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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  Civic Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Tedd - June 14 - 6:59 am

  We also own a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick Up. When we go out or take a short weekend trip we always take our Civic Hybrid. Much More Fun To Drive!

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  Great car! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By LBlal001 - June 13 - 11:55 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 02 and have had is since. Just got over 100,000 miles and it still drives great! And, of course, it starts right up every time without a doubt in my mind! Only minor issues with it, driver seat belt doesnt want to latch first time every time (just started this last Winter when it was really cold out), but would usually click in after two or three tries. SRS light just came on recently, havent gotten it checked yet, but probably has to do with that. Needs new belts, but never anything serious wrong with it! Great car! Looking to upgrade to a Pilot or Odyssey now! Got over 38 mpg driving across country and usually about 29-30 around town (w/o hills)!

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  Keeps on Truckin - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HondaForever - June 13 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my CR-V new and it has been outstanding. It just received 210,000 mile maintenance. Two minor repairs and scheduled maintenance only. It still looks and drives great. I would not hesitate to take off anywhere in it. Averages 26 MPG. My only issue is my neighbor wants to buy it and I feel bad because Im not giving this one up!

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  No Rattle and Roll - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  I have driven my Ridgeline commuting to work in all kinds of New England weather. It is very stable in snow, ice and slush. It has excellent acceleration for a truck, especially in tight spots. Its great for a homeowner because of all the space in the rear passenger compartment and the trucks bed. The dealer installed trailer hitch and towing package have worked great on some heavy loads (2 tons). My only complaints are the brakes sometimes "grab" in wet weather when first applied and the seat is not quite as comfortable as my last Volvo wagon. The truck has yet to exhibit any rattles or squeaks in 4 years of ownership. Its versatile and well built.

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  Terrific car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By al - June 10 - 9:26 pm

  After driving a BMW M3 for 12 years the cost of repairs led to my purchase of a manual Honda Fit. Rather than being a let down, Im thrilled with the car. huge amount of room, great mpg using regular gas, more than enough pep for highway driving and fun to drive.

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  Top notch - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Mooseman - June 10 - 3:46 pm

  I cant say enough about these new Civics. Love em and they have reliability too. What else can you ask for?

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Honda Civic
  By zerostar - June 10 - 3:19 pm

  I had always lusted after the Civic Si back when the 2000s were new. Once Honda went back to the hatch-style I moved on to other cars since it didnt fit my life. As soon as the new "Si Sedan" came out I knew what my next car would be. I purchased my 09 in June and have loved every second of it. This has got to be one of the funnest daily drivers out there, despite requiring premium gas I am still getting upwards of 26+MPG with very aggressive driving. The seats are a magnet for cat hair so I am going to need to upgrade these to leather soon :-) I have also (Eibach) dropped my car about 1.4" in front and back and the handling is much improved.

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  Saved My Husbands Life - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KenziesMom - June 9 - 9:23 pm

  My husband bought me a 2003 Honda Pilot EXL for Mothers day. We had just had a baby and I was driving a 2002 Mustang and needed something I felt would be safer. We had no major problems. The engine mounts had to be replaced and the transmission was beginning to act a little squirrelly. However, my husband wrecked it before we were able to get the transmission checked out. He fell asleep behind the wheel on the way home from work (oil field) and went off into a steep ditch hitting a concrete embankment which caused the Pilot to roll twice landing upside down when finished. My husband was not buckled and ended up in the back by the cargo door. He WALKED away with NO INJURIES. Thank you Honda!

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  Fun to drive, good handling in snow - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Galileo - June 9 - 4:01 pm

  Looked at a lot of different cars like Altima, Civic, 2010 Prius, Cube, Fit, xB and finally picked the Insight. It was dealers first Insight and got an okay deal on it with accessories. We had a snowy season here in Oklahoma and this car handled it like a dream. I can get through when most cars cant. Cant beat the value and the car is still hassle free and only maintenance I did is oil change. No squeaks like my old 06 VW Passat when hot or cold. This is my first Honda and far exceed my expectation.

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  Great little car, very reliable! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By lma322 - June 9 - 10:55 am

  I bought a 4 door EX model with 87K in 9/09. I had gotten into an accident with my 04 Neon and as funny as it sounds, I am glad that I did because I love this car. It is leaps and bounds better than the Neon I owned that was 4 years newer. Awesome gas mileage, power everything, pretty comfortable ride and runs like it is almost new! I love my sunroof too! Couldnt have gotten a better price for the amount of car I got. I now have 94K on the car and no complaints at all. I will hold on to this car for a while and when its time for another, it will be another Civic. I am a Honda believer!