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:

• 

  Quality - 2008 Honda Accord
  By D.Reta - February 6 - 3:10 am

  This is my third Honda and the best so far. They just keep getting better and better. A little pricer that before, but I guess everything is. Quality is top of the line.

• 

  Almost Great - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Allan T - February 6 - 3:06 am

  The special edition Honda Accord(5 speed, 4 cyl) is a great value. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and gracefully. It seems that Honda could improve on the mileage if it would increase the final drive ratio on the 5th gear (runs about 2800 rpm at 65 mph). The air conditioning unit is great, but it has a noticeable drag on the acceleration and the gas mileage (-2 mpg when active). Overall we get about 29 mpg with our driving mix. The best highway mileage has been 35 mpg and the worst city mileage about 25 mpg. The SE version comes with the carbon fiber interior and cloth standard (we upgraded to the dealer installed leather and it is great).

• 

  It keeps going - 1990 Honda Accord
  By vlad - February 5 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car as a student in Waterloo, Canada with 250,000 kilometres. Added 50k in 3 years. Its my second car after a 1979 Renault that I owned back home in Europe. Engine, transmission are still great. The engine does not burn oil. A small leak was cured by using Honda oil. Transmission runs smoothly after drain and refill and changing the PCV valve. I had several issues: cv joints and leaking radiator. Gas mileage drops to below 20mpg in cold ontario winters. Close to 30 mpg in summer. Rust around rear wells is not a killer if you rust proof once a year.

• 

  My First Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GaryL - February 5 - 7:08 pm

  I test drove the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and decided on the Honda. I really liked the Toyota but hated that exterior spare tire. This is my first Honda but so far so good. Ive got about 600 miles on it and have averaged 26 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. The seats feel a little firm and the ride could be a bit smoother. Noise level is fairly low. The interior is bigger than it looks from the outside. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room in the front and back. Storage area is generous. This vehicle is perfect for my style of driving which is mostly metro with a couple of long trips a year.

• 

  crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By tge - February 5 - 4:40 pm

  solid handling, excellent speed/grip around sharp turns, advanced technology, fun to drive, excellent braking, excellent fit and finish

• 

  Honda Delivers - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Eden_Fire - February 5 - 4:32 pm

  I got 90,000 miles on my civic, bought it with 52,000. I have had NO mechanical problems, just brakes and tires. Change oil every 3k, rotate tires every 6k. Clutch is still going strong with no sign of backing down. 35 mpg in the city, 42 on highway. Do the maintenance recommended and you will have a car that you will get your moneys worth out of. The ONLY thing that has gone out is the power door locks on the drivers side, but not a big deal.

• 

  4get the Hybrids! Dont give up size!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By R - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  I bought a manual shift 4 cylinder to save gas mileage and to better maintain control of the car... to have fun driving! I have done as well as 39 mpg highway driving, a little better than my 94 Accord stick shift. I use cruise more than the average person. Youre going to get fewer mpg when you use gas with ethanol added. With the stick, you dont need 6 cylinders. Couldnt believe I actually looked at and drove others before I got another Accord. Even owned a used Camry for 2 yrs (automatic), but it doesnt have the same drivability as an Accord.

• 

  About as perfect an SUV as you can get - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Timus - February 5 - 1:09 pm

  Ive had my Pilot 2006 AWD for about 4 months now. It replaced a Nissan Titan so Im not as squeamish about the mileage as others are. To me the mileage is pretty good and I drive 80 miles a day round trip and fill up about once a week on average. I was buying a half tank a day in the Titan!!! I have a family of 6 so we need the room and the third row is a necessity. Everyone who rides in it is surprised by how roomy it is inside. Its all Dr. Who Tardisy in there. Way bigger inside than it looks on the outside.

• 

  Sporty and fun, with a few glitches - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Cathy - February 5 - 11:20 am

  The stiff sport suspension lets you feel every nuance of the road, making this little car seem fast and responsive. It gets in and out of tight spots easily, making parking a breeze. The interior is bigger than it looks from the outside, and the flexible seat arrangements are genius.

• 

  Real Family Vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By William - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  This review is written of the truth. My families first roadtrip of over 1700 miles with our 2 kids was an absolute joyride. The ride was quiet which is almost impossible with 2 kids and they were thoroughly entertained with the DVD system for the 2 day ride. We have had more problems on a plane ride for 3 hours than in this van for 2 days! My brother has a BMW 740i and this van is just as luxurious with the heated seats and leather interior not to mention the sunroof and cupholders for days! Power when needed. Tried the sienna and the quest and for overall room,amenities,comfort the honda covered all the bases