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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  AIR BAG - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kanchan616 - August 10 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive. Good mileage. Nice and sporty. My friends love this car, Ofcourse I do TOOOO. Best for parking in NEW YORK CITY.

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  Basic features missing for a loaded car - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Boilerace - August 10 - 11:34 am

  Previously owned a Toyota Sienna Van. Liked the car, but went to buy a new one and they did not want to deal. Price for Honda EX-L with Nav and RES was amazing right out of the gate. So we bought it. The van is good, but disappointed in Honda. They seem stuck in the past with basic styling. The van is built well, but the exterior is boring. The van is loaded, BUT I am so upset that with all the great features that there are basics missing. Automatic lights are not on the van. We leave the lights on once a week. Basics of "Miles to empty". It has a nav system but I cant tell me how many miles until empty. The van is good.....dont love it, but its good.

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  Fits with Me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Dan H. - August 9 - 10:58 pm

  When I was looking for a small compact car, the Fit kept coming on my radar. However, I wasnt that interested because I thought the exterior look of the car was too futuristic and mini-vanish. I preferred the look of the Subaru Impreza and Hyundai Accent. After looking at similar cars in its class, it seemed to stand out on things important to me safety, reliability, and gas mileage. I gave in and accepted that it might not be the best looking car. I am extremely impressed with the gas mileage and interior space/comfort the car provides. I am a very calm driver and am averaging well over 40mpg on the highway. Im only at 450 miles, but everything is great so far.

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  Comfy SUV That Can be Put to Work - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By le hayes - August 9 - 3:54 pm

  I bought my Pilot last winter to replace a Chevy diesel work truck and an aging Chrysler family van. The Pilot does double duty as a business vehicle that regularly tows a 5,000 pound utility trailer and a weekend family cruiser. Very impressed with how well it does both, and Im very surprised to see the engine occasionally described as underpowered as Ive experience nothing of the kind and am very impressed with both the towing ability and quickness from a stop, as well as the highway climbing torque. Id suggest others try locking out the overdrive for most local driving/climbing if they want to see brisker performance. I have 13K trouble free miles to date and am averaging 18-19 mpg.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jim - August 8 - 7:36 pm

  So far I am pretty happy with my purchase of a Civic. Overall, its what I expected. There are a few surprising issues. Most notably, the car has a tough time starting when its cold out (under 20 degrees). I live in the Northeast and that has been rather often this winter. The windshield washer nozzles have also been freezing up since Ive had the car. It doesnt handle well in the snow but I expected that since its so light. I do like the reliability that comes with the Civic and it does ride well. Also, the gas gauge seems to underestimate the amount of gas in the tank. I actually was driving with no bars on the gas gauge, so I rushed to fill the tank and I still had about 2 gallons left.

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  Love at First Ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By maggiepirsq - August 7 - 5:46 pm

  Began looking at Honda and Toyota sedans. On a whim, deciced to take CR-V for a test drive. Decided right then that I was going to buy a CR-V or RAV4. Doing my research & comparison, I came to appreciate the way Honda allowed the consumer to decide on the options, unlike Toyota which pre-packaged many options, bringing up the price several thousand $. I got exactly what I want for $5K less than comparable RAV4. I love the ride, handles flawlessly. I can fit in all of my dogs, including my greyhound in the back. I love the height that I sit at. 20 years ago spent $18,900 on a Crown Vic LX & it was really not a quality auto. Now I have spent only $500 more and have gotten a great quality auto!

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  More problems than you would think - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By rj - August 7 - 12:34 pm

  Car did well right up to the end of the rather weak warranty. After 90K some really annoying repairs... chief of which was the endemic defects involving the AC Compressor. O2 Sensors went before that and before that the blower motor. Having heat last winter and AC this summer has been a real challenge. Honda was no help with repairs which is disturbing since the AC Compressor is an obvious problem throughout the country.

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  2009 Honda fit manual tranny - 2009 Honda Fit
  By leahcim2009 - August 7 - 12:24 pm

  I have had this car for about three weeks and love the car. I currently own a 2008 civic and was thinking of getting another one but the versatility of the fit was its best selling point. Good gas mileage as well as the ability to fold the seats about 10 different ways has made it easy to haul cargo. Suggestions do not buy any accessories at the dealer as you can find online for much less.

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  Where is the reliability? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Joy - August 6 - 10:56 pm

  Bought 2006 Civic LX because of its incredible reliability history but having a real hard time keeping this newly designed car healthy. Got tired of taking my new car to dealership almost every other week. I have already gone to the dealer to fix the passenger door, passenger seat sliding assembly, recalled accelerator padel, falling steering column cover, unfoldable backseat and today - both rear shock absorbers are leaking alarming amount of fluid - need to replace both. Got so freaked out, purchased the extended warranty as I have to buy it before 6000 miles. God knows whats next! Am I the only unlucky one? This is extremely poor quality control by Honda for a redesigned car.

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  Reliable, Practical, but Boring - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By RyGuy - August 6 - 9:38 pm

  Very Comfortable and spacious. Definitely the best SUV for a family, because you can fit 3 people in both the middle and back rows. The reason we bought this vehicle is because we have two kids in car seats and my wife wanted to be able to sit in the back with them. This is the only SUV we could find that has the LATCH system in the middle seat. So we can put the two car seats together, and my wife can sit on the end. The reason this is handy is so that if others needed to access the third row, you wouldnt have to remove a car seat. That would be a pain! The third row seat is also actually quite spacious for adults. Great family car. The only thing is that its kinda boring to drive.