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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  best car we have owned - 2009 Honda Civic
  By hayjay0911 - April 12 - 3:23 pm

  Bough this car with 55K on it my boyfriend drives 100 miles to work and tis car is amazing we got it in september 2011 an have put 10 K on it and nothing wrong it has amazing gas mileage the only thing i dont like is the driver side door molding we had to replace it pulled away from the frame it was a 20 dollar fix i would tell anyone needng a good reliable car to go to hondas im a ford truck girl i love them but for theprice and reliabillity and our 2 kids fit in the back perfect with a car seat with an older child sitting in the middle love this car so much and all the reviews helped us so much thank you all

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  2010 Civic LXS 5 speed manual - 2010 Honda Civic
  By jodar96 - April 12 - 11:21 am

  Bought it new on Feb 2010 for $16K ( MSRP $18,900) I always felt Civic was the most reliable, refined, fuel efficient, fun to drive small car around. Its gas mileage I believed was the closest to a hybrid w/o the cost or engine complexity. I was right on in every aspect. After over two years and 18K miles, it has never been back to the dealer for any repair. Its gas mileage is 36mpg on hwy doing 70-75. and I have got 40mpg on three occasions when I keep the speed at 65mph. Its 5 speed manual is amazingly precise and solid. The car is agile, nimble, and very fun to drive. The exterior shape eventhough goeas back to 2006, is still pleasant to look at.

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  Finally reviewing.... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By wds1 - April 9 - 9:26 pm

  I have had the 2006 Accord Ex-V6 since it was new, but have never reviewed it until now. This is the fourth Honda I have owned. I keep all my cars for many years. This car is quite comfortable. I think that is my favorite aspect of the car. The leather seats have held up well. I have had the car almost 7 years (purchased in Nov. 05) and the leather is still not split. My back seats still look practically new. Nothing in the interior has ever broken, to date. The exterior paint is thin and scratches easily. The reported sticker gas mileage is totally inaccurate. It avgs. 18 mpg. The reliability of the car does not compare to my former Honda cars. Its been towed three times in the last year!

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  Great pleasant surprise - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By lapchole - April 9 - 7:32 pm

  I was in the market for an SUV. Always had high end european SUV, with the exception of a Lincoln Navigator years ago, that ended up being a great car. Now I have a 2005 V-8 VW Touareg. Great driving, powerful, small, rough ride and not too comfortable for long travel. Transmission started to make strange noises and very rough downshifting. Time to get rid of it after 7 years. Shopped around...everything very expensive and I was after a Mercedes Benz GL 450: $ 70,000 + Found the Pilot Touring. Has all the technology and comfort I need for half the price of a MB. Great car. Enjoy the ride.... I chose this car after renting a basic Pilot in Peru to travel through the Andes Mountains

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  stay away - this car is a junk-yard worthy thing nothing more - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 190r_k - April 9 - 6:35 pm

  I had this Honda Accord EX V6 for more than 6 years. This was a complete waste of money - problems started almost right after first year - annoying noise in the driver and passenger doors. Then, it had an issue with the steering wheel power pump, next engine mounts broke, then transmission died (at 60000 miles), next I had to replace struts, then steering pump was replaced and finally it started leaking oil... and... well, this list can go on, thankfully I had extended warranty so most of the repairs didnt cost me big $$.

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  Great Colorado college car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ftstdnt_andmom - April 9 - 2:02 am

  Im a full time college student and a mom so this car mostly fits the budget! I bought my car 6years ago with 32,000 miles now it has just over 175,000 (I drive a lot) its showing its age now. The biggest problem is the A/C unit. The clutch arm went out 3 years ago and its just not feasible for me to have it repaired. Not having AC is annoying but not nearly as annoying as 2 complaining kids in the back seat.

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  Honda is still the best!!! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By garminmanila - April 8 - 3:18 pm

  So far so good. Im glad I bought this Civic EX-L at an excellent deal over $1k below Edmunds. It is used as an additional car for the wifes shopping, school, church and around town errands. Our Montero 20th Anniv is good for outdoors and long drives but at 14/18mpg :-( Love our Honda.. Its been getting at least 35-38mpg. Too bad the reviews did not get them any fair shot.

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  Fuel economy is way better than advertised - 2012 Honda Fit
  By hime86 - April 8 - 9:40 am

  We chose the fit after test driving the Mazda 3, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Honda Civic. I drive 40 miles a day for my commute, about 60% of that in very heavy stop-and-go traffic, and Ive never had less than 34 mpg in my Fit! Its nice to be able to fill up for less than $30, even when gas is almost $4/gallon. I bought the automatic in the Sport trim, which has nice interior finishes like chrome and leather accents. There is a TON of interior room-- when the office carpools to lunch, everyone wants to go in my Fit. It doesnt accelerate like a bigger car but the gas mileage is worth it.

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  2012 Civic EX-L Nice - 2012 Honda Civic
  By deer_country - April 6 - 8:31 pm

  The beautiful Civic Honda is an excellent all around car. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but other than that it is excellent quality. The edge of the seats seem firm and cause discomfort on a long journey. But the handling is excellent.

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  Just Freaking Awesome - 2012 Honda Fit
  By smoothride12 - April 6 - 8:30 am

  Weve had the 2012 Fit Sport since December 2011. The car is an absolute blast to drive. We have the 5 speed manual. Great acceleration, phenomenal handling. 90% of our driving is in town and approximately 3 to 10 miles round trip. We are getting 31.5 miles per gallon. Unbelievable! Spacious interior and great engineering. I cant say enough about this car.