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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  Excellent SUV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Beres - November 4 - 3:30 pm

  My girlfriend purchased a Pilot. We looked at all of its competitors in class, and the Pilot was the undeniable standout. We took it to Colorado and put it through the paces - EXCELLENT comfort, good views, handles superbly offroad (we went on some really craggy/bumpy rock roads ... steep too). The rear-diff lock is a definite plus (and helpful in steep spots). The Pilot is incredibly comfortable, exceptionally roomy. She got the EX-L, and its comfort and ride are awesome. Only negative is that the steering is heavier than some might like, but that makes it really solid at highway speed. The backup mirror is VERY useful. It eats gas (we got 23 mpg between Tucson and Telluride).

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  Great value and reliable vehicle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Frank - November 4 - 2:21 pm

  Id call this gem a little Mercedes if I didnt know better, but its better than any Mercedes. With 209,000 miles, I have never replaced anything except the tires (Kumho Solus) at 106,000 and 195,000 miles, the brakes once at 113,000 miles and the ac clutch coil & compressor at ~165,000 ($2,500 combined cost). Thats it. Going mostly hwy miles between 65 and 85 mph, I average 39 mpg. The car is deceptively fast when you need it and feels safe at speed. With the manual, it seems you can go from 65 to 95 in seconds. Only gripes: It is not great in snow. Some of the power door locks dont work, Ive disabled them all. Uses about 2 quarts of oil in between 9,000 mile oil changes and the most annoying thing: the radio volume goes up & down with your speed and I cannot find a way to fix that.

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  Honda Prelude - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By kevo - November 4 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased a 1995 Honda Prelude about one year ago. I have put 20,000 miles on it and it still runs just as good as the day that I bought it. I have done some performance changes such as a carbon fiber hood, an exhaust, and a cold air intake. I am very impressed with the performance of the car. It has good pickup and drives very smooth.

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  Love the CR-V, hate the gas mileage - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Charron - November 3 - 11:49 pm

  I love my CR-V. Its fun to drive, accelerates well, and is GREAT for hauling. Those seats flip so quick, and it allows for MEGA cargo space. I have two problems, one the gas mileage is not so great and two, the trunk light indicator has been a problem since I bought the car. It constatly comes on, even when Ive slammed the trunk to the point where my teeth rattle. Ive taken it to the dealer twice now. Not sure if this is just my car, or a problem with the model year. Hopefully this is now resolved. Otherwise, I love my CR-V. Its nice being off the ground. Oh yeah, great sound system too.

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  Fun to Drive and Overall a Good Value. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dana - November 3 - 7:16 pm

  Fun to drive? Thats Because my Civic is averaging 32-35 mpg, now I can actually afford to drive. I drive approximately 70% highway and 30% city and back roads. Our highways are hilly here in West Virginia and my city driving includes many steep hills. In flatter terrain it should approach 40 mpg. The Civic is sporty / fun to drive and handles most driving conditions well. I actually look forward to driving it. Value: Hey, I did the comparisons too, it has one of the highest MSRPs in its class. Check the private party sale value of a 2006 Civic LX AT with 60K miles. The true market value of $12K is more than the asking price of new 2008 models in this segment less the Corolla.

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  Quality, Quality, Quality! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ROB - November 3 - 7:01 pm

  Car quality is exceptional. The engine is okay, but could use a few more horses. Very comfortable.

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  Best Room for the Price - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mark - November 3 - 6:54 pm

  Bought my Element used and have been very satisfied. Stepped down from a 99 Tahoe and love the versatility and fuel economy. Goes just about anywhere with only slightly less comfort. Very stable and very manuverable in traffic.

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  A great little SUV for all around duty - 2005 Honda Element
  By Wm. Rohrey - November 3 - 8:52 am

  I think this is one of the best for overall use. It has enough power to do most all jobs its ask to perform & the gas mileage is good. The use for hauling things is great & its easy to load. The only thing I see wrong is the fact that you must open the front doors to be able to open the rear doors. I guess this is a safety thing? But overall the Element has been great fun to drive & handles very well.Hope Honda makes more improvements to this car.

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  Think before buying - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Stephanie - November 3 - 3:25 am

  The paint WILL fade on this car as part of the manufacturer paint recall and they will only pay 25% to help you fix this problem even though you bought this car from HONDA! They told me it was 2 years past warranty and "I was lucky that they were even helping cover the cost to repair the paint at all". The service is ridiculous, I highly suggest you buy your car from a manufacture that actually takes responsibility for a known defect in the car.

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  Red Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Little red Civic - November 3 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car used in July as I knew the owner. It gets thirty plus mpg but I have gotten over 40 mpg on a trip. So far have put a set of front brakes and rotors, a muffler and adjusted the valves. It has 170000 miles and feels like its good for that many more.