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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  Ok Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wyowolf - February 5 - 2:59 am

  I am the second owner of this Pilot. Its got about 107K miles on it. I got this vehicle for a replacement for my car. I thought Honda was a good choice, for safety, fuel economy, features, ETC. Well the safety is great. As far as the other goes, I am not sold on Honda. I am getting a whole 13-14 MPG in town. I by no means have a heavy foot, and 16 on the interstate. Other pilot owners I talk to love their Pilot and say it gets great mileage. The sound system is not that great, and its kinda plain Jane for the price.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By j_dub1 - February 4 - 6:22 pm

  This is a great little SUV, it pushes through snow with no problem, it can take a rough driveway, and will get you where you need to go no matter what. We live in the mountains and the little 2.0 4-Cylinder struggles sometimes and the transmission has trouble keeping you at 70 on the interstate but around town or on a back road you cant beat this car. 4 adults can ride in it comfortably. I can fit in the back seat without issue and im 6 feet tall. If it wasnt for the mountains this would be the perfect small SUv. It starts every morning without issue and the leather doesnt feel cheap. Just a great little vehicle.

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  Great car especially for the price - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jaymac04 - February 4 - 1:22 pm

  This is my first Honda, I like the exterior look of the car, and I knew that I wanted one since the body style change in 2008. The big negative I read from consumer reviews on the 2010 models were the seats being uncomfortable. However, I could not disagree more, the seats are comfortable, the car is fun to drive, and all the buttons are within reaching distance. The heated seats warm quickly. The only negative I have is the gas mileage does not seem to be accurate. Although I drive mostly highway, the car still only averages around 25 miles to the gallon. If thats my only complaint about the car, then I have made a wise purchasing decision.

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  2000 Honda Accord -- Dependable? :/ - 2000 Honda Accord
  By danielmchick - February 3 - 4:28 pm

  The transmission is terrible in this car. I mean, absolutely terrible. Hondas claim at reliability is totally false-especially with this year model range. I purchased the car two years ago, and Im very lucky I got that much out of it. I had the standard transmission failure that most experience: first gear shifts hard when going to second. Finally, the car went into fourth gear and stayed there it wouldnt shift down unless I used the gear shifter even then I only had access to first and second gear. Cost to fix it? $1500. Even then the repairman said the car would go through the same process three or so years from then because of an inherent defect in the design. Dont buy this car.

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  Im pretty darn impressed!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By socalicious - February 2 - 3:11 pm

  Ive had it for 3 days now and i have to say is an awesome machine to drive, i know it sounds fancy but it deserves the title IMHO. Im a guy who has driven 8 and 6 cylinders cars for years but the way gas prices are now i decided to go for a smaller engine and after carefully consideration i chose this 1. I cant complain about this engine its middle of the week and i still have more than half a tank and have driven over 200 miles. I love how it handles the curves, great stability. I know is not a sports car but it drives sweet and looks sweet too!! it feels great when people get a glimpse of you while you drive by.. you wont regret it

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  Practical Daily Driver - 2007 Honda Civic
  By robliski - February 1 - 3:09 pm

  I have owned my Civic EX Coupe since Sep 06. This is an excellent car for the daily commute as it gives a decent MPG but this is completely dependant on your driving style: If you drive agressive then kiss the MPG goodbye but if you drive more mellow then youll be very pleased. Its a bit stiff which is normal for Honda. The handling is really good for a front wheel drive. The part that always irritates me about this car is: 1) I am always thirsty for torque, and 2) The transmission is sometimes a bit lazy to shift down. So when you take it on a trip, when you get to the hills, you cant use cruise control at all the tranny is constantly downshifting gasping for torque.

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  A very versatile and high quality vehicle - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By collis - February 1 - 10:22 am

  The Ridgeline is more than I expected. Sized just right for the homeowner who wants to haul "stuff" and people without having to accommodate a beast of a garage-filler, this vehicle has excellent build quality and comfort that is unmatched in any other mid-sized truck. And remember, thats what it is... mid-sized. It isnt, by design, a huge, over-sized work truck. If thats what you need, get a Ford F-150... theyre great, too. But, if you compare this vehicle to Fords comparably sized Explorer Sport Trac, you will be amazed... I promise!

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  An outstanding bargain!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By 70schic - January 30 - 1:30 pm

  Ive owned my Civic EX for almost 2 years now and Im still thrilled to drive it every day. Even though its only a 4cyl its quite the zippy little car. The interior is roomy, features are located within easy reach and the USB port is a nice touch. Its a Civic, so of course its great on gas. Its quality built and very reliable. If your looking for a car that is practical, safe and has exceptional resale value-this is it!!

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  Hold on to one if you can - 2002 Honda Civic
  By indylta - January 30 - 7:58 am

  Great car. I had 130k on mine when some very poor driver ran into me and totalled it. Man, I know I had another 150k to get out of it. It is noisy at high speeds, but show me a car in its class that isnt. I drive 50% highway and averaged 37 mpg over the life of the car. Im 5-11 with longer legs and didnt have comfort issues. My friend who is 6-5 did. If you want a reliable, efficient car that will last you until your tired of driving it and then some, stick with the Honda. I wouldnt recommend it if you are bothered by noise at >80mph (mostly wind).

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  Beware! The rough, slow start problem. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By neurite - January 29 - 2:33 am

  The civics of 2009, 2010 has the rough, slow start problem even as a new car. Google it and you will see many complaints about the same problem. My civic has about 10,000 miles. It happens a couple of times a week that the car starts tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-wuuuun. Sometimes the first start eventually fails and need to restart. Very annoying. I have been having this problem since the first week I bought it new.