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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  Value for money. - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By bartio - April 17 - 12:20 am

  I did research several vehicles for the past 6 months. The main selling points for me over my runners up (CX9, XC90) were Spaciousness, well designed storage, resale value, reliability ratings. I have a Camry and a Golf, so I know sporty (noisy) and whisper quiet.. The Pilot is not as quiet as the Camry, but I didnt feel the bumps as much in the Pilot either. So it is a wash.. Very well thought design. Drives solid.. no pulling to the right like people here complain.. Im very happy with my purchase and hope to drive this one for several years..

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  Much better MPG than EPA ratings! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lenny - April 16 - 9:57 pm

  Just filled up for the first time-better than 44 mpg (actual) since new 370 miles). My other car is a 2003 Jetta TDI. The Insight is different-it lacks the outstanding road feel of the VW, but is much smoother and less noisy. Fun to drive, great gadgetry (nav with bluetooth link). Decent road feel and handling.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2001 Honda Accord
  By JayC - April 16 - 7:35 pm

  In the last 19 years I have owned 2 cars, a Honda civic and now a Honda Accord. Between the two of them I have replaced the tires and the exhaust on the Civic--that is it! For dependable, well made cars you cant go wrong. The size of the sedan is good. Good trunk size, good passenger size, nice feel, vision and little things like cup holder, glove box etc. Dash is easy to read, all controls are placed sensibly. I dont drive a lot but the car is comfortable and good on gas.

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  Happy owner - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Don - April 16 - 3:05 pm

  Were new to Honda wanting one due to having a dealer close by. Motor Week said it was the best SUV for the year. Averaging about 17 mpg mixed driving. Have got up to 25 mpg at times on expressway. On recent trip Mrs and I agreed we had less travel fatigue. I like the size while having a lower profile with a wide track. I have some tiny remorse about not considering (test-driving) the Touring model.

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  Love This car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By john - April 16 - 11:18 am

  Bought this car with 140,000 miles it runs good Gets good gas mileage around 36 mpg.

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  I love my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Sami - April 14 - 4:12 pm

  I purchased an Element after seeing how the rear seats function. The best part for us was the fact they could be removed. I purchased this vehicle entirely for my dogs, because were constantly on the road with them for dog-related activities. The person who reviewed the Element poorly, who also purchased it for their dogs, obviously didnt tie anything down. I put a big dog bed right behind the front seats, can stow up to 6 folding kennels against one side of the vehicle (there are tons of places to use bungee straps in this SUV!), an ice chest, folding chairs, luggage, etc. More than enough room for 2 adults and 3 big dogs. You just have to use your head when it comes to maximizing space!

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  Insight over Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By APinMD - April 14 - 1:44 pm

  Always wanted a hybrid, by default that meant the Prius. Test drove both in one day (within an hour-highly recommend). Insight surprised spouse and me--we both loved it WAY more than Prius. Very easy and user friendly displays, love the instant MPG color feedback. Very good pick-up, can zip around quickly, never guess its a hybrid. I leave it in Eco Mode all the time. Start/stop driving: I get ~43- 45 mpg with regular driving style, 49- 50 with some effort to "green" my driving style :) On the highway up to 55 mpg with little effort. I LOVE this car. Never thought Id like anything better than my 2003 Jetta. But I DO!

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  I Love My Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KonaSH - April 14 - 12:55 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 years now, and Ive only put on a little over 20,000 miles. I have never had an issue with breakdowns or any kind of system failures. This car is extremely reliable, the only thing that would ruin its quality is a bad driver! Everything about this car works, has always worked, and the interior design is extremely practical.This is not meant to be a high-end luxury car, however for a low-priced car, the quality is absolutely fantastic.

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  So happy in my Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Soleil575 - April 13 - 12:18 pm

  Ive had my Fit for about a week, and I have to say that I love it. Its a lot of fun to drive and unlike other cars that I test-drove, the Fit has excellent visibility. It feels solid and secure on the road - Id swear Im driving a much bigger car. One of the biggest draws for me was the flexibility in space that the car offers - those magic seats are fantastic! Im very happy with my purchase, and Id recommend it to others. In fact, my partner is thinking of trading his 2000 Accord for a Fit.

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  90,000 miles and better than new. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bill E. - April 12 - 4:44 pm

  Ive owned this car since December of 02, and have enjoyed every mile Ive driven it. Honda recalled it to fix a potential transmission problem at 30,000 miles. I put new tires on it at 70,000 miles, which made it a much better car. The only other repair has been new front brakes at 80,000 miles. The car looks new, feels new, and with the new tires, rides and handles better and quieter than new. I cant find any reason to buy a new one, and plan to put another 90,000 miles on it.