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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  2005 two door Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Buckeye Gray - February 13 - 2:54 pm

  Bought the 2005 Honda Accord about a week before Christmas in 2004. Ended up getting the car a little sooner than I wanted after someone pulled out in front of my Honda Civic. Anyway, its the best car Ive ever owned. If you give this car proper maintenance it will go! Has a very smooth ride especially on the open road. Even though its a four cylinder it will run easily at 80 or 85mph. But I usually dont drive that fast. Gas mileage is supposed to be right around 31 to 35 mpg, but last summer took a round trip of 290 miles and wound up getting just over 39 mpg! Mind you I drove at or under 65. Good car, in future hope to buy another one.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned!!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By suki - February 13 - 1:55 pm

  What can I say, I love my Honda Civic HX Coupe. I bought this car after owning two domestic lemons and could not have been happier over the past nine years. Gas mileage is exceptional, I easily get 40+ mpg on every tank of gas. I learned how to drive manual transmission on this car, so it has definitely been put through some stress and still, she runs like new. For the first 8 years of ownership, this car was virtually maintenance free except for regular oil changes. I have replaced the tires, plugs, window regulator and muffler, but all of these things are minor. Honestly, I could not have ever asked for a more dependable car. It will be a sad day when I finally have to trade her in.

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  Great people/cargo mover - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By bchris8906 - February 13 - 10:04 am

  Solid, comfortable, smooth, & sporty performance for a minivan. Quality of interior materials & design is top notch. Exterior, I think it is the best looking minivan on the market. If you have young children and you can get over the "soccer mom" image you will very satisfied with tis vehicle. It is the ideal people & cargo mover. The 2nd row seats can be removed very easily. The 3rd row fold down easily as well. The interior is roomy, even the third row is comfortable for adults. Not many crossovers can say that. 2nd row magic seat is for children. Gas mileage is impressive for such a large vehicle. It is easy to see why it is rated number one by so many professional reviewers.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dorado - February 13 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car second hand from a buick dealer and car checked out as being clean. I spent a premium price for a hybrid versus a Civic of comparable age. At 44,000 miles the trnsmission failed and I face a $3,500 bill for a refurbished transmission since I was told they do not make new transmissions for this car. Question is whether the original transmission was deficient to begin with. Fuel economy just OK at 42 mpg which includes hyway and local driving in last 4,000 miles. I know it was not an economic decission to buy a hybrid but to add the cost of a new transmission at only 44,000 miles really makes me wonder if I will ever buy a hybrid again.

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  My first SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By aerojack - February 13 - 7:06 am

  Ive waited this CR-V SE for 2 years and it worths the wait. Great vehicle!!

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  I LOVE MY 2004 PILOT - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By gacatlover - February 13 - 3:33 am

  I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED A HONDA BUT BEFORE I BOUGHT THE PILOT I WANTED TO TEST SOME OTHERS SO I DID AND WENT RIGHT BACK TO THE PILOT. I LOVE MY PILOT. I WOULDNT OWN ANYTHING BUT A HONDA!!! IF THE HONDA HAD A JAMMING STEREO SYSTEM IN IT I PROBABLY WOULD SLEEP IN IT. NEEDS BETTER SPEAKERS. NOT AS CLEAR AS IT SHOULD BE. THAT IS MY ONLY COMPLAINT.

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  driving is believing - 2003 Honda S2000
  By nates s2000 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  For the ones which criticise one of the ultimate convertible roadsters of all time because its too load or not enough room.This is definetly not the car for you!This is a machine built for the consumer that understands that this 2 litre motor 4cyl.produces more hp per litre hp than any other car built!My previous car was an 1995 m3 I would have never thought of owning a honda s2000 which i had criticed before now I regret because once I drove I was hooked aswell.This is the funnest most exhilerating car under $35K that I have ever driven even compared to the massive 3.5 litre 350z I chose the s2000 for a second car to have could not be more satisfied.

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  Best sport car out there - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jacob marley - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding car. Imagine driving at 90 miles an hour w/ the wind in your hair and your girl sittin next to you. Buying this car will be the best desition youve ever made.

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  Good Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By blazer16 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Passenger side front seat-back broke off on right side.

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  I love my honda! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ErinS - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I was very surprised to see that people have had problems with these cars. My car drives like a dream. At 102,000 I havent had a single problem. Great commuter car, comfortable and great on fuel economy.