably.

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  great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By LA Mikey - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, i only put 150 miles on it so far, but its fun to drive but i think its really underpowered, i should have gotten the manual trans. but otherwise i love this car, its fun to drive, economical and the epa is awesome!!!

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  Satisfied Owner - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RC101 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I switched from my Dodge to a Honda mainly because of its reputation. The cars mileage is only slightly better and as far as ride and performance. I sacrificed design for reliability. There is a very minor rattle somewhere in the dash which kept me from giving it a 10 in both the "Build Quality." I also gave it a 9 in "Reliability" since I havent owned the car for too long, but my neighbor did have problems with her brakes when she first got her Civic two years ago. For the higher price I paid I really didnt want to here any rattles. Im satisfied with my purchase and Im expecting it to pay off in the long run since it holds its value well.

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  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By joelmar - October 22 - 7:30 am

  Just took delivery on a 2010 Pilot. I came close to the Acadia which I liked a lot and was turning in a GMC Yukon. I liked the quality of the Pilot better than the Acadia and it was priced lower. I also had reservations about buying a car from a company in bankruptcy. I was amazed to find the interior actually had MORE usable space than my 2006 Yukon. The leather seats are very comfortable and the build quality appears to be up to Hondas reputation. My only issues are the vehicle pulled to the right. I brought it to the dealer to adjust the frontend. I am concerned to hear others have reported the same problem. There is also more road noise when compared to my Yukon.

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  Pretty Good SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Rita Greig - October 22 - 3:26 am

  Pretty good overall SUV - A few design flaws such as the Gear Shift new to the Radio and the weak Roof Rack. It has some pretty good get-up-and-go for the a 4 Cylinder - Very impressive...

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  Disappointing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ian - October 21 - 12:10 am

  This is my 1st Honda. I have been disappointed with some aspects of the car. 1.) Hwy fuel economy was a boasted 42 mpg. I have eked out 35.5 mpg with a tail wind, egg shell under the throttle, not exceeding 100 km/h. You start driving with a heavy foot and the hwy numbers fall into the 27-28 mpg range. 2.) No shiftronic/manumatic mode. This is a nice feature for sporty driving and saving wear and tear on your brakes, Honda does not offer it on the 08 Accord. I had a 2007 Altima V6 for a few months and it was faster, more fun to drive and smoother than the Accord. 3.) no cargo nets in the trunk? 4.) A/C stopped working due to Puron leak other minor quality problems need work.

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  Me and my wifes ody 08 - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By me and my wifes ody - October 20 - 11:33 am

  The transmissions seems to seek when driving around town. It seems to like quicker takes offs rather than driving like granny would. The steering wheel shakes when turning around in parking lot speeds. Say turning a corner and the wheel begins to unravel. Like the 4wheel independent suspension. AC is not up to par when in slow traffic. Much better when going down the road.

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  Leased an Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By caves - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I needed a minivan and decided the Honda leasing deal for this model was cost-effective. This is my first Honda. I owned a Ford Windstar. After using this van for 15 days I had noticed some things I find strange for a six year old design. The quality of the interior materials look good, but is hard and not padded. The interior of my Mits. was padded. The armrests on the doors are hard. The dash hood is not lined up with the steering wheel and the sun produces a lot of glare on panel gauges. The speaker covers rattle at moderate volume levels and the vehicle has a lot of road noise