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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  If I Only Knew - 2000 Honda Passport
  By marcochardoofb - May 8 - 2:18 pm

  Purchased SUV from dealer with warranty in 08/07. Engine died 01/08 with 74,000 miles. Now I find out why this SUV is no longer made. Engine eats oil, sounds like truck and terrible gas mileage.

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  What I Expected! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By dxxldiva - May 8 - 1:43 pm

  This is my second Civic. My 1994 Civic was totaled last November. I decided to buy another one and I have no regrets. Its a very basic car thats reliable and stylish. The only downside is the lack of advertised fuel economy and it is a little noisier than my 1994 Civic.

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  Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tom M - May 8 - 1:39 pm

  What can you say, its a Honda! Rugged Reliable, good on gas for its size. I get a solid 20 mpg highway and about 16 in mixed driving. Low maintenance needed and I do most myself. After near 40,000 miles, not a single problem. Comfortable, but needs to be set up for nav and sat radio

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  Show me a better car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Zeslich - May 8 - 12:50 pm

  This car was bought for my 17 year old son, no regrets yet. We feared it might be "too fast" for him, but its perfect. The car is just quick enough to be extremely fun, not fast enough to be too dangerous. The car handles flawlessly, looks great, and is a HUGE improvement over the 06 models (fixed a lot of common first-year problems, trac. control added). The car holds its value better than a regular civic, and ohh soo fun to drive!

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  Solid citizen - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By familyman2 - May 8 - 1:20 am

  Had the 2009 Pilot EX AWD for a month now. We looked at this and the Toyota Highlander after having a Mercedes ML320 for 10 years. This car is very roomy. The seating arrangements are very flexible for the 2nd & 3rd rows. Engine is very quiet and smooth but there is some road noise. The EX does not have leather seats but the fabric is VERY nice. Hard to describe but kind of a hi-tech feel. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of adjustments. At first I thought the front interior looked kind of plasticy (if thats a word) but its because theres so much room in front. It really looks fine and the fit and finish is very solid. Gas mileage is only 14.5 in city driving so far.

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  My 4th Honda Civic! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Roxanne - May 7 - 9:06 pm

  I know this car is still basically new. It runs great with terrific pickup. They added safety features to it, compared to my last one. I just love to drive it. Not many Hybrids are out there. I am so glad I insisted on getting a Hybrid!

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  A nice, cute and solid car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Scall0way - May 7 - 3:06 pm

  I bought this car after deciding to downsize from my Dodge Caravan, but I still needed room for my 3 dogs. This car holds the dogs, and all my stuff, and I still love driving it after 4 years. I had to replace the original tires after 33,000 miles but other than that have had to do nothing but regular oil changes and recommended service. I hope to keep and drive it for many years to come.

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  Gas saver - 2005 Honda Civic
  By sonny - May 7 - 12:13 pm

  On the freeway, with the cruise control on fairly flat highway, we could get around 45 mpg (avg. 65 miles/hour and total 2 persons in the car). My wife is the primary driver of this car with a 25 miles mix of half freeway and half local daily commute to work, and she managed to get 41 mpg. I learned from her that the trick is to be easy on the gas pedal and you want to try not to let the motor “assist” bar to come on, when possible. Always use cruise control when possible (above 40 miles/hour).

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  96 civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By nick - May 7 - 10:16 am

  I bought this car as a 2nd owner at 67,000 miles in 1999. As of 2008, Its at 161,000. Its only not started once because of a dead battery. I have changed oil 3500 - 4000 miles, timing belt/water pump at 90k. The power windows have been on and off because of a corroded connection between the drivers door and the body of car. Radio sometimes gets loud probably because of dirty volume knob assembly. I have an exhaust leak that I smell when I start the car. In summary, 9 years excellence service with constant 30+ mpg at a reasonable price.

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  nothing not to like - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By j.mayerhauser - May 7 - 9:36 am

  The perfect vehicle when you dont need another sedan. It travels comfortably and nothing is handier than using the open bed to haul "stuff". The lockable, weather proof trunk in the bed is ingenious.