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:

• 

  Highly overrated - 2009 Honda Fit
  By steve - January 13 - 2:20 pm

  Do not believe the hype. The engine is buzzy and the transmission hunts for the right gear. The ride is extremely bumpy, you feel everything. The seats are uncomfortable, and cant be height adjusted. You would never take this on a trip longer than 25 miles. It has beautiful styling, but thats all. A huge disappointment that I bought into because of all of the raves from the so-called car experts. Im trading this in on a larger and more comfortable car.

• 

  Way Overrated - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Gusto - January 13 - 12:30 pm

  Went from Chrysler T&C LTD to this vehicle based on reviews. Big mistake! Interior features were completely lacking, although have been improved in subsequent redesign. Very uncomfortable seats. As many mechanical issues as any domestic I have owned. Worst vehicle I have ever driven in the snow.

• 

  A two FIT family! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Janice Huffer - January 13 - 11:46 am

  I researched a lot of different cars for my husband to drive since he works away from home. His truck was going to be going to our daughter for her first car. The fuel economy, interior space, and safety features sold me on the car. Had to wait 3 weeks to get it, but we loved it. Daughter got that one! Husband got the second one! We are officially a two FIT family! White and Storm Silver. Both very pretty. It holds my daughtes stand up bass with both front seats up!!! I was impressed. She also has to transport her stool along with her bass. She has room to spare!

• 

  Best Van Ive owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Lee - January 12 - 11:20 pm

  Maybe were just lucky however the only problem weve had w/the Ody is a rear seat seam became unraveled and was fixed under warranty, At 52,000m we replaced the original Michelins and that is all we have done to it other than an alignment and O and F changes. Much better reliability than any of the four domestics minivans we had previous to this one. Well thought out interior design compared to some others.

• 

  its the little details - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By country mouse - January 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my Pilot but there are a few improvements that could be made. The extra tripometer is a waste because it zeros out at 1000. There is not a compass on the model w/the entertainment center. I need this feature! The radio controls on the steering wheel are very nice and habit forming, but, the choices should be for a chanel and for scan or next station. You dont need it to change from feature to feature and when you get in the urban areas 6 choices of stations arent enough. Id rather be able to go to the next station and hit it multiple times to find one that sounds right. Over all, drive and comfort is wonderful. The thermostat controlled heat is fantastic. I love my Honda!

• 

  Stay with quality you know! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jpc477 - January 12 - 10:51 pm

  I just bought an 04 Civic EX. I had owned other Hondas but for a period of time owned an 03 Mazda Protege then an 05 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Civic I have now runs & drives flawlessly and is solid when it comes to handling. I dont worry like I did with the other cars when I see gas go up. The moral of the story is if youve been a Honda owner especially for a while and are thinking of something else, stick with what you know. You just cant go wrong with these vehicles.

• 

  Need a truck but want a car? - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel - January 12 - 10:27 pm

  I looked at the Tacoma, the Frontier, and the Ridgeline. Granted, people told me the Ridgeline wasnt a "true" truck, well thats all right with me! Drives like my Accord V6 - but with loads of space to haul or tow things. Super comfortable, super styling, and Honda reliability - how can you go wrong??

• 

  So Far, Very Satisfied.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By greg - January 12 - 8:36 pm

  This is my 2nd consecutive Honda Accord, after replacing my 1992 Accord Coupe purchased in 1996, due more to size limitations of a growing family than mechanical need. The 92 was the best car Ive owned in 24 years of driving. I test drove several models from Toyota, Honda, Acura, VW and Nissan. The Accord was the best in my book with the Camry running a close 2nd. We wanted a safe, functional, affordable & reliable family 4-door to haul adults and kids for a variety of activities. So far were very satisfied. Safety ratings are very good. Ride, comfort, visibility, braking, steering and acceleration are excellent for a car of its size and price. MPG are decent for this size car.

• 

  Love the engine and practicality - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jsabowabo - January 12 - 2:20 pm

  Im a 28 yr old power junkie (engine wise) and I can tell you this cars 2.0 iVTEC motor is a gem. It feels normal below 5800 rpms, then pulls hard until 8200 rpm fuel cutoff. The exhaust note is pure music. The handling is first rate (compared to my 2007 Mazda MX-5), as are the brakes and gearbox. The interior looks great, seats are very comfortable and supportive. The black cloth does show lint very easily though. Im averaging about 27 mpg, but it depends how you drive. You could baby it and get 30 or drive like a maniac and get 20. About my only gripe with the car is the rev-hang issue. Revs dont drop instantly about 3k, not a big deal. Overall I love the car, beautiful.

• 

  5 yrs 120K still drives like new.. really - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RNarenDMD - January 12 - 1:50 pm

  I traded my 03 BMW 530i for this car in 2004 due to reliability issues. At the time, I really felt I was taking a step down. However, this is hands down the best car Ive ever owned. What it loses in coolness, it makes up for with quality, comfort, economy, & bullet proof reliability. I have over 120K on it now. Apart from routine maint. it has needed nothing. Not a single thing. No squeaks, rattles. Interior materials top notch, wearing well. Engine actually has more pull now than when new & smooth as ever. Avg. 25mpg on regular. Have tried to come up with a reason to trade it in for a fancier car, but cant. Still offers more features than many new luxury makes in 2009.