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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  Hope all Hondas are this good. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Kurt Lehmann - August 13 - 9:22 pm

  We have now put 148,000 miles on the car and have only done regular maintenance with one exception. We had to replace both headlights due to cracks and condensation. The cars 4 cylinder is very adequate though has trouble going 70 up hill, but duh. Drives well in snow if you go slowly. Hoping to get another 150,000 miles out of it. The headliner has been coming down for a couple of years, but the rest of the interior cloth has been very durable. Honda dealerships have actually been nice to go to. Weve had very good experiences each time.

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  Like Wine - 2007 Honda Civic
  By TankerToad53 - August 13 - 8:15 pm

  I purchased my 07 Si Coupe used with 67K miles. on the odometer. This car is an absolute blast to drive. It has been over 20 yrs since I would go out for a drive through the twisties, just for the heck of it. Now, I cant wait for Sundays to go out on a spirited drive. The engine is now approaching 70K, still revs solidly to 8K RPM. Gearbox is a dream (except 1st to 2nd, Probably needs this synchro replaced). Suspension is still solid and the car still gets the looks, although I could do without that, specially from the traffic enforcers!

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  Far Better Than I Expected - 2010 Honda Fit
  By NewFitDriver - August 13 - 12:01 pm

  I bought a Fit because I was looking for a good commuting car (suburban & highway) that was good on gas. I considered hybrids but went with the Fit based on purchase price, features and MPG. The car is rated for something like 31 MPG, but I routinely get 36 highway and 37 - 38 suburban. Checked at fill-up, Im getting about 37 on average. If I watch the MPG gauge, I can average about 40 on back roads without the A/C and 39 with. Some reviewers criticize the performance, especially acceleration. I find it good with the 5-speed manual. Not a race car, certainly, but not bad. Electric power steering is sensitive and takes getting used to.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rocky - August 12 - 9:24 pm

  Ive owned this car for over a year, now. Gets better MPG than I expected. Have never gotten below 40MPG. Car looks good when I first bought it, other cars would irritate me by getting in front of me and slowing down, then switching lanes until I realized they were checking out my car. I have no complaints thus far. I only wonder how long the battery will last. I really love this car!

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  Very pleased so far - 2010 Honda Insight
  By EFC - August 12 - 9:04 pm

  I have only had my Insight for about a week but so far I am really enjoying it. It gets really good gas mileage and I think the car is a good value for the money. I have the LX and it is not a "Luxury" vehicle by any stretch of the imagination but it is cute and comfortable. The back seat is roomy enough for normal sized adults to sit comfortably. Next time might try the EX because it has a few more whistles and bells. All in all a great car.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By MattAC - August 12 - 10:58 am

  I drove this car for almost 13 years and still going strong. This car is reliable, easy to maintain and still looks great.

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  Just got one - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Charles - August 11 - 11:35 pm

  My wife just bought it. I went for a test ride and a good first ride in it. I was pleased with everything I saw, heard and felt. Ive read about sunroof issues but this is to new to tell. I drove the Traverse and didnt like it. Other reviews will talk about acceleration. Well if you want to jump off the line you should get a sports car. These are family haulers. Yes, gas mileage should be attacked by the Honda engineers. 25 to 30 highway. The technology is out there. While everyone will not be pleased, take a good test ride and shop around. Youll find the Honda fits your needs and thats what counts in the end. Its about what you require in an SUV.

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  Id Buy This Car Again - 2010 Honda Fit
  By ppla54321 - August 11 - 9:52 pm

  Ive had my Fit for 6 months, and have really enjoyed driving it and have had no problems with it. I do a combination of city/highway driving and average 36- 37 mpg overall. I have the Sport package which overall has a great look and is fun to drive. I did purchase floor mats, body side moldings, and window tint after market (see below re:improvements). As others have stated, the upholstery attracts fuzz, so I carry a lint roller in the car.

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  Its so roomy cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By patty - August 11 - 7:51 pm

  Hi I bought my 01 cr-v in October 2009 with 98,000 miles. Ive had it for 2 years now and put 50,000 miles on it. It now has 148,000 and runs very good. Its been different for me to drive than a car but I love the room and comfort it gives me. I go camping and fold down the seats blow up my areo bed and sleep like a baby. This is one fantastic vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Element
  By hapkiman40 - August 11 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this car pre-owned with 36k. Currently we have 70+K and have had no problems. Ive read some of the entries with lower ratings and I have not had any of the issues that others have had. One person even mentioned that this car is not for those in northern climates. I could not disagree more. I live in an area that receives 119 inches of snow/year. My Element has been flawless and I tend to be hard on my vehicles. I would recommend this car to anyone.