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:

• 

  Honda civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By sexymechelle - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The perfect car for first time buyers, and Single people.

• 

  Fun to drive and comfortable - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By st_pu - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We got Odyssey because we loved it, good price and car-like-drive. Also we needed it for our growing family. Funny, every family in our party have minivans. For some reason there only 2 groups: 3 families with Toyota Siennas, and 2 families with Odyssey. We tested Toyota Sienna 2004, and Odyssey 2003. I loved Odyssey more. Why? It was more "car-like drive" for me. And I was able to buy Odyssey EX(dual power doors, power seat, security, immobilaiser, keyless entry, 4 disc breakes...) for 2500$ less than Sienna 2004 LE #7 with about comparible features.

• 

  So far, so good! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bellasmomma - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a used 2003 with 9500 miles and couldnt be more pleased. This car is fun to drive, has lots of options, is beautiful, esp. on the inside (we have the black leather interior, so classy!) and if this car acts like a Honda, well be driving it for years to come.

• 

  Honda Accord is NUMBER 1 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By KIng - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The car use very less fuel on highway. The acceleration is excellent. The interior is very roomy. The music system is pretty good too.

• 

  Its a Honda, of course it is great - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By J - May 9 - 1:50 am

  Just bought it a couple of weeks ago. And so far it is a really nice ride. We traded in our Civic for it. One thing I did notice and always gave low marks to is cabin noise in a Honda. This one has really low cabin noise and is peppy to boot. The overall design is appealing to the eye and that is why we chose it over the large Pilot.

• 

  Solid Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By NWhondaFan - May 9 - 1:30 am

  I bought the Pilot for my wife after exhaustive research. In the running were the Highlander, Explorer and the new Subaru SUV. The Highlander was too bland and had one less seat. The Subaru was just too small and odd. And the Explorer was a non-starter with costly and complex features pricing and marginal reliability. What sealed the deal on the Pilot was driving it. Not only was it safe and reliable, it was very, very comfortable to drive. I have an 01 Accord, and the Pilot rides much better on all surfaces. It has gotten ok gas milage to this point - averaging around 18 in mixed driving.

• 

  Great suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By k tyer - May 8 - 9:13 pm

  This vehicle is the best suv weve owned. Have had suburbans and vans none can touch this. Fit and finish is superb. Only small complaint is gas mileage is not as good as advertised, as with all cars!! Tight fit for 7, but o.k. for 5 folks.

• 

  Grandpas S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Bro Rod - May 8 - 8:19 pm

  I decided to have my midlife crisis at 50 years of age after all our kids were grown and gone. I leased the S2000 with no intent of keeping it more than four years. I bought out the lease this year. I canÂ’t think of a greater rush than 8,000 RPM shifts on freeway on-ramps and ground hugging performance on the mountain roads in San Bernardino County (CA). This is a wonderful car for an enthusiast on a budget. However, if you are looking for a smooth ride and a quiet cockpit, this is definitely not your car.

• 

  Love My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kbrass - May 7 - 4:30 am

  Traded in 2005 Honda Odyssey. Love Honda reliability. First 3 tanks of gas avg 21.5, 20.5, 21.3 mpg, all city driving. Handles well and for a 4 cylinder it has some pep. Front seats are a little stiff, but mine started to loosen on the way home from the dealer and are now very comfortable. It is also very spacious on the interior. I am 6 ft tall and can sit in the back seat with 4-5 inches knee room to spare. My kids love riding in it. Cargo area holds quite a bit of stuff. Ride is a little bumpy on rough roads, but not any worst than my Odyssey. I really enjoy driving my CR-V and couldnt be happier with my purchase. If you dont need the fancy bells and whistles the LX is plenty.

• 

  Love the car! HATE the paint! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - May 6 - 2:13 pm

  I bought a black Honda Accord. Loved the look, Black on Black. I didnt have the car 6 mos & began to have paint troubles. The paint all over was chipping down to bare metal. Especially on the hood. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was an isolated incident. Yeah right! My car looks terrible.