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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  Awesome little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By knightimer - November 20 - 1:13 am

  I did research before i went ahead and bought this car. In comparison to the others cars (TC3, Mazda3) I was looking at, the overall features, style, price and gas mileage won me over. I get nothing but compliments about the new body style. It puts a smile on my face. After owning the car for a short period of time, I knew I made the right choice!

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  The best SUV out there! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By chockm - November 19 - 10:04 pm

  It is a solid car with quite interior and all amenities that you would find in most cars in its class. It drives very nicely. I tested every SUV in the class and the Pilot was the best. Meets all of our needs. I like the boxy look because it stands out with all of the curvy homogeneous looking SUVs and crossovers. About the fuel economy. This vehicle weighs 4500 lbs, carries 8 people + baggage. On a per person basis, the fuel economy is very good. When it comes to total value = handling, space, power, features, total cost of ownership this SUV is unbeatable.

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  Honda Acc. V-6 2006 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Osc - November 19 - 2:41 pm

  I just got my Accord a month ago and i love it! The car has a sporty look and it has good power, The only thing that Im not too crazy about is that the suspension is hard, I can feel every bump on the road, I replaced the stock Michelin Tires for some Sumitomos and it got better, (by the Sumitomos tires handle the road soooo much better than the Michelin) The transmission shifts a little ruff than what Im used to in other cars but when i had a Honda technician do a test drive he said it was normal. Besides this two things I really like the car!!!!!

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  What a car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Koos Smith - November 19 - 12:43 pm

  I bought a Civic EX with navigation system for my wife.The car is incredible. She loves it and dubbed it "Beauty". Build quality, design and looks are great. I score the car 10. I would have liked a leather option on the Civic though and had custom leather fitted. We have not yet had a lot of experience with the navigation system, but I have found it slow to react and inaccurate at times. My Garmin Streetpilot does a much better job. It takes some getting used to, but the integrated navi system/audio system that flips open at the touch of a button is great. The voice command feature adds a nice touch.The best car in its class, competitively priced with lots of features.

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  Miles Not a Worry - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Noah - November 19 - 12:01 pm

  I purchased my 1-owner (carfacts) used car in July of 2009 with 175,000 miles already on it. I have loved everything about it. Depending on the terrain and wind, the mileage has ranged from 36-54mph, with the worst coming from driving into terrible winds and the best from driving with a breeze (have yet to drive with a strong wind). Car gets about 49mpg in town when driving with care. I have put 5,000 miles on it since purchasing and its averaged 47mpg city/highway. Have had NO problems whatsoever to speak of, even with the high mileage. Have only replaced the oil/filter (once a year or every 10,000 miles). I would tell any and everybody that they would love a Honda Civic Hybrid!!

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  Alot of "FUN" for your money!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Unbelievable Car!! - November 19 - 4:16 am

  This "little" car is fun to drive! It comes with loads of gadgets and is quite a speedy little car. I would recommend buying this car to anyone who wants a lot of car, in a small package.

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  Great MPG and Spirit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Kurt1217 - November 18 - 5:58 pm

  I am a high-spirited driver and drive 110 miles one-way to work, so needed a fuel efficient car that had zip. 10,000+ miles already since June 2008. Depending on my driving habits, I average 40+ highway/35 mixed (highest was 52 MPG for one trip at 60 MPH!). This car has great acceleration when you punch it for entering traffic and passing, but dont expect a rocket car. Maneuverability is excellent, although real tight cornering causes the back end to sway. The seats are not very comfortable for long distances, but I generally like the interior styling. Visibility is excellent, with nice large side mirrors. Nice rear seat flexibility for transporting my big dog and cargo. Great car overall!

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  I like it - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Airwolf - November 18 - 1:23 pm

  Its a great car. Fun to drive and saves me some gas money. I love the new futuristic design. It moves surprisingly quick for such a small engine too. The insurance was even less than my last car which was 10 years old.

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  My first Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By CarolynH. - November 18 - 7:38 am

  This is the first Honda I have purchased and so far, I am very pleased. The style of the car is what first caught my eye. I test drove every midsize SUV on the market before choosing this one for its size, style, cargo space, V6 not V8, and smooth ride. Great on gas for the size, love it for my family of four & dog on road trips.

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  Good but... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4 timer - November 18 - 6:14 am

  This is our 4th Honda vehicle and I think we got a lemon this time. It was delivered with a scratch on front bumper which needed to be replaced. One year in we had to replace transmission! Weve had lots of issues with driver side window motors, replaced engine mounts twice, replaced tires every 20K miles, rubber sealing on floor area of sliding doors is coming off and my Honda dealer service people know me by name... not a good thing! I dont know what engineers were thinking with shallow cup holders on tray and pull out holder is horrible... too loose to hold things. This van was not what I bargained for... one issue after another since we got it. Thank goodness we got Ext. Warranty!