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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  2010 - 2010 Honda Accord
  By atq - October 16 - 3:30 pm

  I have had 2006 and 2008 and this is my third car I am leasing. 2010 has somewhat improved in terms of suspension and better road noise. Long drive trips are comfortable in terms of seating, and tiredness. Avoided leather seats as some others have been complaining of backaches.

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  Pros and Cons. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By themuse03 - October 15 - 3:33 am

  pro: It really is fun to drive with the added horsepower, reliability and best of all the gas mileage saves me a lot. Con: There are noises/squeaks/rattles here and there that sometimes dealers having a hard time to duplicate. but i dont think that affects the performance of the car. Im not sure if they already addressed these problems on 2007 model.

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  Good car for that year - 1997 Honda Accord
  By sbvmax - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is good for what it is designed for. A cheaply priced car with good gas mileage. Wish I would have bought the V6 model, but thought they didnt come out until 98. A couple of weeks ago just turned over 50k and had 4 recals taken care of free of charge.

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  Good but... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Humm - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Like it so far. Bought it over Highlander, Seqoia, TrailBlazer. Enjoy the navigation system. The specs say 19.2gallon fuel tank. But it takes 20gallons when the fuel light comes on!! Bit concerned about inaccurate sensor and running out of gas. Tried it a several gas stations with same result. The driver seat moves/rattles on sharp curves.

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  Hondas Rule - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sean Howell - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The honda pilot is the ultimate real world SUV. The VTM-4 allows 4WD on ice and snow or lowering a boat into the water, in conditions that you would drive less than 20 mph. Not for the rugged off road use or full time 4WD. Safety features rule: 4 total airbags, 5 star crash rated, 4 star rollover rating. Engine runs on regular gas and still will get 22 mpg. Interior rocks but exterior could maybe be made more aesthetically pleasing. Hondas are known for quality and reliability, not really for style though. Third row seat lays down flush and is not even noticed until you need it. Stereo is really nice, EX comes with subwoofer that sounds great.

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  Got problems with the power door - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pac - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2003 EX in late November. Within the first couple of weeks, we noticed the passenger side power door has been acting strange. Sometimes the door would close by itself, sometimes it would stop in the middle during closing, sometimes it would not close at all. The scariest moment was that the door started to close by itself when my wife was in the process of loading our infant son on his car seat. She literally had to jump out of the way and almost dropped our son. She got freaked out and refused to put the baby in the van. She feels safer by driving her trustly 94 Camry. I think the vehicle has been grossly overrated.

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  Very sensible cross over SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Co-Pilot - October 11 - 3:30 pm

  This was a tough decision. Owned Grand Cherokees for a number of years. Tried other brands, either too expensive or using 92 octane over 87 (12% more for 92) when compared to Pilot. Hondas great reputation for quality and many awards for Pilot. Excellent resale value.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By WMM - October 10 - 12:03 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with the quality, function,handling & comfort. I had, however, expected better mileage. A recent test of a 1200 km (720 mile trip on good paved expressways gave me about 25 mpg travelling at speeds of 70 - 75 mph. This is poor when compared to previous mileage of 30 to 32 for my Lincoln Town Car and Ford Windstar.

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  Brake Problem - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Charlie G - October 10 - 11:26 am

  16,800 miles mostly highway and I needed rear brakes. Honda says its normal wear and tear. I dont think so. Appears I am not the only one with these issues.

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  Bummed out bigtime - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jarred - October 10 - 2:00 am

  i was pumped about getting a civic, but i think the 2001 model, the new bodystyle, was a big mistake. they really need to stop making these cars with american parts in america. the brakes make a loud clunking sound every time i drive for the first time in a few hours. the rattles inside are amazingly, shockingly baaad, and ive already had them fixed twice. the left rear shock now squeaks badly and it sounds like an old car. with 23000 miles, this vehicle should not be having any of these problems. also the road noise is incredibly loud. very weak engine. overall i am extremely disappointed i look forward to trading it in for a toyota.