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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  This Ones the Fun Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Linebacker68 - June 11 - 8:40 am

  I had been looking seriously at getting a slightly-used (2005) 3-Series BMW for my next car. I wanted a nice, sporty every-day driver for under $30K. When my wife and I stopped by the Honda dealer to look at an SUV for her, I saw that they had an 08 blue Accord coupe V6, 6MT. Im not a fan of the previous Accord coupes, but when I took the 08 for a test drive, I was quite impressed with the nice balance of handling, ride and, of course, the power of that V6 coupled with the manual tranny. After doing some comparison test-drives of other brands, I came back to that 6spd Accord coupe. Honda now has a real mid-size "drivers car."

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  Good Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ppp - June 11 - 2:40 am

  Have put 10000 on so far, had no complaints. We use our van hard and it has held up very well. Removeable/stowable seats are wonderful, easy to drive, lots of power for a minivan. OK mileage (22) for a large van. Nice to have a million cup holders, too. It is not outstanding in any particular category, but does everything well, probably the most "easy to live with on a daily basis vehicle" I have owned. Kinda like a favorite hat, you grab it on the way out the door and it gets the job done.

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  Great SUV for a Semi-Large Family!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By LoriG - June 11 - 2:20 am

  We bought this car during the year-end clearance event in July of 06. I could not have made a better decision concerning a vehicle! This SUV has the space for my 4 small children, all of the stuff they tote from here to yonder, and our dog as well. The gas mileage does not compare to a car, of course, but its not as bad as one of those "monster SUVs" either. I havent noticed the road noise that Ive read about in so many other reviews as a matter of fact, I get compliments from passengers, all of the time, concerning the feel and sound of riding in a car! I wouldnt trade my Pilot for ANY other vehicle out there!

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  Good choice! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bshannon - June 10 - 10:59 pm

  This suv is fun to drive, has plenty of room. Its a bit noisy, but way less than any truck Ive owned. Bought it with the miles of 2006 (as an 04 in 2008), and am very happy with it.

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  2006 Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By frank b. - June 10 - 9:04 pm

  Excellent van overall. Have not experienced any significant mechanical problems to date. Front brake pads made noise and were replaced/upgraded by dealership in response to Honda service bulletin. I agree with other reviewers that the climate controls are poorly laid out and cumbersome to operate. The radio controls are also clumsy. Van lacks automatic headlights and door locks. Very annoying considering the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette that it replaced had this technology.

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  Honda Civic HX - NOT the hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By S. Johnson - June 10 - 7:36 pm

  Great Car. However, Whenever I say "HX most people (including dealers) think Im talking about the Hybrid version of the Civic. They dont realize its a Civic coupe with a 1.7 gas engine ans CVT (or 5 speed) transmission. Its screwed togther very well. Nice interior, good gauges, could use an arm rest and should come from factory with A/C. I dont mind the manual rollup windows but some might. There should be an upgrade to the sound system. The CVT takes some getting used to but is very smooth and seamless as it chifts to higher ratios on the freeway. The cruise is excellant All-in-all this is a quality built, rattle free, great mileage car that is fun and comfortable to drive.

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  Love my Red Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jeff - June 10 - 7:24 pm

  Love my fit. Great economy. drives a whole lot like my 2000 Miata, this just a great car

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  Who could ask for more? - 2006 Honda Accord
  By GB - June 10 - 7:12 pm

  I bought this car new and it now has 28k miles. It has been trouble free, though I do need to have the drivers window adjusted now b/c it squeaks. Recently I began driving slower (the speed limit) and it has consistently turned in 36 mpg, which is phenomenal. The car will accelerate quickly when you push it, the 4 wheel double wishbone suspension (gone on the new model) handles great and is lightweight. Honda did an excellent job on this car and I highly recommend it. I do wish it had a 6 speed manual on the 4 cylinder. My favorite feature is the electrochomatic speedo display. Great job, Honda, in creating a perfectly balanced, safe reliable, affordable car. I suggest Boston speakers

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  Losing Reliability Status - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By g - June 10 - 4:58 pm

  Have had the car less than 2 years and engine makes noise, needed new battery, and A/C does not get cold enough, and A/C not covered by warranty.

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  Love my Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Krissy - June 10 - 2:20 pm

  My lease ends in 7 months and I will really miss this vehicle. I have owned several new cars including other SUVs and this is by far my favorite car ever. The size of the car is wonderful but it does not feel too large when driving it. It has great acceleration even at 40,000 miles. Hands down best features for the price. Im either buying this car at the end of the lease or getting the new body style. No complaints!!