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 Car - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By JIPS - August 31 - 8:27 am

  It is a great improvement over 2007. Rides very well and fund to drive. The rear hatch window is a real nice adjustment. Like day light lights. Sound system is very good. I particularly like shift right in front and easy to work particularly in comparison to 2007 that took three men and a boy to shift. Love back up camera on rear view mirror

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  Under Rated - 2010 Honda Accord
  By zackinthebx88 - August 30 - 5:00 pm

  Handles like a dream. I have not had any problems with this car. It takes off as fast as a G35 (beat it top-end) and a Carrerra (he let off first). Front stabilizer bar and large front tires keep it glued to the road. Check their 2008 vs Altima comparison, watch the slalom. Obviously, you can compare it against similar priced coupes (like the Altima Coupe, Genesis Coupe, And 370z) but, ONLY the Altima has nearly as many features. Stock audio sounds amazing, although I did upgrade the subwoofer easily. Definitely a sleeper. I found it to be an excellent balance of luxury and speed. Couldnt be any happier.

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  The best car ever - 2003 Honda Civic
  By nick869 - August 30 - 10:31 am

  My honda is the best compact car that feels like Im driving a sport. Safe, fun (drifting ha ha), and great fuel economy.

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  Fun and sporty! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Barry - August 29 - 10:20 pm

  So far averaging 35.3 mpg on my first 200 miles, about 70/30 city vs highway. Very fun to drive w/ paddle shifters, navigation/ bluetooth interface works seamlessly which is typical of Honda. A little disappointed that no sunroof option is offered and no rear camera as visibility is a bit of an issue. Also no back seat option like over seas. However, no first year model glitches found yet.

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  Will this car ever die? - 1995 Honda Civic
  By CN - August 29 - 10:07 pm

  It just runs and runs. At this point I might simply keep another 3 yrs and give to my kid. At 156,000 miles, this puppy is still running strong, no blue smoke. I simply change oil regularly and perform general maintenance CV boots, brakes, oil, wiper blades, etc. Generally speaking minimal repairs. Ive saved a boat-load of money driving this car for so many years. Its comfortable, zippy, easy to park. I wish I had bought the sun roof model back the. My next one will have all the bells and whistles as Ive had many years to save money to buy now. Great car!

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  Rolling along in my 01 cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By aileen - August 28 - 5:22 pm

  i love this little cutie, i bought this in 2007 with 75,000 miles for 10k, it now has 11,900 miles on the odometer. its been very reliable for me. i went to Florida and back to pa where i live and ran smooth. i plan on keeping this cutie till it dies.

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  Runs Forever! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mjsstanley - August 28 - 5:22 pm

  I have owned two 90 and one 91 Accord . One wrecked at 376,000 miles and was still going like new . These cars were built for the road . I travel 400 miles to NC at least three times a year . I have a 90 now with 192,000 miles on it and I havent had to do anything to it ! Starts right up in the coldest weather . All have been 5 speed manual transmission , which is really better than the automatic . All Hondas will last forever if you keep up the regular maintenance , which isnt expensive at all .

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  Fantastic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By waynegroh - August 28 - 2:39 pm

  The car has been great so far, no problems with the emergency brake rubbing against my leg, unless you are a bigger person, I am 510". and there is ample room between my left leg and the emergency brake. Ive had the car for two weeks now, and I love everything about it. I dont hear the road noise that some people have concerns about. the only thing that is tricky, is the blind spots in the car. Just take your time, and you will be fine when looking out for other vehicles on the road. I really like this car! The a/c is cold, and the radio is surprisingly loud. The high beams are extremely bright which is good in desolate unlit areas. It has ample pickup speed. I have the automatic model :)

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  I hate to sell it! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Proud owner - August 28 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my 1994 Honda Civic hatchback brand new and only use to go grocery shopping and other local driving. It has approx. 43,000 miles on it and is in great condition. Im thinking about selling it mainly for new and improved safety features. but I hate to let it go!

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  Had Civic Hybrid and Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By lindguini - August 28 - 1:02 am

  My previous car was a 2007 Civic Hybrid and so the Insight was an easy transition. Our second car is a 2008 Prius which is our preferred people hauler. The Insight is much more responsive in acceleration and handling. The front seats are very supportive and the car has a firm, European feel in the steering and suspension. The engine is quiet except under hard acceleration where it gets a bit buzzy. The build quality is superb inside and out --it just feels solid. I mainly drive stop-and-go Los Angeles streets and average 44+ mpg. The Insight is hands-down more fun-to-drive than our Prius but the Toyota is capable of higher fuel efficiency. The Insight is Hondas best hybrid effort so far.