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:

• 

  246,000 miles and still strong - 1999 Honda Accord
  By hunter252 - January 10 - 9:55 am

  We bought this car brand new with only 52 miles. The car has given us great service with just normal maintenance. The car is very reliable, and still drives almost 100 miles a day. The motor and transmission is still all original with no problems other than a stalling problem it just started having which looks to be just a cleaning of the throttle body,and idle control valve issue. I would recommend one of these cars to anybody, and plan to buy another one when this finally gives up. I think the odometer speaks for itself.

• 

  Still Raving after 9 months ownership - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CR-V Owners - January 9 - 9:36 pm

  Weve had this car for 9 months, now, and could not be more pleased. Highway mileage from Florida to upstate NY averaged over 30 mph. Comfort and driveability are superb for this level of vehicle. (I do agree with a few others that road noise is a little above what wed like, but whos perfect? Even with the 2-wheel drive thats standard in the south, we had no trouble driving in the snow and ice of Rochester, NY area a couple weeks ago. Overall, were VERY pleased with our purchase and would buy another CR-V in a minute.

• 

  Methuselahmobile - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Steve B. - January 9 - 6:50 am

  I drove my Civic DX away from the dealer in March, 1999 and there are now 156K miles on the odometer. Although carefully maintained, this car has never been garaged and has spent her entire life in the frozen north (Michigan & Upstate New York). My daily commute runs between 70-80 miles. Except for a slightly leaky water pump at 70k and the odd rusty muffler/tailpipe, there have been no repair issues outside the normal service schedule. (The clutch is original.) My Civic still delivers 35- 40 mpg if driven rationally expect a little less with 4 snow tires.

• 

  I love my PILOT! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Family Vehicle! - January 8 - 4:49 pm

  This car is the best ever! I have no leather seats but I will be getting them soon. I recommend this car to everybody it has no flaws. It handles like a small car and will continue to be my car of choice.

• 

  Cant go wrong w/the Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bob - January 8 - 1:04 pm

  Bought this new, now 5 years and 90K+ miles later still love this Pilot! Very reliable, great mileage (20+ in daily commuting) when lead shoe isnt worn, only maintenance & tires to date. Its not sexy but its not supposed to be either. Regularly haul 3-8 total (adults + teens) with no problem. Highly recommend any Pilot.

• 

  The Civic continues to deliver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By misttertee - January 7 - 8:53 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years now and I do not regret my decision. It consistently delivers better gas mileage than the sticker (36-37 mpg) and is still fun to drive. The build quality and refinement are top notch and the manual transmission provides smooth, short throw shifts. In my opinion, the Civic is a much better design both inside and out than other cars in the segment. Ive put 40k miles on this car in just 21 months and it continues to perform like it did when I drove it off the dealers lot.

• 

  GREAT HONDA FIT - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Bicycles1980 - January 7 - 11:59 am

  I purchased my 2010 Honda Fit in Black, ($18k), with underbody rust/salt protection & noise reduction. I have only had the car a few days, but already I love how easy it is to drive. Its small and can fit anywhere! Because its BASIC, I had to buy my own mats, but you can always add more stuff to it later. I will add a console, small rear top spoiler & nicer rims.

• 

  Good, Bad and Ugly Part II, or III - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wen - January 6 - 4:58 pm

  This is our second Odyssey, so we are a fan! But it has its flaw too. Although I love my van, tires seem to wear very fast, I was told there has been numerous people complaining about it, then it was the rear engine mount that I had to replace today, $700, ouch!!! Expensive part, and I dont recall ever had to replace engine mount in any other of my vehicles, two of which were mini van. Then, along with the tires, it was the alignment, because tires were wearing different even though I was good at rotating them, I am wondering if there is anything to do with alignment ability.

• 

  Very Reliable Vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mike - January 6 - 2:16 pm

  I just bought a Used 2004 Honda Accord EX V6 with a good price. It has about 72k miles but its body condition and driving condition is like new. Since its V6 it is equipped with 240Hp which runs fast on a easy acceleration. Its performance both in high way and city is excellent. It has good Fuel Economy for a V6 midsize sedan. The interior is roomy and provide good safety features like front and side curtain air bags. I feel happy and safe when im behind this Accord. Even though i didnt bought it when it was new. But overall, its very reliable car anybody could depend on.

• 

  BEST SUV SO FAR - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By bob - January 6 - 11:36 am

  I never thought of purchasing an SUV, I was looking at sedans last year but then I never have enough room when I drive home for vacations. I looked at the pathfinder, highlander, 4runner and the aspen. Then while driving home I was passed by a fast moving pilot, I went for a test drive on all SUVs mentioned above but the pilot was the cream of the crop. It had everything I wanted and more for the price the room and comfort sold me. I wish the gas mileage was better since it has a engine management system but I already knew what I was getting into since it is an SUV.