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 Fit Sport 2008 very reliable - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tommyhonda71 - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Honda Fit Sport in January 2008. Ive had it 3 yrs now and never had a problem. Rides very quite, handles awesome and is quick. Love the style and runs well on gas. I only have 15,000 miles over the 3 yrs.

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  11 years of worry free driving - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mr_blablabla - February 26 - 10:26 am

  Bought new in 2000. The air condition stop working in 2010 got the freon replaced and i was back in business. That was the only issue ive had in 11 years and its never let me down,not bad eh!. Its all about reliability and this little truck is still running strong with 335,000 kms on it. My daughter wants it so i guess ill go look at something new.

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  Great car! I hope you got the manual - 2011 Honda Fit
  By sdcole - February 25 - 2:04 pm

  To begin my review, i am a "car guy" having owned a slew of german and high-end vehicles. I actually traded a 2003 BMW 530i for my Sport Fit! after driving the automatic, i was to say the least unimpressed in the drivetrain, but before leaving with my tail tucked, i decided to try the 5speed!! what a glorious decision!!! I now lovingly refer to it as my economy 911 now and have named her "Hisser"! I went on a 600 mile road trip the day i picked her up and with 4 male adults, and all of our luggage, i was astonished at the roominess of a "small car" and the average 32 MPG at 4000ft altitude. All around great value, and dodges the "economy car" title with style and fun factor!

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  Better than the rest!!...no really! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By andonakis - February 25 - 12:19 pm

  We looked at all the competing mid-size SUVs and we narrowed it down to the final 3: Maxda cx-9, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot. The Pilot was last on her list.(Dont know why) When the dealers gave us the cars to keep over night, the Pilot became the instant favored. The Mazda was a close second and the Highlander...well it didnt even compare. Sorry Toyota. The reason is simple. To us, the Pilot just felt like an SUV. What we mean is it drives like an SUV, it was comfortable like an SUV and it looks like an SUV. We are coming from a BMW X5 so our experience with the Pilot is not exaggerated, it truly is a wonderful car. Thank you Honda!!

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  Civic SI to a CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By tnsrvfan1 - February 23 - 4:29 pm

  I recently traded my 2009 Civic SI 6 sp manual transmission for a 2011 CRV w/auto trans. So far so good. Of course it is not as much fun to drive as my Civic SI but it does have the power when you want it. This past winter with all the snow/ice and even a great set of tires made me dislike my Civic so I opted for the 4WD CRV. The ride of the CRV is very nice and smooth and the seats in the CRV are much better. The driver and front passenger seat in the Civic SI were very uncomfortable, Plus the CRV does not have the road noise that my Civic Si had.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 91_bmw - February 23 - 2:13 pm

  I have owned many cars including 4 Hondas, and this is the most reliable, lowest cost to own of them all. Tons of room for our family of 4 and only routine maintenance so far (oil, brakes, tires, etc.). Could get a little better mpg for a 4 cyl car, but gets over 30 mpg on the highway so cant complain too much. Very comfortable leather interior, good legroom (Im 65" tall), and plenty of trunk space. Car now has 132,000 miles and doesnt leak or burn any oil, and the transmission still feels very strong with no issues so far. Cant imagine being happier with another car. Have always liked Hondas, but this one is by far the best Ive owned.

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  My Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By averagejoe3 - February 22 - 8:51 pm

  Bought this 2004 accord two years ago. It already had 70 k miles and got it thourghly checked. Now, after two years I have mixed feelings about it.

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  Kinda Sporty, Kinda Sexy, Very Reliable Coupe - 2011 Honda Accord
  By wcascrs - February 22 - 6:46 pm

  I have the 4 cyl EX w/ AT and it does a lot of things very well. It is very reliable, the engine sounds nice and healthy. I like the AT, it is very smooth shifting. It likes to mostly maintain speed when you let foot off gas as it is trying to stay in higher gear to save fuel. Downshifts nicely when braking. Motor keeps quite low rpms cruising highway. Not amazing torque from stop, but hey, its a 4 cyl. Steers nice, wheel feels great. Feels very secure to drive on windy road. Visibility is really good out windows. I’m 6’2” and still have couple inches headroom, rare for a sporty coupe. If this is the type of car you want, it is very competitive with good build quality, reliability.

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  Love my Honda - 1991 Honda Civic
  By kycivic - February 22 - 12:52 pm

  I bought my Civic used in 1992 with 29,000 miles on it. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It is now at 270,000 miles and still going strong. Just regular maintenance needed. The only reason I scored lower on the comfort is because my AC went out 2 years ago,and it was going to cost me $650 to get it fixed. My husband has been through 3 trucks to my one car. Love My Civic si. Looking for another one.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck! - 2011 Honda Insight
  By mikeyt1818 - February 22 - 7:57 am

  I get better MPGs than EPA estimates (45.2 w/ mixed driving and AC always on). Great steering/handling! Awesome safety features, reliable. ITS NOT A PRIUS! Lol! Nothing against Toyota but way too many Prius drivers out there. I prefer to be distinct!