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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  Hondas You gotta love em - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Mysteryd - January 31 - 3:19 pm

  We are a Honda family, we went from the Accord to the Cr-V then lastly to the Pilot, the change too a short minute to get used to, the size of the vehicle is a jump up from the CR-V, and the power is a great big leap of fun, the power of the v-6 and the ease of the excelaration to merge onto the highway is for lack of a better word "Cool".. The vehicle feels solid going around turns, has a smaller turning radius that the Accord, which surprised me. I live in NYC and we all know of the snow drifts from the sanitation trucks that gets pushed next to your car, they were no problem at all, to climb over with the power the Pilot. I would recommend it to any one.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Bob - January 31 - 4:29 am

  Im somewhat disappointed with my Civic. I feel all of the bumps in the road, the steering is way too sensitive, my knee constantly hits the emergency brake lever and the acceleration is weak. I dont like the rear window defogger as it doesnt clear all the way up to the top, I assume because the antenna is there. The paint and windshield seem to chip very easy, Ive had a couple already. I dont like the way the inside door jams retain so much dirt and water after a rain or snow. When you open up the doors the inside jams are filthy. I dont like the head rest on the drivers seat, it pushes up whenever a push back on the seat. Brakes are good, gas mileage lower than I hoped for.

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  Like it a lot, though some odd thinking - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By denver5357 - January 30 - 11:16 am

  We trade in an 05 Odyssey for the Pilot, for better snow capabilities. I know a Pilot isnt a minivan, but only having two cup holders up front is disappointing. When we buy food for the family (small kids) we miss those extra cup holders in the Ody. The running boards we added are a necessity. Kids and small adults couldnt get in easily without them. The one thing that irks us is that the third row does NOT fold flat. Some people say it does, but it is inclined. We knew that before we bought it, but it still was a negative. Stuff can slide and our big dog has a tough time with the angle. Mileage has only been about 15 mpg but we drive almost all short trips (3-5 miles.

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  Convenient Runabout Vehicle - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Jesse S - January 30 - 11:05 am

  I bought my 99 CR-V EX used in 2009 with under 60k on the odo. It was in excellent condition and had been well cared for. After driving it for 6 months Im extremely pleased with it. Before buying, I read the user reviews on this site, and Im happy I did. They steered me to a great little vehicle. Maintenance tips: make sure you have the rear differential fluid changed regularly. Have the valves checked for adjustment periodically (Ive read many complaints from people whose valves got out of whack and wrecked their engines). Replace the crummy Bridgestone Dueler tires (I got Dunlop SP60s and am happy with them).

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  LOVE my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa - January 30 - 9:30 am

  I have had my CR-V for just over 2 years. I put on around 30,000 miles per year, mostly freeway/highway driving. My mileage overall has averaged around 26 mpg over that time, and it easily gets over 30 mpg when driving at 60mph on non-interstate highways. I agree with other reviewers about the poor quality tires that came on the vehicle...they had to be replaced far sooner than any on any other car Ive ever had. I replaced them with Cooper CS 4s and have been very happy. The CR-V is fantastic on ice and in snow. I feel very safe when I have to drive in inclement weather on my 40 mile one-way daily commute to work. Doesnt ride as smoothly as a car, but I didnt expect it to.

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  2010 Honda Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Watson - January 30 - 9:18 am

  The 2010 Pilot is a blast to drive. It feels as solid as a tank, but lots of creature comforts and tremendous interior cabin room for a family of 4 + a large dog....

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  All around nice car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chevy Person 4 life - January 29 - 9:16 pm

  My honda has 4300 miles on it now. I went to change the oil and dealer said not to change until the car told me to. I could possible get 8000 miles before oil change wow. Went from LasVegas to Knotts Berry farm California at 75 m.p.h.It took 5 Gallons of gas. my daughter and I had a great time in the insight a little uncomfortable after 4 hours on the road. The nave system was great! Would like to see gas cap lock instead of pushing on it to open it. this way nobody can get to your tank. All around nice car so far.

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  Net + Over Prior Models - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Net Plus - January 29 - 12:02 pm

  This car has exceeded all my expectations and is an improvement over prior models. Car is larger than prior models and it feels it. Seats offer a firm comfortable ride. Leg rooms seems very adequate. Rear seating area is quite large. The display panel looks complicated at first but once I got familiar, its been very functional. Visibility is quite improved over prior model. Hands free Bluetooth system is an extremely nice feature. I have lossed a couple MPGs but given the cars size the mileage is still very good. Adequate trunk space. Traction control makes the car very reliable to drive is slippery conditions. Road noise level is very disappointing.

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  Decent - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Stephen lavelle - January 29 - 9:21 am

  I bought this car in December of 09 and i have had it for about a month. The car runs fine, But i am having tons of problems with the cars electrical system, the left side of the dash lights dont turn on. the dome light is broken beyond repair, my seatbelt sticks. the passenger door is hard to open from the inside. but it is a good car and very reliable

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  Less than I hoped - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jason - January 29 - 7:54 am

  Sheet metal is very thin, going through a carwash sounds like the roof is going to blow off. Paint quality is low, scratches / chips easily. After 32K miles I am getting rust on the the front of the hood. Wet and dry traction is good, but winter driving is poor, car does not hold the road well at highway speeds, even with additional weight. Weatherstrip on rear doors has fallen off a couple times. Glad to have only leased the vehicle and not purchased it. Gas mileage was listed at 28/40 , but average is about 30, with 70% highway miles. Highway mileage is mid 30s when driving with traffic.