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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  From a Toyota Previa to Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By naseeram - May 2 - 1:33 pm

  Excellent feature set - Honda introduced a minivan feature set that others copied, then Honda took it to the next notch. Good Power, excellent 0 to 60 for a mini van, interior room is good, lots of storage.

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  Loved it ! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By UDriveWhat - May 2 - 1:18 pm

  I loved the 90 hatchback that I had. Unfortunately had to sell it in order to make room for the 90 accord I am getting. Something about those old hondas really appeals to me.

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  Awesome car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Civic4g95 - May 2 - 11:52 am

  I bought the car in August of 06. It had an aftermarket header and muffler. I have added rims, tail lights, neons and the interior has been custom painted. The car runs pretty good. It has the 1.6L VTEC-E motor, with a 5 spd tranny. I can run with my dads big v8 truck. The car is built extremely well. It has 190,000 on the motor and it has been put through a lot of racing as it was in a racing club before I bought it and I have been rough on it. I have no problems with the car, uses a little bit of oil and thats it.

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  Questionable Build Quality - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DemianB - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Needed a new commuter car and decided to skip the Civic for the Accord Value Package. Great looks, great standard features, etc... Was very disappointed that the windshield glass had distortion in it and creates a wavey effect as you drive. I also went to open the trunk for the first time and the lock fell out the back! The car also came with missing paint on the drivers door edge and a poorly done cover-up job of previous scraping. Its currently at the dealer for repair, but Im not sure theyll fix the glass issue since its not obvious when youre not moving. Hopefully this was an anomoly and the rest of the car is solid as historical Accords.

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  Perfect crap hauler - 2008 Honda Fit
  By calihonda - May 2 - 9:16 am

  I stumbled on the Fit completely by accident walking through the dealership looking to buy a Civic, and walked out driving it. The fold flat seats were an immediate seller for me as no trunk can hold the things the Fit can. I think I probably paid a little too much at $15,900 for the MT but I was in a time crunch. My Fit came with sweet tinted windows that I would strongly suggest to anyone, it makes the car look very unique and sporty not to mention keeping your seats from bleaching and reducing theft. I have tracked my MPG for the first 4000 miles and IÂ’m getting 26/36. The M/T is definitely the way to go, must quicker than my A/T 127 hp Â’03 Civic. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  I love my Honda Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Michelle - May 2 - 8:46 am

  I was driving a Volvo X-country that I loved and vowed not to go any bigger. (I am not a minivan person). However, 2 children and friends later, we were looking. This Pilot drives like a dream, is easy to park and does not feel big to drive, but is very spacious inside. I love all the compartments and I love the safety ratings and rear airbags. In my younger day I had a Mustang and I have to tell you that I find this Pilot AS FUN to drive! I find the pick-up very good and find myself looking down and saying "oops! driving too fast"- very smooth ride. My kids love it too. It is an SUV, so I am not fazed by the gas mileage but I find it the same as ads. We did test others but Pilot is the best.

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  1992 Honda Accord EX - 1992 Honda Accord
  By crbunch - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Best automobile Ive every owned. Almost 95,000 before I changed the front brakes. No trouble at all with the engine, still runs and performs well. Have had some problems with cv joint replacement, but other than this and some A/C problems the car has been great. After 10 yrs. in the sun the paint job is oxidizing, but I guess this should be expected. I love this car, would like to have a pick-up but cant bring myself to trade up. This car has some features that many of the American cars didnt incorperate until years later.

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  Great New Honda - 2003 Honda Element
  By bobthebuilder - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This new SUV from honda is very fun and its a wonderful for driving any where

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  Cool & Functional - 2003 Honda Element
  By Susanna - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The cool factor of this vehicle is amazing but that is secondary to its great utility and function. It is just brilliantly designed to serve as a base camp for active livestyles.

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  happy Honda owners - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By erp - May 2 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 91 Integra, a 98 Accord EX V6 (not to mention wifes 99 Accord EX), we traded up to a Sagebrush Pilot EXL. Pilots a great vehicle...rides like a big Accord (very smooth), great visibility, great features, plenty of room for family & cargo,etc. Dealership experience at Majestic Honda (RI) was great...got at MSRP w/less than 2 wk delivery time, PLUS $200 options discount for being "internet shopper". 2 years ago, we assumed our next vehicle would be the Odyssey...thank god the Pilot came along!