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 mileage - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gruncle - August 20 - 2:09 pm

  When I first drove it hated it. Needed something with good mileage. So I settled for the Insight. Best decision Ive made in a long time. Have had the car for just under 6 months over 15,000 miles. Drive 120 miles round trip everyday. If you keep the cruise control at the speed limit your mileage will continue to rise. I am getting 45.3 per gallon all types of driving and it is climbing higher. Looking forward to hitting 50 MPG.

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  Good work car. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By ETB - August 20 - 11:39 am

  Good work car, getting 26 mpg in city. Dislike the 2 level dash, but hey, its a work car. Honda paint finish is sub par- but I knew that at purchase from past experience. Meets its purpose, Civics have historically been a reliable work car for me.

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  Sorry to say good-bye - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mikecassidy1 - August 19 - 4:34 pm

  Two years ago Our mechanic persuaded us to go back in time and buy our 1990 Honda EX automatic. Its been fun to drive and has cheerfully handled our daily rounds and our regular weekend trips to our cabin near Ottawa Canada. with drinking water, 2x4s, and cottage paraphernalia. The Honda needed a bit more updating than we expected - muffler, pipes, timing belt, alternator but has driven less than 150,000 km. and has many more to go, has been reliable and friendly and is in v. good shape. Were saying goodbye (for a Sonata) to get the absolute smoothest ride possible, for health reasons.

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  First Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By skywave777 - August 18 - 10:37 am

  I bought this car about a week ago with 43,500 miles on it. Everything works great! The V6 is smooth and powerful but the gas mileage is not that great. I get an average of 20 mpg combined city and highway. I do a a lot of daily driving, maybe I should have chosen the 4 cylinder engine. But its not that bad. The sound system is pretty decent. Love the leather seats. Good legroom in the back. I gotta get one of the power outlet fixed. My girlfriend likes the girl a lot. Its a great car for my first car!

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  tgfh (thank god for hondas!) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By chittowndriver - August 18 - 9:44 am

  I used to have a Honda (94 prelude) best car I ever owned. Until now. After a few so-so cars finally got the Civic. It looks great, handles great, and runs awesome. I drive it a lot. Just took it on a 4000 mile 10 day trip to Florida and not a single problem. In the Miami heat, the a/c blew ice cold. Great gas mileage, and it was comfortable to drive and Im 63" (although the hand brake can get a little uncomfortable) Ive had this car for 6 months and put 10k miles on it and its as awesome as when I drove it off the lot. Also the size is perfect for the city. Good cargo space, fun to drive, easy to park, and I always get compliments on it. Honda is as good as ever!

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  Major concern - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mr Ski - August 18 - 8:45 am

  Great car except for the poor illumination of the low beam projector- beam halogen headlights especially on dark secondary roads! Recommend checking before buying if I had, doubt if I would have bought it!

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  Fun To Drive - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bankie - August 17 - 4:08 am

  The A/C only turns off at stop when in ECON mode. When ECON mode is off, the A/C functions at a stop. A/C is cold. Love the dash/gauges, hate the cheap plastics used on the interior. Scratch easily, very cheap. Feels like an economy car but at 20+k for the base model thats kind of lame. Almost no sound proofing, $400 optional usb connector (seriously?) They shouldve thrown it in. Cross country drives are a drag as the engine is low torque so you spend the gas youd save putting your foot through the floor to climb hills.

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  2011 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV 4WD w/N - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 5thhonda - August 16 - 10:39 pm

  This is my wifes car and she loves it a lot. I really enjoy driving it. Its very spacious. No regrets. I have the sunroof issue and made an appointment to have it fixed.

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  Great Commuting Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Point A to Point B - August 16 - 8:54 pm

  Wanted better gas mileage as I drive 50 miles total every day. I traded in my Accord (4cy)for the Civic - so far so good. The Civic is more fun to drive than the Accord and I actually like the simplicity of the interior. The ride is OK, not as comfortable as the Accord yet I find myself enjoying it more.

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  Trying not to regret - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Toonman - August 16 - 8:46 pm

  Bought this car for the spaciousness and 3rd row. I never owned a Honda and heard about Hondas reliability and quality. Since I bought this, I had 2 issues. First is the moonroof will not close. It goes back halfway and kicks back. Sent to dealer twice and they reprogram the system. Still the same issue. A week ago, I received a recall letter asking me to bring back my Pilot for a moonroof software update. Second issue is the car keeps pulling to the right. I have seen some reviews about this. Brought it to the dealer twice and they said nothing wrong. Obviously this is not the first car I have driven and I know when a car is pulling to its right. I am hoping for another recall...