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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  Still lovin this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JohnR1980 - January 18 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had my civic 4dr. ex for almost 2 yrs. Just went over 50k, and still love my car. 35 mpg city and highway. People tell me it looks like a little 07 Acura TL. Ride comfort is great, so long trips for me, not a problem. The civic might have cost a little more than most, but this is my 8th Honda, and wont drive anything else but a HONDA

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  My favorite car ever - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Civicpride - January 18 - 3:26 pm

  This is the best car ever. I have almost 150,000 miles on it, taught my kid to drive it (hence, all the dings) and other than replacing the catalytic converter I have only done scheduled maintenance. Runs like a top. I was too tall to get the EX and maybe thats a good thing.

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  Incredible Impressed! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MassSnowMan - January 18 - 11:51 am

  We bought our 2003 Honda new and have close to 200,000 miles on the car. It is still going strong and weve had no problems. We have done all of the recommended maintenance as outlined in the Honda owners manual (oil changes, brakes, engine tune ups, etc.) The car has been great in the snow and with good tire tread(all season radials), we have had NO problems thus far. Reliability has been exceptional. The interior has held up fairly well after the wear and tear of three kids. Our oldest child is now driving and this car will probably be driven "into the ground" by her. Our experience has been so good that we are looking at the 2010 Pilot! Overall, were happy with our Honda Pilot!

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  Best vehicle and most versatile. - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By eddieo311 - January 17 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this truck almost 3 years ago brand new and thats still the way it looks and drives. I moved to GA from NJ and I go back a few times/year. My wife and I love the ride, size, and reliability. We can throw all our stuff for the trip in the bed and the trunk with the dogs riding in the back with the seats folded up, and theres still a ton of room. Despite being a truck I get great mileage and it handles all elements with ease.

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  After 8k miles the car works for me - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rick in Seagrove, FL - January 17 - 3:17 pm

  After about 6 months of driving the Insight on my 40 mile daily commute Im very pleased with cars style and performance. After 8k miles Ive gotten 53 (indicated) and 50 (measured) MPG as my lifetime to date fuel economy. I keep my tire pressure at 40 psi and drive fairly conservatively and the car has really rewarded me with impressive fuel economy. Im currently using about half the gas I was using with my previous ride which was a 01 Focus ZX3. Aside from fuel economy I think the car is the most attractive high mileage car on the market. It has a sleek, futuristic look and comes with great looking wheels for an entry level hybrid. BTW, Im 5-10" and I fit in the back seat just fine.

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  Satisfied 8 Year Ownership - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Argentum - January 17 - 11:24 am

  This is my 3rd and final review for this outstanding vehicle which I bought new and will be trading in soon with over 120000 miles. If you are reading this review, you are likely looking to buy a used CRV. I can honestly say that it still has a new car look and feel. The only repairs for malfunctions ever done were for A\C and brakes. All else was for preventative maintenance. I think buying a used CRV is a roll of the dice, but if you get one that has been properly maintained, you will not be sorry.

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  Love this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave - January 17 - 10:58 am

  I had the heated seat feature installed without the leather - great idea. I also worked the rear view mirror with glare repellent and direction in the deal as well - great idea too. With tinted windows and the rear wing, I find this car every bit as classy as models 3 times the cost. High end tires have helped tremendously - Honda sells them new with a really bad tire.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By hondalover15 - January 16 - 10:39 pm

  I love my Honda Pilot! Its reliable,comfortable,economical,the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Never, ever a moments trouble with this SUV. Its my 3rd Honda. I wont drive anything else. I expect a lot from my vehicle & this SUV delivers and more. Such a smooth ride, great for interstate driving. Handles well on snow and ice.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jay - January 16 - 2:48 pm

  I traded in my S2000 for this car. I know its slower but cant tell from driving it. This car feels faster than it is. Its as much fun to drive as the S2000 was. I considered other cars but owned many Hondas in the past and havent been disappointed by my decision to take this over WRX and MS3. I commute 82 miles round trip each day and enjoy every minute of it.

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  A Very Big little Car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By midrum - January 14 - 11:24 pm

  I bought the Fit based on the reviews (many of them raves) in the car mags. It was a tough step down from my 280 h.p. SUV to this slick looking little econobox. The test drive was good enough. Although it didnt really tell me much other than the Fit didnt have any pick up compared to what I was used to. It did feel solid though and it was very quiet with a really good a/c unit. Over the past few months it has proven to be super solid, often feeling like a much bigger car. But when it gets to 5K RPM it s a whole new thing. Its really fast and agile. Super fun to drive and always self assured. The paddle shifters add to the feeling of connectedness. Plus a killer stereo to boot.