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 Car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Carlos - March 24 - 4:55 pm

  I have owned my Odyssey since 2001, its model year. So far, I have driven it for 163,000 miles without any problem. This model year had a transmission recall, so Honda replaced my transmission free of charge when the transmission died. Other than this covered warranty repair and routine maintenance, this car has not required any repairs. With three kids constantly going in and out of this car, I would have thought the automatic doors would eventually required some work. However, this car had not giving me any trouble. Its been completely reliable.

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  Keeps going and going..... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By catherinet00 - March 24 - 10:48 am

  I bought this Honda crv after having too many bad experiences with a 1999 VW Jetta. Whew. What a big relief getting rid of the former and getting this crv instead. CR-V currently has about 143,000 miles on it and I have had no major mechanical problems with it. It has never left me on the road alone. It is like the little engine that could. The looks are NOT deceiving for what is under the hood. It is a SMALL SUV, therefore a small engine. This vehicle is perfect for me as a single female with no baggage. I am a city person and 99% of the time I use it to commute to work and other places in the city. Its perfect for me.

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  2010 EXL-w/RES - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Wolfeman - March 23 - 7:48 pm

  I love driving this car. It rides excellent and I am still finding cubby holes for storage. I do not have any issues with the vehicle and love the way it looks too. I went from a 2007 Chevy Avalanche to this. The mileage is excellent compared to my truck. It is way more practical than the Chevy. Plus my Chevy was starting to get the 60k issues all Chevys get.

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  Very satisfied with the Civic LX-S - 2010 Honda Civic
  By larry p - March 23 - 7:30 pm

  This is a solid vehicle. We use our Civic mostly in light city driving with infrequent short highway driving. First tank of gas provided over 31 mpg with 90 percent city driving. This Civic is an outstanding city car for commuting to work or for shopping trips. We did not purchase ours to make trips in the hundreds of miles as comfort may be compromised as with any smaller vehicle. Our drive out price was 18,600 and that included about $500 for all the nice extra features that come with the LX-S, the dreaded $498 doc fee for admin work and a 7% sales tax that added about $1200. The dealer was easy to deal with as we went in with a general drive out price in mind.

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  2010 CIVIC LX-S Purchase on 3/22/2010 - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Gary - March 22 - 11:00 pm

  Purchased my 2010 Civic lx-s on 3/22/2010 for $16,555. Trade-in 2008 lx 43,700 miles, and got $10,750 for it. With 0.9% financing and incentives, it was hard to beat. Financing ends 3/31/2010, so hurry up. Got tango red with the black interior-very sharp! In 2-3 years, I will buy another. My 2008 averaged 29.5 mpg in sub-freezing temps to 38.9 mpg on trip to Virginia of 400 miles. Other than oil changed, I put no money into this car for 2 years. So, when I bought my 2010, I did not get the extended warranty. I drive 60 miles a day, so lease was not an option. Great little car!

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  Nice car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MicroBlitz - March 22 - 1:37 pm

  Loved this car. This is the 3rd Civic Hybrid weve owned. Drives nice and easy to park. Great gas mileage. The best combined (Hwy/City) mileage I got, by checking a tankful of gas manually was 63.2 mpg driving in warm Florida weather on mostly flat roads. The worst combined (Hwy/City) mileage I got, by checking a tankful of gas manually was 43.5 mpg driving in cold Michigan weather on semi-hilly roads. Things I didnt like about the Civic were: (1)The wearing of the door seal from rubbing against it when getting in and out of the car, (2) Small trunk, (3) Small gas tank. (4) Seats too low. (5) The lack of color choices.

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  Just hit 150,000 miles. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Lianger - March 22 - 9:40 am

  I got my 98 civic 4dr ex my junior year of high school. Im still driving after 11 years. I just hit 150,000 miles with all the commuting back and forth to work and back. Its about a 50 mile commute round trip. This is my first car and its going to be sad when I have to let him. A lot of good memories. No major issue and very reliable car. I have gone through about 4 or 5 sets of tires, 3 brakes and rotors, 2 exhaust pipes, replaced 1 turn signal light bulb, Timing belt, water pump, 2 CV boots (city has a lot of pot holes), and a turn up. The worst thing that happen was a crack gasket which cause the antifreeze to leak.

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  Best vehicle that Ive ever owned - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - March 21 - 9:24 pm

  Ive had this car for over a year, and it has been great! Its averaged 20.5 mpg. It has a smooth ride. It tows like a champ, and handles off-road very well.

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  Spring break driver - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ken ON - March 21 - 10:39 am

  I was waiting for the new 4Runner before making a decision to buy a new vehicle. I also checked out most competitors including the MB M Class. The Pilot was still the winner by far. A week after taking delivery we left Toronto for Florida for spring break vacation. This is a 2400 KM (1500 Mi) drive one way. The vehicle performed exceptionally well in every aspect. Comfortable for driver and passengers and the NAV and entertainment system were great assets. I have owned a Yukon and Envoy which do not come close to this Honda Pilot in any way. I previously purchased GM but my wife has had several Honda Accords which helped sell me as they have been outstanding.

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  Beast car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By rid - March 20 - 10:29 pm

  So this was a hand-me down car from my mom that got a 09 Honda accord. Truly this car is older than me but it doesnt seem like it. The car has a sturdy build and awesome feel when driving. The interior is a clean cut design and cant get any better. I truly think its built better than my moms car and Im only 15. My car has over 200,000 miles in it and has a new engine and has been taken care of and its better than any coupe car out there today. its even better than the top fuel efficient car out there getting a top mpg of 46!