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!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bigldawg - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The new Accord is just excellent! Great performance from the i-vtec engine, bold styling, great factory stereo, good gas mileage, and man is it quiet! I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a long-term investment. Oh, Honda of Bowie has exceptional service!

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  what a deal - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bub - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Car is outstanding. I am a value shopper, and the Accord met and exceeded all my criteria. Great fuel economy, oil changes every 10,000 miles, great image and resale value. Only complaint is the fixed internal radio antenna, I get static in places a normal car gets perfect signal. Just have to download lots of music. :)

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  Very impressed with this Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Analog Kid - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I picked the 2003 Accord EX-V6 over the 2003 V-6 Altima and the 2004 Maxima. It was clearly the best value amongst the three, and I was able to get a great month-end deal from a dealer. This car is bigger and smoother than my 2000 Acura TL.

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  Horrible gas mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat R. - February 2 - 2:23 am

  Purchased Touring Odyssey in September 2004. Have experienced poor gas mileage from Day 1--complained and was told it needed to "get broken in." Was advertised as getting average of 20 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway--The best I get in city is 15 mpg and 21/highway. I owned a 2000 Odyssey and got 18 mpg--would have never purchased the newer model had I known of the erroneous information on mileage. Also, the Touring edition has an "economy" feature that shifts into 2 or 4 cylinders with an "eco" light coming on to let you know it is "conserving fuel"??? I spoke with rep from Honda of America in California today with my concern and told that in fact they are hearing of 15 mpg/city as normal.

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  2005 Accord EX V6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rajan Mistry - February 1 - 10:43 pm

  Car is a great deal for the price. I compared the EX V6 sedan with the Acura TL. I know they are very similar cars because they use the same Honda Platform. For the higher price of the TL, I couldnt justify spending and extra $6K more for the TL versus the Accord for few tech goodies. The V6 Accord is an excellent value.

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  Its a HONDA. What more needs to be said - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By joe - February 1 - 9:20 pm

  The Pilot is all that I had hoped it would be in quality and ride. I was a bit concerned about some reviews re road noise but it is quiet in my view. It is too new to judge long term but given that it is in the third year production, I am confident I will be even more happy. The ride feels more like a luxury car than an SUV.

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  My first Honda! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By John Smith - February 1 - 7:34 pm

  I have only had it a month but pretty much love it so far. Honda is well known for reliability and that is what I am hoping for. Very good gas mileage, comfort is ok..could be better seats and radio system though.

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  OUR 8TH HONDA - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ernestb - February 1 - 12:20 pm

  Why did we buy a 07 Odyssey Touring R+N, well the VALUE of HONDA doesnt decrease like it does with any other van available on the market. SAFETY is the number one reason why you should buy an Odyssey, We get decent mileage considering that we drive a 4000+lbs tank. We have a 06 Odyssey EXL N+R with 33K miles and it drives and rides like it just came out of the showroom. So the 06 will have 150K in another 4 years. We could have gotten a ford product since my dad works for them but they would never hold the value. If they ever come out with a VOLVO Van we may consider it but until such time Its the Odyssey. Yeah it might be a tank, but it can do so much for so little.

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  Excellent Sedan - Highly Recommended! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By excellent car - February 1 - 10:23 am

  After 3 months of driving my Accord I can say, it is the best driving experience Ive had so far with sedans. I worked for a car rental company and drove all kinds of cars so I have something to compare to. Many people prefer dial temperature and other controls but I can say that all buttons are very intuitive easy to operate and contribute to a superior and modern interior look. Handling is great, acceleration is excellent, havent noticed dimming headlights. Lots of leg room. Have absolutely nothing to complain about. I love it!

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  Solid Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - February 1 - 9:47 am

  This an extremely solid vehicle. I really have no complaints. I live in Michigan where we get a lot of snow and ice. Its nearly impossible to get this car to slip or slide. It has more than enough cargo space, yet it doesnt feel like an enormous vehicle when youre in it. I did have to have a power window motor replaced, but it was covered under warranty. Other than that, I havent had so much as a hiccup through 53,000 miles. The only issue I have is that the Pilot is kind of boring. Theres nothing exciting about the interior or exterior design, but I can think of much worse problems to have.