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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  Notice - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Roe - June 12 - 1:50 am

  I have to talk about this car it is great! Not once did it fail in anyway. It did an outstanding performance driving from Ft. Hood Texas to Ft. Wainwright Alaska. I am a soldier. The drive was 4129 miles and this car handled extremely well.

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  Gr8t Little SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By Vincent - June 12 - 1:18 am

  We had the Element EX-FWD about 3 wks now. we had a Toyota RAV4 prior , and now we bought it because of the leg room in the back seats is huge + it had high view for the both front seats + fold-up rear seats to make the cargo room bigger + also love the suspension. I checked on my first 350 miles driving average local & Highway combine is = 28.40 miles per gallon. which is pretty good :) The bad thing we dont like is whenever we try to backup the vehicle is very hard to see if anything is behind us, because the rear seats are actually little higher than the front seats and it block the way of your rear view :(

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  Why can,t they all be 90 Civics? - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Doug - June 11 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car from my brother-in-law with 75,000 miles. It has been a great car. In summer I get 40+ mpg although I do mostly highway miles. No gizmos just basic transportation. The mileage is comparable to hybrids but this vehicle was built 18 years ago. I wish Honda would offer an updated version of the 90 Civic with simplicity, convenience, and quality in mind. This is probably the best car I ever owned.

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  Excessive Road Noise - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Noisy - June 11 - 9:33 pm

  I really like the 09 Pilot with the exception of the excessive road/tire noise at highway speeds. A vehicle in this price range should be reasonably quiet - this vehicle is not! The noise has become a real issue with my wife and me to the point that we may have to get rid of the vehicle, which is too bad, as I think it would be a great car it not for the noise

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  love it - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mmlorusso - June 11 - 7:12 pm

  Bought it used in 03 with 66K miles. I have 211K miles currently. Still runs strong. Replaced timing belt at 110K and replaced starter at 190K. Still have the original clutch on the 5 speed manual. Leather has stayed like new throughout car except for one small spot in the drivers seat. I drive it daily to work 500 miles per week. I can almost do it with a full tank since I average 485 miles per tank. I think I average about 31mpg. With current prices for regular gas in CT at $4.26 my only dilemma is: Should I trade it in for a newer one?

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  Pleased with our decision - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Verdell Fulton Jr - June 11 - 10:00 am

  We are pleased on our decision. We waited several years and this year was the year to make our move.

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  A perfect 10 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JaysHonda - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I am 100% satified with this car and Fernadez Honda gave me a great deal on it.

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  great car, helpful hints to driving it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Matt Winger - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Best way to get the most mileage is to coast when you can, and on long stretches to get yourself to your speed and then give enough gas to maintain the speed. At one I was getting 50 miles per gallon doing this. It also helps with recharging the battery. Coasting down hills or approaching red lights that might go green soon helps with gas mileage and the battery.

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  Best First Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By AshVB21 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i love it! My parents wanted me to have something reliable, but stylish.

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  disapointed with gas mileage - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KMag - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I lover the vehicle. It rides real nice. Handles the road well and looks sharp with the spoiler. I love everything about it except that I was very disapointed with the mileage. I ride mostly highway and have filled up the tank several times and I am averaging 27-28 miles to the gallon. This I found very disappointing because I only baught the car to save gas and I thought that I would get better mileage than this. But I do love the car.