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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  Great Small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MDCLA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Love my CR-V. I wouldnt have any other vehicle. I can haul around lots of product for my job, can fit four other adults in the car with me (comfortably), and have had a friend as tall as 6 7" say he was comfortable in the front passenger seat. Its fun to drive, looks great and pretty good on gas (when Im running the AC a lot I get about 20 MPG on average, as high as 28 when I dont need the AC at all.)

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ITRNBTR - July 11 - 11:50 pm

  After a wonderful 3 year lease, I have sold my red S2000. Buying this car was one of the greatest ideas I ever had. It handles like no other production car out there. It screams around corners and brakes hard enough to loosen your fillings. It looks great and has never had a single mechanical problem. It is faster than its competition, costs less for the most part, gets better fuel economy and has a bigger trunk while weighing less. Amazing.

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  2nd review Honda FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joan - July 11 - 2:38 pm

  2nd review now that owned a year. 40+ hwy mileage, 26-29 city. Previous mileage problems now blamed on gas pumps. Car is stylish, very comfortable-great seats but dont clean easily with very nice interior design. Car has much more storage room than one thinks with very versatile interior. Front of car is very very low and often hits. Front of car is not visible so cannot judge distance and will hit parking blocks. Car has no pick up but then gets the mileage. The ride is comfortable for such a small car and handles nicely and zips right along on long trips. Load maximum is 850 which isnt much and wasnt discussed. Paint seems to mark easily and is necessary to wash with care.

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  First Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By gregpro50 - July 10 - 7:00 am

  This is the first Honda I have owned. I have a wife, soon will have 3 kids, a dog, and a boat that we need to pull. Looked at everything that seated more than 5 people, had decent fuel economy, and could pull a reasonable sized boat. Honda was last on my list to look at but when we did we ended up buying it. So far we really like it. We get about 17 mpg city and as much as 21 mpg on the highway. Lots of room in the inside, good storage, comfortable. We are impressed. The closest competitor would be a Toyota Highlander and it doesnt hold a candle to the Pilot.

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  Where has all my oil gone? - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Shelly124 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new summer 1998 because I drive a lot of miles. When it turned about 2 years old, I stated RUNNING OUT OF OIL! Its not leaking, its not coming out the exhaust. I have taken it everywhere and nobody knows where the oil is going. Also, the 1998 and 1999 have EGR problems, and Honda wouldnt cover mine (or my Dads 99) under the recall. They told me it needed replacing for 400.00, turns out an independent garage cleaned it for 65 and its fine. The other problem, lights keep going out on my dash. At night, I cant see the clock, mileage and half of my speedometer!

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  Lose the stupid parts! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By BobsHonda - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Generally nice vehicle, but far too many unnecessary standard features, while much-needed features (like a door lock switch on front passenger door) are missing.

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  I wish my wife would let me drive it! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By eagle07746 - July 8 - 2:27 pm

  I must say that our Pilot is very nice to drive. Nice comfortable seats, navi, and interior bike mounts make for a great road trip vehicle. I also like the integration of the radio, navi, CD, back-up camera. The wife loves having a commanding view of the road. Some minor issues, wheel noise for one, which seems to ba a common complaint. Also, no MP3/Ipod hook-up.

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  Must buy civic version. Better than 2001 - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Great Car. - July 8 - 12:48 am

  Driven the car to San Diego from Bayarea and to Reno. Gas mileage 33- 37 MPG is comparable to Civic Hybrid 41 MPG (had 04Hybrid). Do not bother to purchase Civic hybrid cos it will not get even close to 45 MPG let alone 50 MPG. Sold it and bought yr 2000 for the better power and better driving experience than my other 4-dr 01 EX. Not sure bout Civic EX 2002-2008 version of Civic.

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  2nd Owner - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Austen - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this car as my go-getter in Feb 08. The previous owner had neglected this car so I got it at a steal knowing that I would have some work to be done. Whew, $2000 mechanical bill and a $1200 paint job later this thing is awesome. I added some new wheels, projector headlights, LED taillights, and a window tint and now I get endless comments on how good it looks. The stock engine is peppy and seems reliable now that maintenance is up to par. No matter how you drive, this thing never gets less than 30 mpg either.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Sammy B - July 6 - 9:16 pm

  I got this car brand new. Nothing bad except for my older brother tearing up the clutch after only 40,000 miles, but thats his fault not the car. This is car has so much potential no one knows about or understands. A lot of people think the civic is another foreign car thats saves gas. Did you know most of the parts on the civic are made in the US than there are on a cavalier? I dont think an American counterpart can compare to this vehicle. It may not be twin turbo-ed, or have a supercharger, but the VTEC can get the car to keep up with many others out there.