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 little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Beater - September 4 - 12:51 am

  I have driven this sweet little SUV for 17 months and average 26 to 27 MPG on the highway and around 23 in town. It burns regular gas which is nice, it can comfortably seat 4 adults and hold 4 sets of golf clubs. It hauls my drums, go skiing, its great around town and the highway. I sold my Acura RDX turbo that got 14 mpg around town and burned premium gas. This is so much more economical. The rear seats recline, its all wheel drive when you need it. Its 4 banger engine is peppy. I had after market leather and heated seats added. You cant go wrong with this sweet little SUV! It a great little SUV!

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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Alan - September 3 - 1:42 pm

  Bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it! The mileage on the highway is decent but the mileage in the city should be better. There is plenty storage space available which is great with 2 kids. There is plenty of room for an adult next to the 2 car seats in the 2nd row. The 3rd row can be tight if you dont slide the 2nd row forward slightly. The boxy styling isnt the prettiest but it is the most functional, allowing plenty of space in the cargo area even with the 3rd row up. Panic braking distances could be improved but brake pedal feel is excellent. I took it on a long trip the day after purchasing and it is very comfortable, although the HVAC controls take a while to get used to.

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  Common sense, fun car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Lou - September 2 - 7:22 pm

  Hands down, best value for my hard earned money. Solid build quality top residual value in its class a true winner

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  Great little car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By purkat60 - September 2 - 4:20 pm

  I went from minivan to this fun to drive car. The tiered dashboard was easy to adjust to. It has enough pep for getting on the freeway. Great a/c for living in Texas. Bought this over one year ago with no regrets. Get 28-30 mpg combined heavy city traffic and suburbs. Easiest car to wash on the driveway!

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  2003 ex honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jim - September 2 - 4:05 pm

  Bought this Honda new and have 95,100 miles on and just had routine maintenance done to it. Great car.

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  Great little car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Chuck Rule - September 2 - 7:00 am

  A long time Honda owner, I just traded a Ridgeline, and I couldnt be happier. I put a lot of miles on my cars so I needed better fuel mileage. This car gets better than advertised. First tank 40 mpg (1/2 city/hwy). I used the a/c a lot on my second tank and got 37. I drive with a light foot, keep it in sport mode and shift up often, cant help to think what this cars mileage and performance could be w/ a DSG . This car is screwed together well. very tight with no squeaks or rattles. Stereo is nice quality and I got a few things that the Ridgeline didnt offer in 2008, like telescoping steering wheel, fog lights, and daytime running lights. For the price this Honda has a winner here.

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  Incredible Handling car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By David Price - September 1 - 8:39 pm

  Anyone that thinks this car understeers has got the wrong tires on the car. The handling and cornering feel of this car is hard to match, even by newer cars. Ignore the specified mileage figures, at least for the VTEC. I would get 28-29 mpg cruise and no less than 26 mpg if I really put my foot into it a lot with a fair amount of city driving. The VTEC would start to kick in about 4500 rpm and felt a bit like a turbo. Passing 5 cars will put you over 120 mph in real hurry on the highway. The last time I got to drive this it had 130,000 miles on it and ran like new. It has always run on synthetic (Mobil-1 & Amsoil) engine/gear oil from the 1st oil change at 1000 miles. A drunk driver hit it.

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  My 1st Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie - September 1 - 6:00 pm

  Love the Pilot. It replaced a 1999 Toyota 4Runner with 190,000 miles. What a dream. Great road presence. Love the color (Cherry Pearl). All I hear is "Love Your Pilot"! Comfortable, smooth, quiet ride. Found the MPG sweet spot, 75 MPH and set the cruise - 22 MPG is awesome for this size of a vehicle. Want better? - then buy the Highlander Hybrid.

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  This car will last a lifetime! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Honda Nut - August 31 - 9:11 pm

  I bought this car with 106,000 Miles 3 years ago it now has 206,000 and havent had one problem yet! I just drove it from Fl to Ma. A 1500 mile trip and got 42 mpg! My wife bought a 2003 civic brand new and has 137,000 miles on hers and hasnt been back to the dealer, EVER! The dumbest thing we did when we bought hers was buy an extended warranty. LOL I will buy these civics for the rest of my life. I am now looking for one for my mom.

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  Better then expected - 2005 Honda S2000
  By coolaa - August 31 - 10:20 am

  I have owned this car for two months. I initially purchased because it was such a good deal. While this was on my radar, I thought it would be too hard and uncomfortable for my use on long drives. I have been very surprised. I am 6 ft and the car is very roomy, it has a nice ride that is not jarring at all and the seats are fantastic! I have done 6-7 hours of driving in a day twice with no discomfort at all. The engine note sounds great as well, very entertaining. You will hear the engine roaring so dont buy if you are looking for Lexus like quietness. Overall,very pleased at the two month mark.