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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  True reliability and quality - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Justin G. - August 26 - 10:12 am

  Terrific car that Ive owned for 3 years and not one mechanical problem. It is reliable, built to last, gets 40 mph (better than it is supposed to), and generally is the best car Ive every owned AND one of the least expensive. I plan to keep this car for many more years.

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  Love my Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Len - August 26 - 7:46 am

  I have only had my Fit for a week, but on a mix of driving it is getting 37.4 mpg according to the instruments. Tomorrow I will fill it up for the first time and calculate the mpg. My wife has a Fit and over the past two months it has proven to be a fine little vehicle. The Honda attention to detail is really nice, I could not find an assembly flaw. The electric power steering will take some getting use to, but I enjoy driving the car. The Honda dealer was a joy after many bad car dealers I have experienced. The instruments say it is getting 50 mpg at 50 mph and 40 mpg at 60 mph. Really amazing and much better than I would have expected before seeing how my wifes was.

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  The only way to go - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Bill - August 25 - 11:05 am

  We researched every car in this class. Camry, Focus, Altima, Sonata. No comparison. This car is comfortable, smooth, handles great, looks great and Honda pays attention to so many little details that make this car so great. The tactile feel of every switch, fabric, door panels etc. you handle is perfect. The word is quality! And at an unbelievable price. The Sonata was sluggish and the seating positions were strange and the interior was caodic. Accords interior is tasteful. All I can say is you wont be unhappy with this car.

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  2011 Pilot-4WD EX-L/Navigation - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Pat - August 25 - 6:45 am

  We spent months looking for the right SUV to replace our Suburban and came up with the Pilot. It was all about price point and features. Excellent cargo room and seating. Fast enough for us with a comfortable, stable, secure ride. Would not hesitate to buy this car again.

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  Honda Legacy Continues - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - August 24 - 11:18 pm

  I just picked up my ninth Honda car product in 30 years! I am thrilled with my new Honda Pilot! It compliments my current 2001 Honda CR-V and 2004 Acura (translate super Honda) MDX-all under the same garage roof. I shopped for different car types, dealers, and manufacturers over the past year. As difficult as it was to will my aging MDX to my daughter at college, my new Pilot more than makes up for the move. It has more standard features than I paid for in my Acura. It also rides more solid and quieter! The standard sound system is stellar and the room for hauling up and down Highway 81 to Blacksburg, VA will come in very handy indeed!

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ever - 2000 Honda Accord
  By sydus - August 24 - 10:27 am

  This car came into our family when our grandparents passed away, leaving it to us. Overall a very calm, not very catchy design (at least with a tan color) but Im actually impressed with performance. Even with the 4 cylinder engine she can still move, but overall the reliability is where this cars at. 134,000 miles on it and no major repairs, no problems, in fact its recommended to replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles which we never did but its still running beautifully. Very impressed with this car. Expect to have it for years and years to come.

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  Excellent Choice for the MONEY - 2009 Honda Accord
  By saugrad - August 23 - 2:27 pm

  Brought this car with 16,900 miles.Drove it from Houston to Nebraska.Was Impressed by the performance.Great Interior Finish and quality. Smooth and Sporty drive. Not even 1% of regret for my choice.

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  Workhorse - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Porter - August 23 - 4:44 am

  I just wanted to say that my Honda fit has been amazing. I use it for delivering pizza at night. Im currently getting 33 MPG in all in town deliveries. with great performance with a very quick automatic 6 spd trans. Just remember not to load this car down MPG is killed with any extra weight.

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  Excellent Minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Icegod - August 22 - 10:49 pm

  A year of experience with this minivan has built me a good impression for this minivan. It confirmed that we were not wrong with our choice for this minivan. I rate this minivan as supreme with its performance primarily, as that truly concerns when you are on the road. It is powerful and agile, and truly great to drive. Curving and ascent were superb, and driving control is totally great. Fuel efficiency is impressive but can still be improved though. Features are also great providing comfort on the road for both the driver and the passengers. With its versatility, this vehicle is a total partner for the family. Its lower body attitude gives it sportier look and its form a distinction.

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  Meeting expectations - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joel - August 22 - 6:07 am

  This is my third Accord and so far my favorite.So far the only issue with my brakes has to due with front brake rotors that transmit a shimmy to the steering wheel when moderately braking, and need resurfacing. Road noise is a bit excessive, which is a common theme in these reviews. I have not had any problems resulting from build quality, but have noticed that Honda is not using the same quality of materials or paid as much attention to detail as in years past. The only shop time has been oil changes/tire rotations. It is fun to drive and really has a sporty feel for a 4-door sedan. The four-cylinder is powerful for a what it is but its not a rocket. The Accord is still a good buy.