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 Vehicle But Now Uses Some Oil - 2001 Honda Civic
  By davewdmia - May 30 - 11:23 am

  The only complaint I have now is that my vehicle now has 130K miles on it, and I have to add about 2 tenths of a quart of oil to it every 2 weeks or so. It never used to use any oil, and does not appear to be leaking any oil onto the driveway, so I am unsure where it is leaking, or if it is using oil. No apparent leakage from the valve cover gasket either. If a reader knows about oil leaks with this vehicle, please respond to my ad. Otherwise, this has been the most dependable vehicle I have owned, with little maintenance.

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  Honda Pilot EX L - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By n889js - May 30 - 8:57 am

  Bought this vehicle new in late 2008 so its the 2009 model year. Came from driving the H2 and a Ford Expedition so my expectations of this vehicles capabilities were subdued to begin with. After test driving the vehicle and reading reviews I decided to open my mind and try it. Coming from vehicles that got less than 14 mpg and going to a 20+mpg was a big improvement. The Honda from day one was very comportable driving as well as giving me the big car feel I had previously. Handling in all types of whether has been a dream especially in the snow of northern Minnesota.

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  Lost 20 years at 6500RPM - 2005 Honda S2000
  By sandalwoodman - May 27 - 2:50 pm

  I bought a 2005 S-2000 a few weeks ago. I keep hearing about the "middle age crisis" and the tendency men have to drop money on garish toys. My buddies got Harleys. I got smart. Suzuka blue. Flawless. Radio was OK, but I prefer the music generated by the engine. I will never sell. It makes a Vette feel like a bucket of bolts. I just drove in from Austin a few days ago. The only problem was a slight sunburn and my face hurt. Constant grinning like a loon makes that happen. Great cornering. The rear end kicks out a little when you goose it but straightens up in a hurry. She is very responsive and wants to play. She emits a high pitched moan @ 6700 RPM. Get one and grin.

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  Simply the best small car! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By 3rdhonda - May 26 - 11:00 am

  After previously owning a new Civic for 9 years and then selling it to get a 2011 Fit, I have to say this car is wonderful, just fantastic in every way. I could not be happier with a car. It is functional, reliable, fun to drive, and best of all has exceedingly great mileage. I dont know what planet the epa was testing the fit on but here on earth, my car gets 44 highway (at 65 mph) and averages around 39 combined/city/highway even with the a/c on. This is after about 7500 miles. Initially the first few thousand miles the mileage is not as good but still much better than the epa quotes. I love this car, just love it!!!!!

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  Solid Made Vanilla - 1998 Honda Accord
  By gsschro2 - May 24 - 9:39 pm

  I bought my Accord at 125K three years ago and am approaching 200K. I have not had any maintenance problems except for oil,filter, etc... It averages about 30-31 in the summer and 26-28 with winter fuel. I drive mostly highway and average about 70-75 mph. The car is unexciting but for its purpose (get me to work and back) I have not had anything better. I have the 4 cyl, which is better than most 6 cyl cars I have owned. Once again, as long as you dont plan on winning any races. The car is well behaved at highway speeds and comfortable. If you have ever owned a lemon, like I have then you know the value of a car that simply gets the job done!

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  A buy to be proud of - 2006 Honda Civic
  By del21 - May 19 - 10:24 am

  I bought this car in April 2006 with 3 miles for my high school daughter when she was in the 10th grade. She is about to start her senior year in college. The car now has 49771 miles. I have never had to have it in the shop. I have only purchased new steel rims to replace bent ones that were her fault. It has been nice knowing that she is in a safe and reliable car 400 miles away from home in college. I would recommend this car for anyone. The trunk is roomy to carry all her things home after each semester. It is fun to drive and 5 years later she still gets compliments on it. Worth every dollar i spent on it and it is paid for.

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  Love My CR-V! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv7 - May 17 - 11:14 pm

  I bought her used and have really only put minimal repairs into her. She only had 1 owner before me. They kept great records. I always take good care of her and keep her tuned up. I have had her for over 6 years and have put over 80 thousand miles on her. She has a totally of over 160,000 miles. She has been a GEM! I started looking for more fuel effecient vehicles lately, but I really dont want to give her up. I would have bought a new CR-V if they had kept a similiar style, but I really do not like the new style. Maybe, Ill just wait till she finally gives out on me. Her qualities will be hard to match! Great in the snow, durable, long lasting reliability and overall Outstanding quality

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  Best 1st/any car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By hondatoyotacj - May 15 - 11:47 pm

  This was my 1st car. 182,000 miles and it drove like a dream. I loved the way the truck drove and how it felt just sitting in it. My CR-V had a great smell, possibly of victory since its an amazing car. I got a new car and sold it (Mistake). I dont get the same feeling with my Xb. This will always be my favorite car. If I could find one around my house that had decent miles, Id be all over it. I plead for potential CR-V owners to purchase this truck. Join the family!

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  Very Impressed - 2011 Honda Accord
  By peter777 - May 15 - 1:41 pm

  Well this is my first ever car in US. But I have been driving another 2001 Honda Accord in our family for 3 years. Before buying my own 2011 Honda Accord I test drove the competition- Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Both were good at their own places. But when I test drove Honda Accord, I made my mind right away and bought it. What impressed me was the interior spaciousness, and the exterior style. I knew other stuff like the rock solid reliability of Accords and the less desirable traits like road noise they have. But overall package appealed me. The cars seats are really comfortable, road noise is less than 2001 Accord. Acceleration, handling, and breaking are nice for SANE driving.

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  The Cats meow - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By pfukstik - May 14 - 8:41 am

  This is a great car, Get one!