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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  Honda Insight Base - 2011 Honda Insight
  By steve190 - April 29 - 6:40 am

  Fun car for the money, yeah you wont win any races with it but that is not what it was designed for. If you are looking for a car that is reasonably fun to drive and great on gas if you drive it right check out the Insight. You can do better on mileage with the Prius but you will also pay more for it and in my opinion the Honda drives and handles much better. Try them both and decide for yourself. Excellent value for a hybrid! Loving it so far!

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  From Alaska to Michigan!! LOVE IT! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By natenapril - April 27 - 4:22 pm

  We bought this car from Kendall of Fairbanks and 3 weeks later drove it to Michigan. LOVE the car. Great trip thanks to this car. I am 6 and my husband is 64" and we were very comfortable. We have 3 children who have no problem fitting. I LOVE the back up camera.

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  2011 CR-V SE AWD Great - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By nmt - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  First Honda and SUV. Only 300 miles on it but so far so good. Seems to be a great little SUV, as long as you drive easy. The 4 cy is not made for driving like you stole it or pulling of any kind. Ave mpg of 28, best I got so far was 33.2 mpg. That was driving like an old lady on a nice calm warm sunny day. However making the same trip in very winding conditions produced 22.1 mpg. So the 4 cy needs good conditions. Iam very pleased with the comfort, both front and rear seats. The rear seats are much better than the RAV4, especially for car seats. I agree with others that there are blind spots but no problems with wind noise or anyting else at this point.

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  My 1996 Honda Civic Ex "Baby" - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jenny30 - April 26 - 7:54 pm

  All i can say is i have never been happier than owning my Honda Cv. Im a proud owner of it. I got it when it had 90,000 miles purchased as is 3500 no warranty from a friend. My baby is still going strong. Its been in two wrecks not my fault. And its still going. I fixed it though got it a new body kit. It needs a newer one. I really have nothing bad to say about this, i maintain my vehicle very well. Happy to say ive treated is as i would want to be treated and its giving me favor in return. Ive fixed minor things like water pump that would go bad for a 96 or air filter stuff like that. Nothing major. My baby is now at over 200,000 miles and still going strong. Long live HONDA!

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  2010 Honda Civic DX model has potential - 2010 Honda Civic
  By elmarco - April 25 - 5:06 pm

  The 2010 Honda Civic DX model with manual 5 speed and DOHC engine is fun to drive. This is the cheaper version of the Civic Si. My previous car was a 2001 Ford Mustang, and this Civic gets much better gas mileage. In my opinion, the Civic coupe is stylish, but this car is far from perfect. Ive had suspension problems with this car from day one. Ive been to a couple of different Honda dealers in Dallas, and I got jacked around every time I went there. The clutch feels a little rough sometimes, an honest work-out helps. Honda OE shocks, struts, and springs are low quality lots of squeaks and rattles This car has potential, but I am really disappointed with Honda customer service.

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  I really love my Insight!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By svrider1 - April 24 - 7:40 pm

  It gets great gas mileage. I average about 45 mpg (mostly city driving) but if you are willing to drive a little slower it could be better. I also live in Florida and constantly use a/c which effects your fuel economy. Interior ergonomics are nice and futuristic looking, with seemingly very good build quality. Seats are really comfy with super-soft fabric!

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By mstiltner - April 24 - 6:20 pm

  Leased this Honda in Sept. 2010 for 36 months. Just need to commute back and forth to work and one vacation a year. I have owned Hondas in the past and I am disappointed with this Accord. The ride quality and road noise are HORRIBLE! I expected more from Honda and now Im stuck with a 36 month mistake.

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  Honda needs to address severe wind noise in their 2011 CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By newsandiegan - April 24 - 3:52 pm

  This is my first Honda, that I love in general. I took my first Pacific Coastal Highway trip and the mileage was not as promised, but the car rode nicely. Except, that on the freeways the windows wind noise is severe. I test drove it around the dealership and never on the freeway at 70 miles, my mistake. However, I do want Honda to know as dealership says it is a design problem and cannot be fixed. I sent my first payment to Honda Financing this month, in pain, as I am not entirely happy about this severe wind noise that ruins the conversation with your passengers. Lets do something as a group and make Honda aware of this and request a fix. Honda knows better than to ignore this problem.

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  2011 Honda Civic LX Manual - 2011 Honda Civic
  By kiyotchan - April 23 - 8:39 am

  Recently purchased it new after giving 2002 Honda Civic to my son. Was going to buy used, but recent manufacturer to dealer incentive made the price so attractive that the difference between the new and recent Civic with 20 to 30K miles became almost nonexistent. I know I am biased, but I have always liked Honda for its reliability, great gas mileage, and peppiness. This car has not disappointed me. It is noticeably more powerful and surprisingly quiet compared to 2002 that I had. The manual shift is quite different from the old version, but it did not take much time to get accustomed to it it has more sporty feel to it.

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  Good Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By roadie64 - April 22 - 8:48 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Honda Pilot it was used but certified .....so it is 3 years old its a really nice comfortable vehicle YES the problems with the rear windows down is annoying but whats more annoying is The audio system is EXTREMLY POOR Thats my biggest beef with it . I mean its getting to be nice weather out, You hear a GREAT SONG you wanna put the windows down open the moonroof and CRANK UP THE TUNES its like WTF ?????? YOU CANT HEAR THE SONG !!!! is there like a child proof selection here ????????You turn it up all the way its like damn !!!!!!! ok I am done venting now but other then that good smooth ride !