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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  Rants and Raves - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By honda_5 - March 2 - 4:15 pm

  Plenty of space, enough power to do what I need, looks great, nice features and functions.

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  Uncomfortable Im giving it to my twins - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By husky46cc - March 2 - 12:58 am

  I cant drive this car on a trip. The headrest is tilted so far forward that I cant get comfortable. I have a neck ache for a week after a 300 mile trip. My advice: Drive this car out on the interstate for at least 15 minutes before you buy it. I wish I had. Also uncomfortable: The surface of the steering wheel is slippery plastic. It makes my hand ache after 45 minutes of highway driving. Again - DRIVE this car before you plunk down the money. Make sure you fit in it comfortably. I didnt drive it enough. I regret it. I should have gotten the Forester. Its too bad that the car is so uncomfortable. Otherwise Id keep it forever. One more time: Do NOT test drive this ca

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  Replaced hybrid battery twice over 162,000 miles - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jlrob - March 1 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this car used with only 25,000 miles on it. It now has over 162,000. First battery went out just under warranty of 100,000 so fixed by dealer at no cost to me. Second battery did not even last 60,000 miles, warranty apparently expired as Honda refused to fix so I paid $2700 for the part plus labor, etc. Whatever $$$ I saved with hybrid technology clearly down the drain. Would never buy this car again.

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  Just picked up my Ridgeline - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By garyb10 - March 1 - 11:18 am

  Pretty much as expected. Great interior design, although it is missing the iPod/USB connection and Bluetooth. Trunk in bed is awesome feature. Gas mileage is averaging just over 19

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  This Car Helped Save My Life - 2008 Honda Accord
  By macy1022 - March 1 - 9:33 am

  I bought this car used with 14,000 miles on it in 04/2009. With the exception of a brake repair fairly early on I had no problems with it. The interior did feel a little cheap compared to my two previous Honda Accords (1994, 2000), but it didnt bother me too terribly. I was driving this car home when I was rear ended by a distracted driver. I was stopped in traffic, and he hit me at around 50 MPH. The force of the crash deployed the airbags and totaled out the car. It was unrecognizable. Yet despite the severity of the crash, I had few injuries thanks to this Honda and its safety features. That car saved my life, and I will forever be grateful that I was driving it that day.

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  I love my 2013 Purple CR-Z - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By prpldawn - March 1 - 12:10 am

  I have only had my CR-Z for two months, but I love it. I owned a 1985 CRX-SI, and the CR-Z is the flower child of the CRX with current tech functionality. When looking for a new vehicle, my main requirement was it had to be PURPLE, and the Passion Berry Pearl is a beautiful deep/dark purple. The continuously variable transmission is an adjustment, since I always drove a manual transmission, but I enjoy not having to use a clutch. I am still waiting to get the mileage mentioned on the Honda website, but most of my driving so far has been city driving, with lots of hills and stop and go. Still, I am averaging 30 mpg. I look forward to my first road trip to test the fuel efficiency.

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  Vibration cant repair it so call it normal - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By disappointed88 - February 27 - 7:42 pm

  i purchased a 2013 Honda Pilot in December 2012. The follolwing day i reported a vibration, which service department said was a wheel weight. After leaving the vehicle for 3 days the SD (service department) replaced a front motor mount which was to resolve the problem. No problem solved, Still vibrating. Two weeks later I returned the vehicle for 3 more days. SD replaced the rear motor mount. Still vibrates. After trying to repair the vehice 2 times with no success Honda Customer Service calls it a " Normal vibration".Now that Honda Engineering cant resolve the vibration issue the SD calls it a "Characteristic of the vehicle". The SD informed me that all the 2013 Pilot 2WD have a vibration

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  Best car - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By cheliepoo - February 27 - 12:27 am

  I love it.

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  First Honda, Seat belt trouble - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By mmc24 - February 23 - 1:43 pm

  So far, Im just getting used to my first Honda after 20 years of driving Pontiac Grand Prix. This vehicle of course does not have the luxury of a Grand Prix but it does have many fine qualities, one of which is the AWD which I really like. However, I have twin 5yr old grandchildren and it is almost impossible to get their car seats buckled in the back seat. The belt will not latch without the most extreme effort as the buckle part extending from the seat recedes when you try to latch it. As I pick them up from school everyday this has become a serious problem as well as the nuisance of getting your clothes dirty from leaning over the door rim to try to reach the buckle.

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  Why Did I Buy This Car? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By lebloom - February 23 - 12:36 pm

  Wanted a better car for the MPGs and thought a Hybrid was it. Was I ever wrong. Now have over 200k on it and the transmission has a noise coming from it and am told it has to be replaced, and they WONT repair it! The ride is not the best and it never was Quiet to drive at all.