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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  Works for Me ! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Tk - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Have 1000 miles on it now. I bought the automatic. Lots of fun. The fuel mileage is increasing now that I"m driving it in "Normal" all the time. Getting 38.4 mpg now. Has plenty of PEP. Handling is good. No the smoothest ride because the battery under the trunk is so heavy. Hope it holds up! Happy so far! Got 7.0 seconds 0-60 on the 5th try in "Sport-Mode".

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  My fit fits me - 2008 Honda Fit
  By jim - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently took a trip from Lima Ohio to Middlesboro Ky and and back to Lima. I averaged 42.1 MPG. for the trip, with my 2008 5 speed manual Fit.

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  Disappointed - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Kay - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely disappointed with my new Pilot. Having owned Hondas in the past, I expected no problems but have many. Paint peeling on front bumper, scrubbing in front end when turning and breaking at same time, sunroof wont close if you are stopped, skipping on cool mornings, latch on 3rd row seat snapped. I hate to continue with negatives. Wish I had my GMC Yukon back! Took to dealership for the scrubbing, they said it was anti-lock breaks. They will paint my bumper but not replace it. This is not acceptable to have body work on a brand new vehicle especially when the mfg plant is 30 minutes away where they have newly painted bumpers to install on new Pilots. MPG not good.

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  FamilyMobile - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By astrom - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The good: (a) Great for our family with the 2-year old twins. My wife can sit in the back between two car seats. At the same time, my mother can ride in the passenger seat. So it moves three adults and two kids and all the attendant stuff easily and comfortably (b) well equipped: gray leather is great with the kids, love heated seats and mirrors, good stereo (e.g. subwoofer, 6-CD changer, MP3 playback, auxiliary input for an iPod), love the sunroof (c) acceptable fuel economy (21 mpg overall), (d) 4WD is handy in winter (e) trouble-free after 19,000 miles (f) easy to live with, like a toaster, turn on/turn off, nothing more or less. Bad: (a) road noise (b) weak engine

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  My used Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Nicole - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used but was it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, everyday something new came up that made me love it less. My gas doesnt last me a week. I understand I drive quite a few miles from home to work and school but its ridiculous how in 4 days my gas would disappear completely. Driving it is great, until you notice the gas. It took me a good 3 weeks to finally get comfortable in my seat, even now it still doesnt feel right. Looks great thought!

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  Great Storage and Fun, Fuel Efficient - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Mary - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Im 56 years young and just turned in my leased 550SL. I decided to look for a sporty hybrid that would hold golf clubs, plants trays, blue tooth, and groceries. My rule is only buy groceries that will fit into my car. It seats felt identical to the 550SL (without the leather and heated seats). It was easy to drive and fuel efficient. IPOD connection as well as lap top. Has everything I need and fuel efficient. I just returned from Denmark and realized that Americans have it backwards and this is my step to help the economy as well as my pocket book. I recommend you take for a test yourselves.

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  Overall great vehicle - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Erik Olson - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my accord in my second year of college. I was replacing my 00 GMC Sonoma due to lots of traveling. When purchased Honda replaced its cursed transmission at the dealership for free. I have had no problems with this car but basic maintenance such as tires, timing belt, oil, adding 134-a, and brakes. I am currently at 142,XXX miles and the car still runs like new. The car is a blast to drive and can keep up with almost any current v6 car. The vTec system engages flawlessly and still impresses me for a 2.3 L SOHC motor. As for comfort, I am 250lbs and I am very comfortable for 500 mile road trips. Plenty of power for passing. Gas mileage 55 mph 34 mpg, 65 mph 28 mpg, 75 mph 22 mpg, 100+ 12- mpg

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  CRV review - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By RAW - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this CR-V with 26K miles and am now at 190K and have not had to do much other than oil changes, occasional brakes, tires, etc. It still runs very good. My only annoyances are that the door locks work intermittently using the remote, so I have to use the key. Also, lumbar support is almost non-existent causing fatigue on longer trips.

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  Happy 2011 Ridgeline owner - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have only have this vehicle for a month now, but I am very happy with the purchase. When I demo the rear trunk to people, they are always blown away - its great for the groceries. I have two sons around 6 ft tall and they have no problem riding in the back seat. The seats are comfortable and the sound system is great. I have not towed with it yet, and I wish the gas mileage was better (1 get around 18-19 mpg combined average). The interior is whisper quiet and it fits in my garage - a big concern I had when purchasing a truck.

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  Still on the fense - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Frank - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 2010 Pilot at Boch in Norwood, EX-l w/res the purchase experience what one of the best I have had I would recommend if youre in the mkt go there. As for the car, its for my wife and she is very happy that we bought it. I think the interior is not reflective of the price paid (too much plastic) and I agree with the sluggish comments on the engine it sound have more pep! The tire pressure light already went on, called the dealer they said to come in to service so they can review, great. I will make sure to give an update in 6 months or so. good luck