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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  Solid and fun - 2008 Honda Fit
  By dyussen - September 19 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car after tiring of reliability issues and gas cost with a Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg; the flexibility in storage space came in handy my first week. I was sold on this car before I even drove it, but then was even more impressed with it. It is fun and peppy to drive despite not having a giant engine - cant beat the fuel economy short of spending double for a Prius, and it is solid design. Inside fuel cover area fills takes water during car wash, cheaped out on some little things (awful stock Dunlop tires), TPMS is a terrible requirement - makes winter wheels expensive!

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  Honda Civic VP - 2005 Honda Civic
  By George Hobart - September 18 - 11:26 pm

  Good economical car. I bought the 2-door, VP package with side air bags and manual transmission. I do not see too many manual transmissions this close to NYC. I on the tall side but not too tall, 6-1" and I found that the 2006 model had a reduced head room and a more radical sloping windshield. My 2005 model has a higher head room and the windshield does not slope as much, letting me get into the car easier. I never liked motorized windows or electric locks, found them to be trouble waiting to happen. I bought the car to use for a long time, I hate throwing things away.

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  HOW SWEET IT IS! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By SWEEET!! - September 18 - 9:33 pm

  I have had mine sine April 08 and have about 8K miles on it already, a lot of traveling out of town. However, I am very pleased with the truck i.e. its drivability, comfort,power, the rear a/c and plenty of storage inside and out. So, far not one problem.

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  Best van ever! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By podra - September 18 - 6:16 pm

  I just bought the 2009 Odyssey it is the best van there is in the market. This Honda is well built, smooth and quiet, very powerful and it has great reliability and great value. Brought it home 2 weeks ago and no problems. Our last car was a sienna and it had transmission problems so i sold it. Always buy a Honda it wont disappoint.

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  Best Van Ever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By hondadonna - September 18 - 1:16 pm

  We have owned four vans over the years and this 06 Honda Odyssey is the best. Last year we took a road trip from California to Wisconsin and the mileage was great, very comfy ride, kids loved the room for toys, and very reliable. No problems to report, just regular oil changes!! We will stick with Honda for a van because of the safety and reliability.

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  Love mine - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Karl - September 18 - 11:12 am

  I love my 2002 CR-V. Anyone who wishes a quiet and more comfortable ride try the Goodyear Assurance Comfort Tread Tires. These tires are quiet. And they are not called comfort tread for nothing. My wife and I both notice a difference in the ride and handling.

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  Great car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By sam011002 - September 18 - 6:16 am

  I had planned on buying used, but the new price was too good to pass up. With the $6000 off MSRP, I have a lot of car for the money. Great looking vehicle with most of the options I was looking for. Interior is classy. Have had the car three weeks, put on 2800 miles including one 1600 trip. Read the complaints about the firm seat. I had some concerns, but after the 1600 miles had no aches or pains, and I am not young. I think it is a great seat. I have been very pleased with the MPG. 27.7 MPG at 78 MPH. 23 MPG around town. Just have to watch jack rabbit starts.

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  Road Noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Vee - September 17 - 11:07 pm

  August 27th, 2008, I took my 2001 4Runner Limited to trade for 2008 Pilot AWD w/entertainment. I need more than five seats and like Pilot appealing. I have a big disappointment, ROAD NOISE! Here is my two cents for potential buyer, test drives on freeway, drive on a road with speed 40 mph or more and try to open back windows. It could break your EARDRUM. I learned how to overcome the road noise by turning on radio as loud as I can take every time I get on freeway.

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  Do NOT buy the PAX - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By BrokeHondaOwner - September 17 - 9:22 pm

  Do not buy the PAX model. The tires only last 25,000 miles, if that, and they cost $1,500 for a set of four. This means, that by the time you hit 50,000 miles (when most tires wear out), you will have spent $4,500 on tires. If you get a flat, Honda recommends you buy 2 new tires because the tires are not repairable. Nice going Honda...

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  overall good trade - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By rob - September 17 - 8:53 pm

  traded 2005 sienna xle due to uncomfortable seats. Once Honda offered $5400 went for it. Comfortable seats, good power, easy controls. I like the dvd controls and insert in front with young kids. got 27 mpg on 500 mile hwy trip at 68 mph with air on. Though around town stop and go 16.5 mpg. wish that was better. with 3500 miles noticed wind noise in around pass front window above 65 mph. dealer seen before change out blk plastic trim piece, poor design. One blemish in paint from factory but living with it. Scary to hear issues with rattles, brakes, tranny etc. guess when you sell 125k vans some might have issues. Miss my easy to clean 17 wheels and power lift gate. Though Touring over price