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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  Fun Battery Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lund - April 6 - 1:50 pm

  Perfect car for commuter and/or run-about-towners. Handling makes up for lack of acceleration and 45+mpg makes up for everything else. Very up-market exterior styling blows away Prius plus one can stop the car when one wants!

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  Watch your brakes/gas mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By StlCards - April 5 - 3:11 pm

  Loved the new styling, reliability, and features in my Accord. Opted for the 4 cyl (190 horses) for the gas mileage vs. the V6. Considered the Camry (plain Jane interior)and the Maxima (a little expensive). After driving it for 2 years, I notice a whole bunch of these cars on the road.

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  Fun to drive, but BUYER BEWARE! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Nathan - April 5 - 12:38 pm

  The car is fun to drive. It has good acceleration and corners very well. Gas mileage is pretty good, averaging around 33 mpg combined city and highway driving. BUYER BEWARE THE A/C CONDENSER. A week ago, I noticed that my A/C was not cooling. Called the dealership and they said that it was possibly a rock through the condenser. I took it in, and sure enough, a big hole in the A/C condenser. Cost of repair, $576. I did a Google search and apparently this is a common event that Honda will not address as a problem, not only on civic, but also accord and odyssey. They tell you to file a claim with your insurance company for their poor design. This is not what I expected from a Honda.

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  Brake Nightmare - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GJAN - April 4 - 8:08 pm

  My first Honda. Not a great experience so far. While I will say I love the comfort of this car its reliability issues out weight its curb appeal. I have changed the rear brakes twice within the last year. The passenger door build also has had to be repaired twice due to a faulty locking mechanism. I just recently had to get the a/c condenser replaced on an 08 w/ 40k mi. Hondas a/c condensers are notorious for sub par reliability. This car is great for comfortable everyday driving by no means is it any type of performance vehicle.

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  Great commuter - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Chiplayer - April 4 - 10:37 am

  The car is great! I got the car with only 44,000 original miles a few months ago and the car is 15 years old! I could not believe it and the independent dealer I bought it from seemed to be insulted when I indirectly suggested the mileage couldnt be right. I bought a carfax report right after I bought it and sure enough, the car had one owner and the mileage was right on! The greatest deal I ever got on a car! The body has a couple of bangs and the paint is faded and peeling but who cares the interior is cherry and the engine like new! Too bad these cars are one of the most stolen cars out there. Its okay, I sleep with a bat and I am not referring to my wife!

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  A reliable excellent car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By june - April 2 - 1:37 am

  Car been driven 100 miles every day with or without a/c no problem.

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  No Buyers Remorse - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By indyfamily - April 1 - 8:02 am

  We checked out both the Highlander and the Pilot as replacements for our aged Tahoe. For the money we felt that the Pilot was far more spacious & practical in its interior arrangement. Now, after several months, we have not had any problems with it. Its power is impressive and the 4WD has proven capable too. Even the kids like it.

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  Want Another - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mike - April 1 - 12:02 am

  I will buy another element this year. The thing that I like most is the headroom and the ease of regress and egress. I have a fused neck so I cannot bend it and with the Element I dont have to bend my neck to get in or out. The car is a little noisy from the lack of carpet but you get used to it. Many nooks and crannies that coins get wedged in but not that much of a problem. All around a great car. Replaced a passenger window motor, a battery and was serviced regularly. Still have it 50k miles.

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  Happy with my CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jarthan - March 31 - 4:39 pm

  I love the versatility of the CR-V, the AWD capability, and the fuel economy. I bought mine used with 90K miles, replacing a leased Jeep Liberty. The CR-V has a smoother ride and uses a lot less gas. It now has 114K miles, but runs good and looks great. The 2000 cc motor is very reliable, but is also very underpowered. That was corrected in 2002. Still, I am a happy CR-V owner and want to upgrade to a 2005 or 2006 no car is perfect. I believe this car has another 60-70K miles left in it.

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  Not a bad car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steveg - March 31 - 3:13 pm

  This car is just ok. Im not crazy about the ride. Car handles ok, but the road noise is bad. Had to replace rear brakes at 28k. The seats arent that comfortable. The doors feel really light and cheap. Awful in snow. No other problems besides the brakes. Good on gas for a six cylinder. Transmission shifts are jerky for an automatic trans.