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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  First 400 miles - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By howard - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Just finished the first 400 miles. Overall liked it. This vehicle was assembled in Japan, and it is much better than another new vehicle I test drove at the dealer (Same model but made in North America). That vehicle gets a lot of engine noise when I tried to accelerate. So I guess the build quality is different in different assembly plants. By the way, I asked the dealer to add the tailgate spoiler. I have to tell you: It looks much better than without it! I also installed a Honda remote engine remote starter. Was a little bit surprised when seeing the remoter - quick big and thick. It knocked my knee all the time during the driving, so I kept it at home, i.e not use it.

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  Honda Peaked with this car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Sonic - September 10 - 2:00 am

  IMO, this model is the apex of the accord. Excellent use of interior and trunk space, sensible but attractive design, good all around performance from the 150 hp 4. Well equipped and comfortable. Kids are getting too big to fit three across in the back, so need a larger car. only 103k and runs great. Paint bad, clear coat peeled, my only complaint. Expensive to repaint well, stay away from the forest green color. But i think Honda has gone downhill with the accord, making it larger, softer, and less attractive with each new iteration.

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  So far, so good! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By TK - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Very happy. Getting 37 mpg overall in Econ mode. Drops to 33 overall in Normal mode and 31 overall in Sport mode. On my 5th try, I got 0-60 mph in 7.70 seconds in Sport mode. People dont believe this, but whatever! In "Sport", it jumps pretty good.

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  Pluses and Minuses - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dude - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a good commuter car with good mileage. Averaging 30 mph for mixed driving and have gotten 42 on a road trip with no AC going. Has some mechanical\design issues.

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  Again an update -3 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Erik - September 9 - 2:00 am

  After driving since February having 16,000 miles on it, it still drives as I bought it. And my average is still 41 mpg, this is the max when driving carefully but still maxium speeds on back roads and highway. Saw the reviews of mazda2 drivers and Ford fiesta, they dont get that high mileage I would think of purchase such a car. As I told before, drive it till it falls apart, hope so at 300,000 miles. No hybrid can drive cheaper as this car!

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  Practicality of a minivan w/o the stigma - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Chris A - September 8 - 8:10 pm

  This is my second Pilot, my first being an 05 model, which I liked quite a bit. The 2nd generation addresses a lot of the faults of the first generation, most notably the design of the third row is much improved and the pop up rear glass. Although these improvements are most welcome, there are still a few issues. Honda needs to go back to the drawing board on the engine in this vehicle, and improve low-end torque. That is the reason the fuel economy is poor - mostly because you have to give it lots of gas to keep up with traffic. Sure, its heavy and big, but Im convinced it would do much better with tuning. The only other issue is the tacky interior plastics, which are GM-like.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Honda Accord
  By carol - September 7 - 9:07 pm

  I have had the car for a year now. Any complaints dealer fixed. No brake problems. Seats are uncomfortable. I bought some sheepskin covers which are real thick and it seem to help. Fluttering noise in air conditioner checked filter etc, road noise is a problem, someone mentioned better tires, dunlaps dont get it.

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  Fun to Drive - 1998 Honda Accord
  By randym - September 6 - 2:34 pm

  Has been a great car for us. I have heard about the transmission problems with these model years. Our car has 162K miles and no problems. Guess we are blessed. Car is fun to drive. Passing it down to my teen twins to drive. Only problems was an intake manifold clogging that causes the check engine light to come on. It was a hassle to get that light off. replaced belt tensioner and alternator. no other problems. tires are a bit expensive for this model. Electronically everything works great. car body dents easily though. Plan on driving it to 300k or more.

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  What more can I say? - 1991 Honda Civic
  By matt - September 5 - 4:35 pm

  My brother-in-law gave me this car when he bought a newer car, an Accord. He always maintained it per Honda recommendations & had very few problems with it. I have only needed minor repairs since Ive owned it. It has the typical rust problem that most hondas in Michigan have. I am impressed with the reliability of this car. It was built to be simple, reliable, & economical. By the way, it has 584,000 miles on it as I write this review & it still runs good but the body will not hold out much longer. What more can I say?

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  The first 100 miles - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Howard - September 5 - 2:54 pm

  Just pass the 100 miles! This car came straightly from Japan and had only single digits on it. Overall it is a good car and handling is very good. Yes, it does have the wind noise as others commented. Engine noise varied - The one I bought is much better than another CR-V I test drove at dealer (Made in diff plant). So I guess there exists some diff among plants. By the way, I installed the remote starter, which is a little bit and heavy in the pocket - a small surprise.