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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  Honda Fit Not yet convinced. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tblue32 - August 12 - 2:23 pm

  Thus Far we had to return it to the Dealership for front end vibration. Also Ive noticed the paint on exterior scratches easily. My front spoiler Paint is cracking and peeling at the Lip. The Seats really make my hip hurt with trips over an hour. Engine is great I really appreciate it spunky. But the shift points are really annoying it feels like it hesitates when shifting at randoms times. Not smooth. I used Chevron or Shell Gas I"m only getting about 367 Miles per gallon. Not quite what Honda says. Not sure I drive pretty conservative and mostly Fwy miles. Also very odd when braking down hill the tans will downshift abruptly as I read I understand its part of the design.

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  Hand-Me-Down Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By GML - August 11 - 10:51 pm

  My dad bought this car brand new in January 2001, and has had it for a little more than 9 and 1/2 years. Now, its been handed down to me as my dad has gotten a new 2010 Accord. Ive driven the car many times before my dad gave it to me. Its not a bad car. The ride is good and comfortable. The power is sufficient. The exterior style is a little boring, but I can deal. After 9 years in the family, it runs fine and Ill most likely keep it for another year or so before buying a new car for myself. As a hand-me-down car, its good!

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  Bugs in design better than expected MPG - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bird Dog - August 11 - 5:14 pm

  The Insight is extremely fun to drive. Our average MPG is also much better than the EPA report, 46-48 on every tank.

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  Still love my Civ - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Zigger1962 - August 11 - 2:40 pm

  Bought new in July 2003, have put 110k miles on in the last 7 years. Perfect little car for a guy like me looking for a reliable economical commuter. 36- 38 mpg on 50 mile round trip commute. 2- 3 times a year I travel to Tennessee and I always get 41-43 mpg on the trip, traveling 75-80 mph. That makes me happy, has been fairly trouble- free. Shop been saying for the last 3- 4 years that the front struts need to be replaced, but way too expensive, letting it go for now. Had to have the thermal protector for the a/c compressor replaced, wasnt too expensive. Front brakes done last year, rear brakes still pass inspection. Due for the 110k timing belt replace ($$$) : ( but overall a great car!

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  2008 HONDA ACCORD LX-P - 2008 Honda Accord
  By F. Garcia - August 11 - 5:04 am

  Fell in love with the car initially until quality problems showed up - Premature wear of rear brake pads (replaced at 20,000 KM), power steering pump failed, and just recently (09 Aug 10), transmission oil was leaking (dealer found cracked transmission cover). Other issues by comparison - cabin noise, not so good gas mileage.

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  Good car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By manfrombklyn23 - August 10 - 6:42 pm

  Great car! After 7 years of owning this car, I have only replaced the struts, mirrors, gas cap lid cable, change draw spring and replaced washers underneath driver seat to stop it from rocking back and forth. Besides that I have done 1 tune up, change tires twice and the obvious oil changes. I figure thats all pretty normal stuff considering I am at 93,000 miles. This car has never stalled out, overheated or not started up. I would def purchase a Honda again.

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  Love It - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By David - August 10 - 4:38 pm

  Shopped and shopped and drove every "competitor": Mazda CX-L, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia. My conclusion: while other car makers try to imitate each other, Honda builds something truly smart. We were unimpressed with how the other vehicles accommodated our family of 2 adults 3 children. Once we sat in a Pilot and drove it we were completely sold. No comparison in the roominess and comfort department. Very quiet, solid drive - doesnt feel like a truck, but feels much more substantial than a car. Were getting about 16 mpg around town and 23 hwy - good enough for me. Ive never driven anything Ive enjoyed so much.

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  Loved my OLD CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jamie - August 10 - 11:50 am

  Traded in my 2008 CR-V due to high mileage and great trade-in offer. Loved that zippy car, so it made perfect sense to trade it in. Have almost 7K miles on 2010 and am very disappointed in the mileage - was told I could expect 30/31 mpg. I barely squeak out 26 and thats if Im holding at a steady 50 going downhill. The least bit acceleration and I can barely get out of my own way. Runs nothing like my 2008, which ran smooth and had power to pass when needed. Easily got 28/30 as mainly drive hwy. The pickup is slow and you can hear the gears downshifting to pickup speed - nothing like good ol 2008. Sorry I traded up, I mean down..

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  08 Civic - Tire Problems - 2008 Honda Civic
  By My Name - August 10 - 11:20 am

  I have experienced the tire wear issue that others have. I noticed an increased vibration/road noise around 26000 miles. I took it in to Honda and was told that there was "no known fix" for this issue. Apparently the workaround was to replace the tires and do an alignment. Honda agreed to pay half for the tires, so I went ahead and did it. I dont know if theres something Im unaware of, so heres hoping that Honda gets things figured out. Aside from the tire wear issue, I dont really have many complaints. Gas mileage is great (around 34-35 mpg). The biggest issue I have is the lack of any lumbar support - after a three hour ride, my back hurts. Overall, the car is fine, not great.

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  Toyota Man Now a Honda Man! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By So far, SO damn good - August 10 - 12:14 am

  I bought my car with somewhere around 158,000 miles on it. I have had the car for 20 months and it has run like a champ since I have had it. I know these cars run a long time so I decided to take the plunge and redo a whole new suspension system on the car for over 1000+$. Also, I am even considering having it repainted because, again, I know that historically speaking, it should run for a long time and will be worth the investment. Since I have owned the car, I have only had one issue with the car which was a couple days where it was over heating. The only reason it was over heating was because the coolant was bone dry. This was my fault though for neglecting this, cost me 10$ for coolant