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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  second odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bogman - March 15 - 2:00 am

  We had a 01 that was totaled by a drunk while parked. We were able to get an 03 for only $2k after the insurance settlement. Not bad for a 36k mi vehicle. Ill bet no other make can brag that kind of depreciation. We never considered another van the second time. The Odyssey is THE perfect vehicle in this class, and THE perfect vehicle for our family of 7.

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  A great choice - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kenelson - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2002 Acura RSX for this car. Considered the new TSX but for the same money got 40 more horsepower, smooth V6, roomier interior, cheaper insurance, and the Accord uses regular gas. Overall, very pleased. The fuel economy is outstanding considering the power provided. Recently averaged 29 MPG on a trip driving 70-80 mph. The car is very smooth and quiet. Night and day compared to the RSX. Not much to complain about, my suggested improvements are really nitpicking a nearly perfect car.

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  Best on the Lot - 2004 Honda Accord
  By udhills - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I started out with my basic needs, a good sized family car, reliable and stylish. Was contemplating between Nissan Altima 2.5s and Honda accord. This model of accord had better features than Altima with Added features and costed the same. But Accord is so smooth and has perfect handling. With a good resale value and ratings Accord was the final choice.

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Noobes - March 14 - 8:40 pm

  When I was car shopping, I test drove every vehicle in the same class. This car had everything that I wanted for a lot less money then its competitors. Now that I have owned the car for over a year and a half, it gets better with every drive! Highly Recommended!

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Noobes - March 14 - 8:40 pm

  When I was car shopping, I test drove every vehicle in the same class. This car had everything that I wanted for a lot less money then its competitors. Now that I have owned the car for over a year and a half, it gets better with every drive! Highly Recommended!

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  This Accord is beyond what I expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DTG12878 - March 14 - 7:50 pm

  Theres nothing bad I can say about this car. I ponder if I should of gotten the navigation but I have everything else besides that and blue tooth, so no complaints. I bought the car and immediately took it on a road trip right after I pulled off the lot. I drove 900 miles and filled up twice and I have a lil less then an 1/8 of fuel left so on the freeway at speeds of 70-80 and times I had to drive 25-45 the V-6 gave me about 24-25 miles per gallon which is extraordinary! I love the car outright. Like I said, nothing bad too say about it at all

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  Accord EX 2DR V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jscanner1 - March 14 - 5:04 pm

  I bought this car new, only problem I have had is that the drrivers seat leather has split on 1 of the seams 3 times. Honda replaced 2 times without any problem. The V6 is nice at first it lacked a bit of responsiveness but a K & N air filter seemed to take car of it and may have helped the fuel economy a tiny bit, kind of hard to tell when you have a lead foot. This car is approaching 4 years old and 60k miles and still turns heads. I think the rear spoiler really sets off the looks. Mechanically everything has been smooth and that is great, especially since I dont baby this car and never have. But I do keep up the regular maintance which Im sure will get this car 200K miles or more

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  05 Pilot EXL - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By router1998 - March 14 - 3:11 pm

  Pilot EXL fit my requirement as AWD SUV. The space is good and fold down seat is convenient. There is no crossbar by default is a surprise. I have to buy crossbar in addition to ski rack. The gas mileage is also so- so. Well, it is really enjoy to drive it on snow.

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  My Brand new Honda Fit - 2016 Honda Fit
  By annie Curtis - March 14 - 11:24 am

  This car is new to me. So far, all is well. I have no complaints.

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  GRRRRRREAT BUY - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TJ - March 14 - 9:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and have had absolutely no regrets, even after putting some +25,000 miles on it the first year. I havent had to put the car in the shop for anything and the performance hasnt diminished at all. The one possible downside of the V6 6speed is the gas mileage.