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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  The Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Eve141 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I was considering purchasing a Toyota Highlander but a friend begged me to check out the Pilot. I was shocked by how big it was on the inside while looking rather compact on the inside. The fit and finish is fantastic, while offering lots of extras for the money. This is a much better buy than the Highlander. Im VERY pleased with my Pilot.

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  The perfect blend - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By buddyjo - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Home Run for Honda! The perfect blend of rugged SUV looks, smooth car-like ride, lots of neat little extras and spacious interior !

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  Great Value - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Carbrat - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Great value esp when they are clearing out the 2002. Solid, fun to drive feel. Almost everything you need....

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  KickingCivic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By BOB - December 15 - 8:30 pm

  I have driven Civics for 15 years now and they only get better. This car just feels fun to drive, almost like a sports car, yet a fraction of the cost. It is also easy to tune because they are so popular that every after- market company makes compatible parts for the civic. Overall I give it a 10.

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  Love at First Sight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By roberto - December 15 - 4:20 am

  I bought this car on the day of my birthday - by accident. I accompanied my sister in law to buy a car at a Honda dealer and when I saw the Insight I immediately fell in love with it. Within minutes I was trading in my helluva noisy Toyota Matrix. My sis in law left and I stayed behind and within an hour I was driving home my Insight - the drive was smooth, the steering and seat was comfy - wow I love it. Right now Im doing 42 mpg after 3 weeks and hope to improve as I go on. The exterior looks great, love the interior, but the alloy wheels are my favorite. Save the best for last I find the engine quiet and smooth ride which I still havent got used to. OMG I could say this car is POETRY.

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  217k miles and still great - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Paul Lubin - December 15 - 4:03 am

  Great reliability and mpg

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  270K miles and still going - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Kyle G - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Accord for almost 13 years. Other than an occassional electrical problem and being unable to keep the car in alignment, I was extremely pleased the first 190K miles. Since then, it has started costing me some money. I have averaged $160 a month in repairs for the last four years. Still cheaper than a new car, but more than I would have expected from a Honda. I have replaced the blower motor twice, alternator once, radiator once, mater brake cylinder twice, struts once, and CV boots numerous times. I also lost compression in one cylinder and had a valve job.

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  TOTAL Reliability - 1995 Honda Accord
  By nylorac70 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I ever bought with my own money. I put miles on it like an animal and NEVER EVER had one problem, just the usual maintenance. The battery lasted 6 years. I wouldnt think twice about driving it anywhere, no matter how far, no matter how bad the weather. Thats another thing, I lived in Connecticut and I personally think this car was better that most SUVs in the snow.

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  Go Honda! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By bug12444 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Great price. Great performance. Could use a V6 going up some of those hills. And the cup holder is useless. They need to fix that problem. Otherwise, perfect for me. Thanks, Honda folks...

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  I Love my FIT - 2009 Honda Fit
  By skansen54 - December 14 - 9:26 pm

  I couldnt be happier. I went from an SUV to the best economy car. Gets great gas mileage and maneuverability is a blast!