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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  Drive Green Save Green - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bmorey - October 20 - 4:40 pm

  You cant beat a Honda Civic Hybrid with voice activated navigation. This eco-friendly auto gets great gas mileage (avg. 46+ MPG) in city & hwy driving., it is fun to drive, has some terrific features and its a Honda so what else is there to worry about? Slight decrease on the EPA ratings 49/51 are to be expected as we live in an area that has a lot of hills. Our HCH has a Thule Roof Rack and generally have surfboards on them most of the time. Most people dont realize that EPA estimates for Hwy are tested at 55 mph with one occupant weighing less than 150 lbs, and without the AC running.

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  Our first Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By pupetrucker@gmail.com - October 20 - 3:48 pm

  As a life long vanner, I have owned nothing but full size vans or Astros. It was time to move as we have grand children. My wife has severe back issues. This van is much easier. for her to get in and out of. My grand children love it as I, just for the wide visibility. We plan on a trip to MN. in April and have no reservations about driving there and back. Possible 6000 mi. Had 74500 when we bought it. We plan on taking this van to a vannin event this summer. Remember....RESPECT THE VAN!!!!!

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  Good outweighs bad! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By HondaMan - October 20 - 3:44 pm

  My Civic is great. The gas mileage is exceptionally good, power is adequate, and so far its been extremely reliable.

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  Fun like a go cart - 2007 Honda Fit
  By rodney - October 20 - 12:25 pm

  This car is fun to drive. had it since mid 06 sometime. Was trading in my explore for a accord or civic when they were putting them on the showroom floor. Was impressed with them and bought the first one from that dealership. Have been happy with it every since. Have had it on a 3400 mile and 2 2200 mile trips. Love it. have 43,000 mile on it. I use Royal Purple oil because i believe there is no better oil. Have done nothing to it. Kept my tires checked and oil change. My wife drives it instead of our Accord 6 cyl. She love it.

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  Crooks - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jim - October 20 - 11:56 am

  Like most people with a Honda 03-05 my family has air problems. Last week the condenser exploded, and not only ruined a $300 condenser but did a few thousand dollars in damage. What kind of idiot designs something so that when it breaks it tears up the entire product? If you dont believe this try to use your defroster this winter with the ac not working. This is a known Honda problem that they refuse to fix [via several web sites]. Anyone that has paid out of pocket needs to go to Honda lawsuit and help get everyones money back and save others from this problem. Its defective equipment. They are ripping the public off .

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  So much for Honda reliability.... - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By John S. - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van to replace a 1995 Taurus wagon, which at the time I thought was the biggest piece of garbage on the road. This van is vying for the title. In the two years since we bought it, we have had to repair/replace the front brakes/rotors twice (the entire brake design is undersized for the car), replace the entire transmission (leaky sway bar), replace rear wheel bearing, fix leaky valve cover gaskets, and repair defective sliding doors. It is an adventure to try to predict what will fail next...

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  Quality and realiability - 1998 Honda Civic
  By malevans - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Plain and simple, this automobile is a joy to own. It performs suprisingly well on the road given the fuel economy, and gives a superb comfortable ride, inside and out. Fit and finish is excellent, with few annoying return trips to the dealership ever required. All neccessary controls are within easy reach over the driver for ease of use.

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  TopNotchOdyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Conrad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Aside from being an outstanding vehicle, the dealership (Rusty Wallis) just made the buying process extremely good. I live and work right next to two other Honda Dealers, but still travel all the way to Rusty Wallis to get things done. Superb Car, Superb people.

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  Great Safety...Lacking luxury - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By big red - October 20 - 10:00 am

  It doesnt look as expensive as it is, and that is a big disappointment to me. I wanted lil extras...but suppose I have to be satisfied with the automatic sliding doors, navigation system and disappearing 3rd row seat which folds into the floor for extra room for hauling things. The automatic sliding doors are hard to open manually even though the article I read on this van before I bought it, said they werent too hard to open manually. I had an accident which did 15,000 worth of damage to the van, yet I wasnt hurt hardly at all. The safety ratings are correct! Overall I would rate it a 9 anyway...guess I cant have it all on my budget!

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  Pleased with Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KRoundy - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Im a new Honda Pilot owner. What an awesome vehicle. Quiet ride, smooth but powerful engine, and a great high- tech 4WD system for the snow mountains in winter. It has excellent visibility for the driver and the interor is very, very versatile! I have no complaints about the Pilot, and would recommend it to anyone