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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  A good fit! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Dustin - January 15 - 8:13 pm

  After driving Z4, Boxster, and S2000 I spent a good deal of time considering which I would be the best for my situation. Exterior styling on Z4 is good, interior and ride is rubbish. Boxster is the nicest drive of the 3, but at considerable running costs. The S is just fun, good looking and bullet proof. Engine note on Boxster is supreme. I actually plan on driving this car daily at some point and prefer to trade seldom. The Boxster is a bit better in every way except running costs and maybe steering speed / response. In short, Boxster cost is 2X up front, 3X to run, and lasts 1/2 as long. S wins on precise handling and overall reliability.

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  One awesome car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tim - January 15 - 5:26 pm

  If you want quality, reliability, fuel efficiency and low emissions, this is the car! Ive had my 2007 EX for one week now and just filled the gas tank - 30mpg city/highway was 40/60. Very comfortable and quiet. A lot of interior room for the size. Could use another two inches in leg room in the back. I am very satisfied with the car and expect 35 mpg when brohen in a little. I also expect to get 10 + years out of the car. Honda quality is very apparent and this car blows away all the Ford and Saturn cars Ive owned over the past 15 years. Honda - your stuck with me and my family. Ive given up on the unreliable, not so environmentally friendly, cheap Fords and Saturns.

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  Eats Transmissions and Tires - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Don Easley - January 15 - 5:04 pm

  Originally considered buying a Caravan but due to its known transmission problems paid the extra for a Honda. I should have bought the Caravan. Automatic doors are a continual problem. The first transmission died after 104K. Since the transmission recall only affected transmissions up to 100K I was not covered to given any break. The second transmission has now died at 168,000 miles. Since it was based on the original flawed design its life was always in question. The Odyssey also has a large appetite for tires as I am now on my 7th set. All and all this has been my most disappointing vehicle purchases and has soured me on Honda cars and vans.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Honda Civic
  By galaxy-gray-si - January 15 - 4:23 pm

  My old 1992 NX2000 was costing too much to repair so I needed a replacement. I wanted a vehicle that had a limited-slip differential and side-airbags for no more than $22,000 base price. The Mazdaspeed3 was just above my price range, and the Subaru WRX was too ugly and overpriced. Honda was selling to people like me when they decided to release a 4-door Civic Si to the market. The car has so much power you will need set of winter tires for safe winter driving. The ride can be a little stiff, but what did I expect from a sports sedan. Honda build quality, Honda reliability, Honda motor, Honda resale value, and price of admission made this the clear choice.

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  Love my CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By I love my Honda - January 15 - 3:12 pm

  I love this car! I have 2 toddlers that go everywhere with me and a home party business that requires me to tote supplies. This car is perfect for both. Very easy to load and unload. Even good for trips to the local home improvement store. We live in the burbs and I do mostly city/burb driving. I avg 24 mpg (maybe because it is a manual tranny?). We just took it on our first long road trip (1000 miles each way in the winter) and it was great. I have always lived in snowy/icy climates and this car does great in both. It does drag a bit in the summer when the a/c is on and there is some road noise. We are thinking about adding a 3rd kid to our family, but I dont want to give up my CR-V!

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  Beautiful Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Kim Bonebrake - January 15 - 6:20 am

  This is my first Honda Accord. I fell in love with the look the first time I saw it. Great design.

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  I like the Odyssey but - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Scotty - January 15 - 2:53 am

  The MPG is deceiving. It said 20 in city and 28 Freeway. I got overall about 19 to 20 MPG. I hate the DVD player. Intermittently, it scratches my DVD. I took it back to the dealer to have it fixed, to only have them do nothing. They blame on my DVD. My DVD is just like any DVD. If you cant reliably play my DVD, then you cant play 99.99% of the DVDs out there. It seems like the player does not hold the DVD snuggly. I had that similary problem with a DVD player at home, it keeps scratch my DVD, when I got a new player, it solved the problem.

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  Pilot Perfect - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Tanman Parker - January 15 - 2:00 am

  We are surprised at the Pilots rear (third row) seating capacity. Honda redesigned the center row (2nd row) seats so that they are able to move forward and backward (that is they are no longer stationary). This enables third row passengers to have as much room as second row passengers. Overall, we love the Pilot. We also have a Honda Odyssey, but my wife enjoys the Pilot even more. She like the better handling, and stiffer ride that the Pilot provides. The back row of seats are very easy to configure. We cant wait to get our second pilot.

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  Drives Great - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ei in Las Vegas47 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, it is reliable, drives quiet and smooth. I traded in a BMW X5 which handled alittle better, but drove harder and was noisier. The navigation system could use some simplification, but overall for the price this SUV is a best buy.

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  Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By nichol - January 15 - 2:00 am

  very nice to drive