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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  2008 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Lynette Durbin - April 2 - 12:20 pm

  I went from a 2004 Toyota Tacoma SR5, with a lift-kit. I usually put $35 dollars worth of gas each day, and that only got me from home to work each day. It was pretty bad. Road noise on it was horrible, and just a few weeks ago I decided to change it out for a Honda Accord. I love this car! I dont necessarily like the color, but everything else I adore. Interior is superb, exterior is very stylish. Gas mileage is perfect. I filled it up with $60 dollars and it lasted me about 450 miles. Theres a lot more to say about this car but, to sum it up, its perfect.

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  Loaded Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By John - April 1 - 11:40 pm

  Have had the 05 Accord for about 4 months now, fantastic car. Im 62 and I still have a ton of leg and head room.

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  Could get better highway mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By kpr173 - April 1 - 10:27 pm

  Our 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 is a great family sedan. We purchased this when the 2008 model year change came out so we got a great deal. I prefer the 2007 to the new Accords as the new ones are much too large in my opinion. Build quality and conveniences are above average. This car really approaches its luxury segment cousins (Acura, Lexus, Infiniti) but not quite. The leather used seems a little leatherette-ish, and parts creak a bit on bumpy roads/cold days. Highway mileage is not so great. I dont drive super aggressively but I have yet to exceed 24mpg when EPA sticker said 20/29.

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  Seats - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By tory - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle. I have had 2 other Hondas a 2003 Pilot and a 2006 Odyssey. I loved both of them and the seats. This new pilot has the worst seats, I can actually feel the wire in the back that is for the seat heater. I contacted Honda and they said to go look at another Honda Pilot 2009 and see if it had the same thing or if this was a defect. I did and I could also feel the wire. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  Better than you might expect - 2003 Honda Accord
  By David - April 1 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this Accord EX-V6 sedan brand new in December of 2002. Almost 6.5 years in, it has probably been out of service no more than a couple of weeks. I serviced primarily at two dealers (Braman in West Palm Beach, FL & Wade Raulerson in Gainesville, FL) - both are professional and prompt. I have a heavy foot, but my fuel economy is just ok. . . I struggle to get 20mpg with a 50/50 city/highway mix. Wind noise is unacceptably intrusive. However, engine and transmission refinement, overall ride quality, interior design and comfort, and the overall continued quality of this car are unsurpassed in the price range. Not without it faults, but definitely the best pick in this class of vehicle.

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  Si Sedan - Fun, but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By SiCop - April 1 - 6:20 pm

  Love the overall value of this car - the performance and "fun" you get for the money has no compare on the market. However, I think Honda skimped a bit on interior material choices. Ive sought and destroyed a few annoying rattles - still have some rattles I havent been able to fix yet. You really have to get used to some quirks in the drivetrain caused by the Drive By Wire (DBW) tuning - delay in responsiveness when you push on the gas and the car holds onto the revs (rev-hang issue). This tuning is all done to meet the CAFE standards and earn the Low Emissions Vehicle tag - ALL GOOD, but detract from the overall potential of this very fun vehicle.

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  I love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pamela - April 1 - 5:36 pm

  I absolutely love my Honda CR-V! It is my first Honda and I have to say I am very impressed! I love all the creature comforts-the back up camera, the Nav system, the 6 disc stereo and the electronic drivers seat-which is great for someone who is only 53" tall!

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  ** Honda 2009 Pilot ** - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By lufaca - April 1 - 2:46 pm

  I am pleasantly surprised with the pilot. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive but my only complaint is the fuel economy. Once you come to terms that the size, comfort do not come free then you can justify paying for the extra mileage. If you ask me if I would buy a pilot after knowing what I know now my answer will be yes. I will buy another one.

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  Love my Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jenleechang - April 1 - 1:07 pm

  Ive had my Civic for 4 full years now and Ive NEVER had any problems with it. The only time Ive ever had to take it to the shop is to get an oil change. Its the most comfortable car youll ride in - everything is designed conveniently and easy to use. I think the Civic has better mpg than a lot of hybrids. My payments were less than $200/month, and I just finished paying it off 2 months ago. Its the best car Ive ever had and I plan on driving it for at least another 4-5 years.

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  Battery is painpoint - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By whyspeed - April 1 - 12:54 pm

  To be honest, this is a great van. But battery became a worry not long after I purchased it - it went dead several times, in my garage, in airport parking lot etc. I tried to get dealership to check it when doing maintenances there but I was always told its normal - till today when doing 15k maintain its confirmed to better to replace it, which is 2 months after 3-yrs warranty. I dont want to pay $130 for it, even I have the 10% coupon, because I am not that happy with it.