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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  great car! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By teacher - March 13 - 8:34 am

  Have enjoyed getting to know my Insight having driven for it almost a year now. Mileage is terrific - colder weather was around 40 mpg and with weather warming up i am now getting 44-45. cant beat that. headlights could be improved - needs broader area of light. also the split back window, while a beautiful design, is a little odd for seeing out back and backing up. overall, a great car with a great ride. the added leather interior is a nice upgrade!

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  4Dr Si - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Bob - March 12 - 1:44 pm

  The most fun car to drive I ever drove & I have a quick BMW also. Fit & finish are excellent. I have 5200 miles on it and thus far no problems. I get 25 MPG combined hwy & town even when I drive it hard. Excellent value

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  Realistic View - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By PilotAfterPilot - March 12 - 12:59 pm

  First let me say that all reviews depend on what the reviewer wants from a car. I needed a car that would be safe for my family, functional, and a good value. The Honda Pilot delivers on all accounts. One of the best features for us is the interior room. With the width of the 2nd row seat you can easily fit a normal sized adult in the middle seat between 2 car seats, good luck doing that in a Highlander! First hand experience says the car is very safe as well. Last month another Pilot lost control and hit us head on. Both cars totaled, no injuries, and I had my kids and parents in the car! Im getting my 2010 Pilot tomorrow. The car also drives well, and did great in the snow!

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  Expectations Met - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Catawba - March 12 - 8:41 am

  Bought this car during Cash For Clunkers, but waited to write a review until I saw how it performed during a Vermont winter. I put studded snow tires on and its been fine. Everything else is what I hoped for--fun to drive, trouble fee and consistently gets 40 mpg. I keep the back seats folded flat to accommodate golf clubs, dogs, etc. To keep wear and tear to a minimum, I bought an Elemmat from Murdock Industrial. Its a rubber mat designed for this model and it protects the cloth upholstery. I got the base model, since the only feature on the sport model I cared about was cruise control, but decided it wasnt worth the extra money. Not a luxury car, but great basic transportation.

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  Still loving it - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Tonya - March 12 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car over 9 months ago. Still super cute and fun to drive. Had a fender bender a few months back and drove a Mazda 3 rental for a couple days could definitely tell that the Honda Fit doesnt have as much horsepower when compared to the Mazda 3 but I never purchased the Fit with the delusion it was a high performance sports car No mechanical problems to report yet and I get lots of compliments on the vehicle I use the vehicle for mainly commuting around town for work so cant say Ive ever thought it was overly uncomfortable It was a good purchase for the money paid when compared with similar models of Toyota and Nissan

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  Happy Honda Customer - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Happy Honda Customer - March 10 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this car in Dec. 2004. I was glad I made the purchase. This car has been very good to me. I kept up with the oil changes and the 30, 60, 90,000 mile service. I know have about 90,000 miles on it and I plan to keep it until I cant drive it anymore. The engine seems to have a high noise. The fuel economy isnt as good as it used to be probable because of the ethanol they are putting in the gas nowadays. I used to get on average 36 miles to the gallon now I get about 30 mpg. Could have better pick up in first gear. The throttle response is a little low. It kinda lags. However passing other cars is a breeze. Has some rattling hear and there.

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  Great vehicle - 2000 Honda Accord
  By swarun - March 10 - 7:40 pm

  I have had this car for 10 years. It runs great. Very reliable. Has never stopped me on the road. The original battery lasted 9 1/2 years.

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  Joes Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe and Shirley - March 10 - 5:44 pm

  One of the most reliable vehicles we have ever owned. It has been a pleasure to own.

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  The best of the minivans but why no HID? - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Iconoclast - March 10 - 3:27 pm

  We bought this in November for our family. It has a great engine with plenty of power. The inside is nicely equipped. The seats are the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive owned. The controls , ride and handling are great. The brakes could be a little bigger but Ive never routinely driven a minivan. My only complaint it the lack of HID headlights. At this price point that should be standard. Also only the Grand Touring (highest) trim has the informational display. From other cars it is nice to know such things as oil life and tire pressure. Dont bother with the very expensive rear entertainment center they can break and for a tithe of the price you can get a dual screen dvd.

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  Love my Pilot! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Kelli - March 10 - 11:16 am

  Weve had a couple of Honda vehicles previously -- a 2004 Odyssey and a 2007 Element (which I traded in for this Pilot). Both have been excellent vehicles, so it was an easy decision to get another Honda. I adored my Element and it drove fantastic, so I actually didnt have any intention of trading it in for a Pilot that day. But as I looked at the new body design, I loved it. Ive previously not been a fan of the Pilot. Then I looked a bit more at the interior features - really comfortable, liked how the rear entertainment system worked, and was impressed by the way it drove.