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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  Fantastic Auto - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By steve blake - July 30 - 5:50 am

  The finest ride for a SUV. Comfort is excellent. A much finer auto than my Chrysler 300. I could not be more pleased with the selection we made for my wife.

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  Lives up to its expectations! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By sam - July 30 - 1:20 am

  This is my first Honda ever.. I just got a certified used Accord 07 after trading in my Dodge Intrepid. The best part I love about this car is the fuel economy. I just got an average of 27 mpg on my first tank with about 30% highway -70% city. I think thats awesome!! The Leather Seats are comfortable and I kinda like the factory installed stereo too! MMS also works great and shows the life of your engine oil so one less thing to worry. Love the LED tail lights. Actually if you think about it 06-07 models are unique relative to other accords since there will be only two years of such cars on road unlike the other models.

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  Its elementary, my dear Watson - 2003 Honda Element
  By deedee - July 29 - 9:06 pm

  This is the first car I have owned for more than 5 years. I think its a keeper. I live in Mexico and its the perfect vehicle for the terrain. And like all good Mexicans, you can get at least 6 adults in it - not comfortably - but none the least useful to the culture! Whenever I have it maintenanced here in Mexico, everyone at the dealership has to get inside and check it out and so do the customers - its definitely a head turner. I had a front end accident and the Element barely had a dent while the other Nissan pickup looked like a Mack truck had hit it. Even in Mexico, Honda dealerships provide excellent service! I have a 4wd/EX Sunset Orange.

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  Fun Car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By GDavis - July 29 - 5:58 pm

  I got 42 mpg freeway from Phoenix, az to irvine, ca. City so far is about 27-28 mpg carrying 3 people most of that time. Fun to drive, lots of pep. Costco runs not a problem. So much room that the back seats dont need to be folded down. Picked up relative from the airport with luggage and could have still fit a 4th person in the car. Reasonably comfortable for the price point. This is a great choice to replace a large SUV because you can still "fit" lots of stuff and dont fee like youre giving anything up. Havent used my Jeep commander in weeks because this is so much fun to drive and has much better mpg than my Jeeps 12 mpg city. Not the cutest, but definitely the most practical!

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  Soft Brakes - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By tcunningham2 - July 29 - 7:53 am

  Have a case open with Honda on these brakes. This issue has been known for over a year and a half and dealers have no fix, Honda says they are working on it. These brakes are firm when new but after a couple of thousand miles become soft. Note the several accidents involved with the brakes in Edmunds forum.

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  the highest R.O.I. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By crack - July 28 - 9:37 pm

  Cars are money pits. There is no way to "win". This is BY FAR the closest I have come to beating the system. 163,750 miles with NO major repairs. Distributor (O2 sensor) is only repair. Replaced trunk shocks but I put a lot of wear on them. I have been using the car for the last 18 months to do landscaping! My friends laughed at me at first but at 35-40 MPG I am laughing all the way PAST the gas station! Will need clutch work soon and I will not hesitate to invest in this car. I am confident I will put 300,000 miles on this car before I am done with it.

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  Just say no - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Rosa - July 28 - 6:22 pm

  I owned the 1991 Honda Accord dx. It was the worst car I have ever had. It had electrical problems up the Yang. And left me ( mother of 2 ) stranded all the time.

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  No better minivan around - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By daninoah - July 28 - 5:32 pm

  If in the market for a minivan, it is hard not to pick the Odyssey. While styling is never in the forefront in such a practical vehicle, this vehicle looks great. The engine is silky smooth, and the VCM is seamless. The DVD system allows all passengers in the 2nd and 3rd row to see and hear great, while the drivers can listen to the radio or just talk. The navigation system is among the best I have seen. The fold down third row is convenient. Access to all seating is easy for all from the youngest to oldest. Really no downside here.

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  Awesome Crash Performance - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By frei - July 28 - 2:15 pm

  This van was just put to the ultimate test in a collision at 55 mph. The anti-lock brakes helped the driver maintain control for as long as possible to lessen the impact, and the crumple zones in the front of the vehicle absorbed most of the shock. The passenger cabin appeared virtually pristine, with the exception of the two front air-bags. All four people inside, including two young children, sustained very minor scrapes and bruises. Great job Honda! Will buy another Odyssey as soon as insurance money comes through.

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  Chalk another one up for the Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By James - July 28 - 1:02 pm

  This is our 3rd Accord and I must say to date the best. Very peppy 4 Cyl. and very nice driving experience. Doing about 34 on ave. and 38 MPG to 39 MPG on trips. Honda for the most part still a great value!.