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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  Love it - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Julie - January 29 - 7:56 pm

  we love this car- great layout inside, plenty of room even with the 3rd row up. Even I have sat in the 3rd row without too much discomfort (Im 5 ft 4 in), but would not want to do it on a regular basis. Best for kids. But all the rows have a recline feature for the seats, the middle can be moved up and back as well. Not anything negative from our point of view.

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  What Kids Want - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fotovan - January 29 - 5:26 pm

  This is the vehicle kids want. Our oldest [4 yrs] squealed with glee when we took delivery. Easy to load in and load out. The XM, NAV and DVD keep us all entertained at the same time. Dual climate control is nice. I have owned Acura and Honda in the past and would expect the same excellent reliability as we have had this vehicle for only 10 days. Honda offers a good product for the money, but would be well advised to someday do something about the road noise that is persistent in all Honda and even Acura that I have driven. Wheel well insulation/sound dampening along with double insulated doors [like German cars] would greatly increase the solid feel of the van.

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  Our First Honda-A wise choice! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Andy - January 29 - 12:38 am

  This is our first Honda CR-V. We decided on the SE model because of all the options it offered. In general I like the vehicle but I do have some problems with the interior. It has ample power, gets good highway gas mileage, and is very comfortable on long trips. Everything is close to the driver and the steering wheel controls are intelligently placed, although the cruise control on/off switch could have been placed in a better spot. We were able to store tons of luggage for the annual Christmas Trip from Evansville IN to San Antonio Tx. We are very pleased with our investment.

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  Honda Accord rules! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LQB - January 28 - 11:43 pm

  I put on 56K in a little more than 2 years, and have no problems with this car. Just make sure all the regular maintenance is done when they should be done, and this car should last forever. My tires still have about 35% left, and my back brakes are still not changed yet... so I dont understand why some of the comments on here stating that the brakes are worn out at 14K!!! How do they drive their cars? I wonder?? This car is absolutely great.

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  Awesome little car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Eric - January 28 - 7:52 pm

  I had a 2002 civic LX and traded it for a 2004 Chev Malibu thinking I would appreciate the larger car with more bells and whistles. WRONG! I had the Malibu for a year and a half and here I am...back in a civic. I absolutely love Hondas and i will NEVER buy from another auto maker. People say "never say never" but I tell them to drive a Honda...youll see!!! My only complaint is the Firestone FR690 tires that come with the car are dangerous. I changed them to Michelins and we are back in action. LOVE IT!!

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  Alaskan Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By AlaskaHonda - January 28 - 4:38 pm

  I have put 14,000 miles on my 2005 Honda Civic EX, and I am glad that bought it. It has been very reliable, and the Honda dealership has had great customer service. No problems at all. I find that i get good enough traction with mud & snow tires that I dont even need to use studded tires for driving in the snow in Alaska. Despite sub-zero temperatures, it has always started reliably. Its not a sports car, but it is a sporty, well-made, polished and reliable car that saves money it saves money by needing less fuel, by needed little maintenance, by saving the hassle/money of being in the shop, and by maintaining good resale value when its time to sell. My next car in 10 years: Civic!

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  More power than I expected - 2009 Honda Civic
  By edhil - January 28 - 2:30 am

  I only have the car for a week, this is my sixth Honda, first Hybrid. The car has ample acceleration and power, very quiet ride. Face it with the unstable oil market, its time to make the change. I only leased the car for three years, who knows what type of power will be available in the future. I dont think the extra cost will pay for itself in three years, but I leased it to save gas, not money.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By James - January 28 - 12:30 am

  Just got the new 2005 lx (base model)in December 04 and love it. Off the lot with all those extra fees and conveyance charges etc for just under 27K. So far so good. This is our first minivan and I am surprised at how well it handles and feels on the road. Super quite, super roomy,all the seats fold up easy etc. Did ALOT of research and test drove the Sienna and the Grand Caravan and we went with this one and love it.

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  You get what you expect - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Dexter - January 27 - 8:26 pm

  I sold my Wrangler (which I loved) because of a new long commute to work, and needed economy. Si wasnt my first choice, but only because I hadnt thought of it and was looking into more common cars. What I like about it is that it isnt so common. Ive noted it on the street before, and it seems so much nicer-designed than a base Civic. I feel small inside, considering it *looks* small on the outside. To me it is very quiet, smooth, adequately powerful. My beefs are with ergonomics and design. The big silver swath that is the center console is cheap/ugly compared to the nice materials used throughout the rest of the cabin-it looks like an afterthought. Its great overall.

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  Nice truck! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By RAY KULINSKI - January 27 - 6:27 pm

  THIS HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK SO FAR. No major problems. Oil, gas thats it!! I pull a 19 ft boat in the summer and this has plenty of power and is quiet and smooth.