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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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By zadscmc - May 29 - 12:53 am

  I have had my mt hybrid just about one year and I am highly satisfied. Over the 30K I have driven it, I am averaging 51.4 and have had tanks at 56 or more several times. I never have problems with acceleration as I keep an eye on the battery gauge and love trying to make one tank of gas exceed the next. I strongly recommend changing the air filter even before recommended interval, as a modestly dirty filter will drag down mpg by 10 percent.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mitch - May 28 - 11:36 pm

  I was impressed by the styling of this all new make over. It reminds me of a more expensive car. I recently sold my 90 Accord and was impressed by the standard features the base model Accord has. I like the tightness of the suspension and the reasonably quiet ride. The transmission is smooth also. While I only have 1,000 miles on it I would highly recommend it to my friends.

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  I LOVE this van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather - May 28 - 7:30 pm

  After extensive research and test driving every option out there, we decided on the Odyssey. We love it! Very fun to drive, great features and a solid history of reliability...what more can you ask for? I highly recommend this van to anyone who needs space, but values a quality vehicle and wants to enjoy at least the ride while doing those dreaded errands! Kids love the DVD and power sliding doors, and we really value the navigation system. Overall an A+++++!!

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  Great mileage for an outstanding SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jason - May 28 - 6:15 pm

  With 1K miles on it now, Im positive I made the right decision getting the Pilot. Im not sure why all the negative posts about mileage. Its an SUV folks. They all get poor mileage but the Pilot is amoung the best in class. On a 450 mile trip, I averaged 22.9 mpg cruising at 70 mph. My old Grand Cherokee wouldnt even come close with its antiquated inline 6. I bought this with gas prices over $3 per gallon knowing full well it wasnt going to be cheap to run. For those wanting better mileage, get a Civic. We were only considering Subaru / Toyota / Honda SUVs when we were shopping. The Honda had the best combination of features vs. price point.

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  2008 Civic Gas Mileage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RHA - May 28 - 1:10 pm

  My 2008 Civic LX has 18K miles on it. Wintertime gas mileage around town is about 34, summertime 36-37. Today I filled up full and got 40.1 mpg with all around-town driving. With highway driving, using the cruise control and making sure that RPMs dont exceed 2,000 (so about 60 mph)I can regularly get 47+ mpg. If I increase speed to 65 mph, mileage drops to about 42 mpg, so I lose about 1 mpg for each mph over 60 mph I drive. Im glad I didnt spend the extra money for a hybrid. This car is a gem.

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  its me! - 2003 Honda Element
  By fuzzytows - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This one really meets my needs. Will carry my 4 dogs and garden supplies without worry of soiling the interior. Compact exterior masks an incredibly roomy interior. Perfect for a rear facing child seat, easiest car ever for getting baby in and out. Manual shift off the floor is great, you can easily climb from front to back without getting out of the car. I average 24.5 M/P/G on country roads. Also love the light from sun roof over the back seats, which are usually so dark. Overall, great little SUV for protection, drivability, reliability, decent gas mileage, and lots of room - not to mention that it is SO CUTE.

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  Cs E - 2003 Honda Element
  By C - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. It makes me happy. I can drive it. I can sleep in it. I can haul in it. My mother has a hard time getting in the back seat because the rear floor is high. Other than that, its a perfect car.

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  Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Pachuco - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Am very happy with the way it handles. Did great on my trip to Colorado. Great power going through the mountains.Nice ride. Comfortable.Couldnt even feel the gears shift while climbing or going downhill. The cruise control did very good. Breaking was smooth, even on hard breaks.Its very roomy for not looking that big on the outside.Big view through the windsheild.DC and MP3 plugins. Easy to park.I have a bad back and the height to sit and get out is very comfortable,......My wife and i have gotten a lot of nice compliments from total strangers.

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  Best Value for the Money - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mike Hunt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2004 EXL in Sagebrush in So. Cal. for around $29,900 by shopping on the internet. Lots of sleazebag dealers on the internet just trying to get you into their dealership with phony prices, but finally found a dealer that sold one at a fair price. Its a great car that replaces my 1996 Odyssey. All my hondas have lasted over 120k miles with no major repairs, and I expect no less from this one. The kids love it, and it really rides well. Tested the Acura MDX, which is esentially the same platform, but it wasnt worth the incremental $10k.

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  The best SUV I have ever owned - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kari - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I researched Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Dodge and Honda to find the best SUV for our 7 person family. Our children range from 6 - 18 and the driveability, comfort, visability, handling were awesome. I drove each of them hard and the Honda Pilot out did them all. In fact 3 of my friends have since bought new Pilots as well!! Honda left no stone unturned when they made this SUV down to the dipping sauce holders!! Finally a SUV that understands and knows what mom want!!