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:

• 

  Sports hybrid of the future - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By DC Urban Commuter - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a big sedan to this car is a big change. This car is small, low and sporty. It is not very fast or gets 60 miles a gallon. However I get over 43 mpg in hybrid mode and better then 0 to 60 in 10 sec. in sports mode. I drive in the city mostly so extreme speed is not needed, and I am a bachelor and always wondered why I needed back seats. This car is perfect for me for the price and life style.

• 

  My 01 Accord EX-L 5-Speed - 2001 Honda Accord
  By brad21ohio - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 101,000 miles on it for $7500. It is the EX 4cyl/manual transmission with leather package. It is a hard combo to find but well worth it. The car is loaded with safety and comfort features, the leather seats are VERY comfortable, the back seat is comfortable for two, and I love the audio controls on the steering wheel. I HIGHLY recommend the manual transmission with this car for several reasons. First, the automatic is well-know to be plagued by reliability issues, many people spend $3000+ replacing the transmission. The manual is trouble- free. Also, you can really squeeze the power out of this engine with the 5-speed, and the gas mileage is better.

• 

  Still the Best Car I Ever Owned - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bruce - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ok, I wrote a review of this car in January 2006 when I had owned it for 4 months. It is now 5 years old and I still Love it! Despite being hit from behind and knocked into another car for $5000 damage and a little later being hit by a tree for another $4000 damage, it still rides and drives as good as the day I bought it! 97,500 miles and only maintenance has been oil changes, tires, one new set of spark plugs, brakes, battery and one headlamp. I dont get quite the gas mileage I should be, but that is my fault as I need to change out the air filter and probably the gas one as well. This is one great car! I will own Hondas from now on!

• 

  Endlessly Loving My 2001 CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By pjcook1 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle, excellent manufacturing, zero defects since day 1. Very good in snow/rain. Love the styling & feel. Good visibility. This is NOT a muscle car, poor acceleration to highway speed, difficulty getting out of its own way BUT hey, when youre doing 65 youre doing 65. Wind noise at speed. OK gas mileage 16-18 city 20-21 hwy. Great ground clearance, jump curbs all the time to park or get out of minor physical jams (not always to the Mrs. liking).

• 

  Honda Household - 2011 Honda Accord
  By cam - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my 11 Accord Coupe and have less than 100 miles on it. Initially thought that the ride was too firm, but tested the tires air pressures and found them to be 6 to 8 pounds too high. After adjustment the ride is just about right for a performance vehicle. Striking appearance with the polished metal exterior color, black pin stripes, black leather interior and 18" styled, light gray alloy wheels. Have heard criticism about Accord brakes, but these seem great too me, with a good progressive feel as you depress the pedal. Excellent sound system. Handles like its on a rail with little movement in the corners. Center stack is a little involved, but fun to learn and easy to operate.

• 

  Love at 1st site - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By 300K + - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This was the 1st car I bought brand new & wanted to keep. 11 yrs later & 300k + miles she runs like a charm, very little maintenance, brakes were still good after 120k. I wish they never changed the body style after 2001.

• 

  CRX: The Sequel - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Brian - September 18 - 2:00 am

  For those that remember their CRX fondly, the CRZ is likely a love at first sight experience. For others, the CRZ will be a polarizing, love it or leave it two-seater that has a very unique feel. Pros: Sporty exterior look, three distinct performance personalities, exceptional and intimate cab design, lots of technical features for the MSRP, tight handling and excellent sound acoustics. Cons: Lack-luster hybrid fuel efficiency, quarter panel blind spots, mushy economy-mode performance and dated navigation. Overall, the CRZ is a great commuter car for those who are looking for a fun driving experience and a sporty look. Reasonable MPG expectations will prevent disappointment.

• 

  First SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By maine1963 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  We researched and researched some more as we were looking to upgrade from our 2001 Kia Sportage to a family car that had significantly more room and Safety factors. We were also looking for a SUV that already had a track record for Reliability. Everywhere we turned - the Honda Pilot kept popping up in our internet searches. I am not one that enjoys going to the dealership so I found one online at a price I liked! It is a 2008 Honda Pilot 4WD VP model. Wanted to buy new but the prices are too steep. SO I bought it sight unseen through the internet through a dealer that does Home Delivery! We fell in love with all of the features and could not be happier! Will keep this forever!

• 

  Maximum fuel mileage and reliability - 2002 Honda Civic
  By 2620 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  In 02 was considering Jetta, Civic, Saturn. Looking for fuel economy and reliability/longevity. It delivers! 5-speed manual 39 mpg back in 2002 and still 39 mpg in 2010. No problems whatsoever. Gas and oil changes only. New brakes at 150,000. Timing belt and water pump maintenance at 170,000. Mechanic said I could probably get another 100,000 before needing to bring it in again. Its decent in Michigan snow and ice. Road noise from rear end tires or wheels is noticeable. Ride suspension is also harsh over bumps. I feel got my moneys worth. I plan to keep it another 4 years (80,000 miles) and then try to find a worthy person to be the second owner of this trusty little car.

• 

  As Advertised - 2005 Honda Accord
  By John M - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a reliable car with decent acceleration, looks and gas mileage at a reasonable cost. My Accord delivered on all accounts. I test drove the V6, but was impressed enough with 4 cylinder to go with that. I wouldnt say its "fun" to drive, but its not a slug either. On- ramps and (reasonable) passing are no problem. I currently have 65K on the odometer and the only thing Ive replaced are the tires (at 55K).