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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  Good Value! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Good value! - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Honda vehicle which I purchased new. Previously I had 3 Accords and a Civic. Its my first SUV and I put 2500 miles on it so far. It handles well in rain and dry and dirt roads with no problems, but I did not have a chance to test the snow, but I will review when it comes. Gas mpg is a little low, but expected since its 4WD. Im getting up to 29 mpg hwy and as low as 18 city. Small price to pay for a great SUV! Seat comfort is good. I like the pickup power and interior and exterior. I dont notice any wind noise. My CR-V was built in japan and whether or not that makes a difference I dont know. Its very versatile and practical and fun to drive too!

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  Honda Needs to bring S2K back. - 2005 Honda S2000
  By SB5050 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from a private seller with 20K mileage. The car is a blast to drive. I smile almost every time I drive it. Its like a Honda Civic below 6400 rpm and then feels like a racecar from 6500 up to 8400 rpm red-line. It has surprising torque at lower speeds and the handling feels race car quick. The convertible top lowers in 8 seconds ( I lowered on the freeway when we were stopped for a moment and didnt miss a beat). Owning and using a convertible is an experience everyone should try. I like motorcycles and this car feels the closest to a high performance motorcycle with the breeze going through your hair. So far, Honda reliability is just that, reliable. Oil changes and tires.

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  Looking for 350,000 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jamie - October 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife loves her Pilot. We purchased this vehicle with 67,000 miles. At 120,000 miles, we changed the front struts and the right axle. May have something to do with the 2 deer we hit. At 140,000 we had to replace 2 switches in the transmission and have had no problems with it at all since. We did change the timing and water pump at 175,000. Even though it was suggested at 100k. Over all we are well pleased with our purchase and are looking for 350,000 miles plus. Right now we are driving at 188,000 miles.

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  Excellent small car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By j - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great all around small car, fun to drive, economical, zippy. The trunk is surprisingly spacious. The transmission is excellent - very smooth shifting. All in all, a class act. I looked at the VW Golf and the Mazda 3 before buying this car liked the Golf but found the seats too narrow, and had a similar problem with the Mazda.

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  Great Sedan - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Ozzy - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 97 accord over a 2000 civic by the looks and I do no regret it. Ive had the timing belt snap on me but because we had no idea of the history and did not take enough caution to change it while it was still good. Previous owner was horrible. With the timing belt change we redid the heads gaskets, radiator, water and etc. Window motors are horribly slow at the front and nice on the back. Ignition assembly had to be changed. Starter changed. OEM speakers are really amazing for their year. Although a lot of work had to be done it was mostly because of previous owner with horrible habits. This car really is great A to B in comfort, speed, and style.

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  First Hybrid, I will never go back. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By waypeter - September 29 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Insight for a month, I am in love it it. My old car was a 99 Lexus ES300. Although going from Lexus to Honda is a step down in brand, the technology in Insight is more advance then my old Lexus. Im 59" and I dont feel the car is small in the front or rear. However, I do wish the electronic system do more job, so it will get more MPG. So far, Im doing 41 MPG combined.

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  Like no other - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Nico - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the accord 2004 EX with 33,000 miles with light hail damage. Never had any problem so far. I love the handling of this car, very comfortable and good fuel economy for a mid-size sedan. upgraded from my old car 1998 accord.

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  Our Experience - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dick M - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Our 1st SUV- most pleased with the comfort, great vision and workmanship of this CR-V the sales and management staff at Cramers is on the level of the luxury car staffs that we have been dealing with for over 15 years.

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  Follow up-Four years later - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Josh - September 28 - 2:00 am

  60k miles later and I still love this truck. The only problems I have had in four years is the blower motor for the a/c and the recall for a wiring harness. This truck still drives like the day I bought it. The interior fit and finish is still tight and shows very little signs of wear. We have taken it on a few long trips from SC to NH this year and it has been a joy to drive. Very comfortable. Around town I am averaging 18 mpg. I am still on the original tires and brakes. No more maintenance than basic fluid/filter changes. Excellent value in my opinion.

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  Replacement Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By L-Willi - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 years old, and my old Civic which was 2001 got hit by a truck when it was parked outside of my house and totalled. We were shopping for a replacement car. It was between the Civic or the 2009 Toyota Corolla. We got a really good deal on my 2009 Civic. It only has 17,000 miles. I love it. It looks nicer and more up to date than the Corolla. Im glad we were able to get it. I just got it a few days ago so I cant report on the driving experience. So far I love driving it, and I love the auxiliary input. It handles very well. My only complaint, which I dont think should be changed because it makes the car what it is, is the hood is so short.