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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  The best value for luxury wth GPS - 2003 Honda Accord
  By joe c r - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I shopped them all lexus,bmw,volvo etc.. & this is the best value for comfort & reliability with GPS

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  Great Car----Great Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sand/Phyl - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is our 5th Honda and by far the best.Good ride,much quieter than previous years.Lots of nice features.

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  Decent SUV w/ OK Gas Mileage - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chipito - September 14 - 8:43 am

  Ive had a Subaru AWD Wagon, 4Runner, Expedition, Tahoe & now Pilot. Looked at MDX a long time but couldnt justify $6K more for essentially the same vehicle. AWD system is excellent and interior volume is great for the entire tribe. We pull a large Coleman pop top w/ factory hitch and after mkt E-brake no problem. Wife can get up to 27 MPG, I get 22 much better than 4R, Exp or Tahoe. We can even get 3 bikes inside w/ 40% rear seat down. Only complaint is the cheaper plastic interior pieces, that dealer has replaced so far, front seat bottom, door frame gutter. Definitely recommend to family road warriors - will keep for 200K+ miles & give to the kids fro safe transport.

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  Dream Driver - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Robert Bruce Campbell - September 14 - 4:30 am

  Very good and very reliable, no problems whatsoever.

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  Good, powerful, fun car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ami in Chicago - September 14 - 4:26 am

  Having good experience with my old 95 Accord EX V6 which I still happily own, I have to admit this car is so much SMOOTHER to drive, especially the transmission shifting. Very powerful, MUCH quieter than my old Accord (though less quiet than a Camry, which is a more refined -- and boring car). This is a fun car car to drive, even though its a family sedan. The V6 is very responsive, yet quiet. The automatic AC control is very smart... I liked how you can LOWER ALL THE WINDOWS in the car, from the outside, using the remote. On hot days its a nice feature...

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ET - September 13 - 6:33 am

  Love the NAVI, auto climate control, rear DVD and powerful engine. It drive sooo smoothly and can fit 8 passenger comfortably. The 3rd row seats have better leg room compared to other SUVs/minvans and so easy to store.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Don - September 13 - 3:20 am

  Got rid of our gas-guzzling minivan for this SUV. Its a pleasure to drive, has a ton of space and gets great mileage. One of the headlight low-beam bulbs blew at 200 miles while on vacation, but Augusta, Maine Honda dealership got it in quickly and took care of it ASAP.

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  One of the best cars I ever owned - 1990 Honda Accord
  By MtnRoad - September 12 - 2:30 pm

  I had the base model with 4cyl engine, 5spd manual, and pw / pdl. The car was amazing. I have since sold it but wanted to mention this car was one of the best I ever owned. I woukd take into the dealer for oil changes and ask if there was anything else they recommended and they would also say no after the inspection. It just ran and ran. I never had any problems with the car. Engine in my opinion was under-powered in low gears with the manual shift but once I got up to cruising speed it performed well. Highway cruising and fuel mileage was excellent. I drove from Los Anegles to Phoenix on a little over a half tank. Yes it is true that really happened. A nice tail wind, no traffic, and at night no less but it did happen. I couldnt believe my own eyes when looking at the gas gauge. The interior was pretty stout and the seats were really comfortable. My car was white and the paint was in excellent shape when I sold it. One concern I have now after doing some research online is I found out the 4cyl uses a timing belt and it should have been changed to prevent engine damage on the old one breaking and the dealer never recommended this to me. The timing belt never broke under my ownership thank God but considering the mileage and use I put on that car I am surprised it never did. I always thought it had a chain but found out it was a belt. The only complaint I would have is the power radio antenna stopped retracting. I also noticed on every accord of the same time frame they had the same issue. And my late 80s model Acura was the same. Crap motor on that Honda item but overall these cars are gems and even to this day I see many of them on the road. Just saw a station wagon model the other day I never knew they made those. I would recommend this Honda Accord model to anyone.

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  Great except mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jao - September 12 - 2:30 pm

  I love the Fit, except for the mileage I am getting. It is well designed, well built and fun to drive. However, I am getting only 24.5 - 27 mpg. I know a lot of other Sport AT owners are doing better, but have noticed others like me not getting excellent mileage. Hopefully, Honda will figure out why.

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  Great minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CD Fortier - September 12 - 11:06 am

  Had to wait 2 months for this van, and couldnt get any of the colors we wanted because it was in short supply at the time. Car was worth the wait it has more room for passengers and cargo, either alone or together, and you cant beat the leg room! Dont like the way the front seatbelts lock up at the slightest movement, and the sliding doors freeze shut in the winter. Has nice smooth, quiet ride, great for long rides.