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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  Cant go wrong with Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 21-in-right - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I shopped Camry, Acura TL,Lexus 330, Maxima. I kept going back to the Accord for price and reputation. 6 cylinders provide plenty of pep. I only have a couple hundred miles at this point. No regrets. I expect to get well over 100,000 miles of good service. If you do your homework and shop around, you can easily beat Edmunds price projections.

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  Not just future styling - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Lyon - February 24 - 2:53 pm

  It was about three months ago when i had decided to go and buy the Mazda 3. I had heard about the new civic so i decided to wait, and boy am i glad that i did. I orderd (my local dealership was sold out) a honda civic 4 door 5spd with the nav system. I have never been more happy with a car! Great handling, performance and talk about tech features. ipod, mp3, wma files, 6 disk cd, pc card, xm ready! Yeah!

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  Love this vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim D - February 24 - 1:50 pm

  I have had zero problems with my Honda Pilot EX - I love it. I feel like Im driving a luxury vehicle. This SUV is fast. This SUV is the perfect size for a family with two kids. Many people who ride in it cant believe how smooth and quiet it is. Theres almost no wind noise when driving on the highway. The AWD system works great. Cant say enough good things about this vehicle.

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  love my accord! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By brandy - February 24 - 12:36 pm

  I fell in love with my accord the first time I saw it! It was loaded! It had the fog lights and lip kit and aftermarket rims. Its been a great car and I have had a kit on it for a few years now. It handles well and I havent had problems with my tranny that some have had with this model accord. I love that the seat is fully adjustable cause im a shorty! If you have an opportunity you should buy one of your own!

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  Amazing Driving Experience - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Milton - February 24 - 12:06 pm

  Bought this car moving down from a Ford Escape. Havent missed the larger vehicle because of the feel of space in the Fit. The Sport truly has a sport feel and the fuel economy is wonderful. The car is tight and quiet and gives that feeling of pleasure every time I get behind the wheel.

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  Civic HX Review - 1997 Honda Civic
  By myst - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have been a honda buyer and driver for years. I am really impressed with the 1997 civic and how well it has held up. I still get compliments on it today for such a nice vehicle! A well designed, built and executed car in all areas. The complaints I have about the car are so minor, that they are not even worth mentioning.

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  2002 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dianne - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Like most, I did not want to take the plunge into Minivan life. However, I am very happy we did. It is such a pleasure to drive and we can go anywhere and buy anything without worrying if it will fit. Our daughter loves it because she can see out the window.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jaykay - February 24 - 2:13 am

  I traded in a 2003 Accord for the Civic Hybrid because of mileage and safety. I had a Civic as my starter car 25 years ago and how it has changed! Very comfortable (leather would have been OK but I guess treehuggers dont want animal skins). Rides great and I am having fun learning gas saving techniques. So far 44 mpg. Handles great, nice suspension, I still giggle when the engine just shuts off at a stop.

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  New Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ScottC - February 24 - 1:23 am

  Took my New Accord V6 sedan on its first road trip. Seats were comfortable, unlike some reviews I have read, and the V6 delivered the pep that you wont find in a smaller engine. 300 mile round trip and temperature was in the mid 90s and it delivered 23.9 mpg with the air on and mountain driving. It has all the bells and whistles, Navi system that will take getting use to and XM radio which I have never had. Only complaint is an occasional sqeak when brakes are applied. Used the "cash for clunkers" deal so -$3500, Figured the car I traded a 1988 Jeep Pioneer with 168k was worth maybe $1000 so the rest was the sales tax. This is my first Honda and so far am very pleased.

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  2004 Plot EX-L NAV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 3rd Honda - February 23 - 2:26 pm

  So far, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I love it! Its comfortable on long drives. The mileage is reasonable for the size and power. There is plenty of people room with the 3rd row--Honda says it seats 8, but 7 adults are comfortable. If a child is the eighth passenger, youd be okay. The only problem with the 3rd row seat, is that eats up 85% of the luggage space. You wouldnt want to subject anyone to the 3rd row for a road trip anyway.