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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  Great Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jaustinjr - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great mix of handleing and comfort

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  Great used car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Clancy - February 1 - 1:59 am

  I bought my Honda from a private party recently. Though it has 140K on the engine, the car runs perfectly and handles like a newer car. The ride is smooth and quiet and the gas mileage (25 mpg city) is more than acceptable. Based on other postings and things Ive read this car should past 200,000 miles as long as the routine maintenence is done. What more does one need? From now on its Honda (or maybe Subaru) only!

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  Reliability is what its all about - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Alan - January 31 - 9:59 pm

  Reliability in a car is most important to me. Presently the car has 293k and still retains a good bit of the original parts. Other than the usual tires, brakes, exhaust replacements and timing belt every 90k Ive had few problems. Yes, the ignitor failed at 115k but the dealer covered it under recall in 96. Try to get Ford or Chevy to do that! The distributor bearing went at 157k, the alternator lasted 240k and I finally had to do the axles. A few problems have cropped up recently but geez, most other cars wouldnt have even made it this far! So what if I use a quart of oil every 750 miles.Oil is cheap! 12 years,20 below or 100 above, it has started 8758 out of 8760 tries. Thats reliable!

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  Hybrid Heaven - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bob - January 31 - 9:06 pm

  Great car with lots of cool features. Voice activated nav, climate and radio controls. Performance is better than I expected and the mileage is in the mid to high 40s. The way it handles makes you feel connected to the vehicle and gives a sense of security on the road. Something I wish I could have felt when I test drove a Prius. Very happy with the Purchase and the professional manner In which I was treated at Gilroy Honda.

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  Honda Fit for a Queen and the Big Guy - 2008 Honda Fit
  By grandma - January 31 - 8:56 pm

  Inside its a big car, drives like a little car, parks anywhere and is FUN to drive. My 63 husband can finally sit up in my car. Adjustable seat belts mean I dont get choked anymore. Total city driving Im getting 27+ and a 50 50 mix Im getting 33. The dash panel is full of information, easy to set/reset everything with good outside noise insulation (for a small car) and easy to use radio, heater, and ac while driving. Love the idea of extra cargo room and even nap time with the fold down seats. Glad I finally own a Honda! Looking forward to a long life. Ill give it 5 stars overall.

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  kids are gone - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By don - January 31 - 4:48 pm

  towing a 3,500 lb. travel trailer with no problem and still maintain 18 mpg at 60 mph. on a hot florida day with the air on and still plenty of power to pass slower vehicles with ease is a credit to this vehicles performance and quality. the normal in town avrage is17mpg with 22.3 best on hiway with 2 persons on board.

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  May Be The Best - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kato - January 31 - 4:40 pm

  This may be the best small car available for $17,000. It is comfortable, quick enough, safe enough, and gets good gas mileage. Hope it is reliable too. The placement of the speed odometer makes it difficult to exceed the speed limit (you cant help but notice how fast you are going).

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  A Quality SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Fremont CA - January 31 - 4:16 pm

  Drove 2290 miles and put in 91.3 gallons of gas until my last fillup so I am getting 25.1 MPG with about 50% highway and 50% city commute. On the open flat highway driving at 60 mph I got up to 33mpg. This small SUV is quiet, comfortable and has many comfort items like a good stereo, good AC and well positioned controls. This car is loaded with electronic sensors and automated functions, alarms and messages so long term reliability is questionable. Overall quality of finish is excellent. Road handling is very good and does not sway on curves. Engine is not very powerfull during acceleration but gets good mileage. I am curious about the AWD traction on snow and ice in the winter.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ray Price - January 31 - 1:53 pm

  The only thing that has gone wrong is that several times Ive turned the a/c on and it didnt come on. I had to turn it on and off several time and let it stay off for a minute or so and then it came on. I think that there is some small problem in the vaccum line. I must take it to the dealership for them to look at this.

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  I Love My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Julie - January 31 - 1:48 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned. Very safe and very reliable and so much fun to drive i love my pilot