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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  Wouldnt buy any other kind. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rog - November 24 - 6:19 am

  We bought our 05 Odyssey 4 years ago and have since logged a little over 80,000 miles with it. We love it! Ive always said not to buy the first year of a new model, and there have been issues, like having to replace the front brakes in the first 10,000 miles, and a few recalls, but over all, Im glad we bought this van. It has sufficient power, handles great, and looks good too! I noticed on another review about the need to replace a noisy power steering pump, which Ill have to do as well, because of the noise it makes. Overall, there have been a few minor issues, but I would still get another one. My advice would be to get the extended warranty like we did on a first year model.

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  3rd and last Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By disappointed - November 23 - 7:35 pm

  Purchased in Aug 08. Problems began after 75,000. Airbag light on for most of the time. Air conditioning died at 90,000 miles. Transmission dead at 105K and the gas tank neck needed to be replaced. After 165K the alternator died, leaving me on the side of a busy highway. All told, I have spent over $6,000 in repairs on top of regular maintenance. I would say the CRV is a piece of junk, but every one I know who has one, loves it and has had no problems at all. I got a lemon. But the highway incident was the last straw. Last night i bought a Volvo.

• 

  good ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ron Fielding - November 23 - 2:56 pm

  We bought this car as a traveling vehicle. It far exceeds the mileage ratings. We get from 30 to over 38 on the highway. We have been diagonally across the US, and back. The power of the four engine is amazing. It is comfortable and quiet on the highway. Incidentally, I dont slow for the hills, and most of our driving is at 75 mph speeds, and in a lot of elevation changes. I like the looks, but admit I like the taillight treatment of the 06 and later Accord. I also love the look of the instrument array.

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  The Best - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Mitchell - November 23 - 9:47 am

  This is a terrific vehicle. It rides well, handles well, has lots of room and has every feature you need. Reliability is top notch and you cant beat the value.

• 

  very good car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hondamack - November 23 - 12:00 am

  This is my second honda civic , it is a 2004 si sedan. the buld quality is very good,but it is lacking power, especially when merging onto the highway.

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  Well done - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Just Ed - November 22 - 10:20 pm

  After the first 1,000 miles I remain pleased with our purchase. The key to contentment may be realizing that "performance" can encompass more than just 0-60 times, 1/4 mile, top speed, etc.. Performance can also encompass things like mpg, and in my world where commutes rarely allow anyone to enjoy the typical performance characteristics, I have realized that mpg is one of the few characteristics remaining for me to enjoy on a daily basis and I am glad to have found a practical car that allows me to routinely enjoy it while providing very good qualities in addition to being a hybrid. In spirited and often stop-and-go traffic in my 90 mile daily commute I have averaged 39 mpg.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda08 - November 22 - 8:11 pm

  I have owned Dodge Dakota, Ford F-150, and Chevy, none compare to the Ridgeline. This is a great truck it rides great no problems. 247 hp engine plenty of power, very nice.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Grifon - November 22 - 5:41 pm

  We selected the CR-V over the Rav4 and could not be happier. We especially enjoy the build quality, the real-time mileage gauges, and gas mileage. Although the stated highway mileage is 27 MPG, I recently achieved 31 MPG with careful driving management. In spite of the 4 cylinder the CR-V is plenty peppy enough for onramp acceleration. There is plenty of room in the back for our 6’ plus sons.

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  A Fine Touring Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fibblefester - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Top notch, though some ergonomic weaknesses.

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JenI - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. The interior is great and the highway noise is minimal. Vehicle has been involved in a 4 car accident and held up superbly! Minimal damage after being hit in the front, side and rear-up. Would highly recommend!