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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  Love my Honda! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Amber - March 6 - 7:26 pm

  This is one of 2 Hondas I have owned. I have also owned an Accord that I sold with 250K. I bought my Civic new in 2001 and I have over 120K on it now. My grandfather would not let me park my foriegn car in his drive way even though the radiator was built locally. I have had zero repairs. I dont follow the maintenance schedule, and I have beat it up a little. It is a zippy little car for heavy traffic but powerful enough for highway traffic. I use synthetic oil. It isnt as comfortable as my old car (Pontiac) and the timing belt maintenance was expensive, but I am still extremely happy with it. I plan to drive it into the ground and I will probably buy another.

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  Not up to Honda Standard - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Asiagtmn - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I am Honda customer since 1985. I bought this CR-V new(2002 model), drove for two months, every time I stopped. I can smell burning ribber at pessenger side rear wheeel well. Take to dealer many time, They cant find anything wrong. Second, I never get better then 20 miles per gallan. very poor mileage.

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  Accord buyer for life so far - 2005 Honda Accord
  By amaddal708 - March 5 - 12:37 pm

  Minus normal wear and tear the car has held up perfect almost. Seems to have a slight rattle from interior finish at highway speeds but besides that minus and misalighnment the car is great overall.Best overall car I have owned yet. Only the Eclipse of 98 was more fun to drive. I would buy this car again for their 2009 model possibly. The four cylinder has plenty of power you would believe it was a four.

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  1000Miles and counting - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By teegala - March 5 - 11:27 am

  I got the car 2 weeks ago and drove around ( Houston to Dallas trip) too. I was driving like a grandma for first 300 miles ( really low acceleration) and there on my friends drove it for 300 miles with full acceleration ( 10+ power bars). At the end of 1000 miles I got 39.2 mpg ( good I would say). Ride is comfortable for the long drives). Once I hit 60mph instant mpg drops to 36 and if I take it beyond 75mph it improves. Touched 85mph with just 3 power bars and ride is still feels smooth ( low noise).

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  A great little truck - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John Maz - March 5 - 10:30 am

  Have had this truck since October 2004 and so far it has been great. I love it.

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  Fits Me Perfectly - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tricia - March 4 - 10:32 pm

  This is my first Honda. I bought it to replace a Ford Explorer because of the gas prices. I still wanted a vehicle I could throw a bale or two of hay in the back and this fit the bill. I fell in love with it immediately. Its a blast to drive and the stereo system is great! I think its comfortable and peppy although I have to admit I havent even used the paddles yet. I only drive about 7 miles in it a day and have to say the gas mileage hasnt been what was expected. As for the armrest, yes that stunk but I had a custom one made for about $100 and its not one of those plastic ones from Hong Kong. It looks custom. I highly recommend it all my friends and my stepmom is even considering one

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Donna Moore - March 3 - 11:02 am

  I bought my Honda Civic Hybrid over two years ago. I drive 57 miles one way to work, so I needed a fuel efficient car. I have been very pleased with my Honda. I am very conservative in the way I drive. The roads I travel are narrow and winding, so the speed limit is 60MPH. I follow that and average anywhere between 44 and 47 miles per gallon. The only draw back I have seen thus far is the guard that is right under the front of the car. I cannot travel on dirt roads many times because the car hits center and knocks this piece lose. I have replaced this once, at no charge, but I am going to have to do it again and this time it is going to cost about 123.00 and labor. 80,000 miles so far

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  Dont Think Twice, Its All Right - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By FBK - March 3 - 8:16 am

  My end of my lease is nearing. I am unbelievably letting go of my 04 Pilot w/Nav. A tremendous performer on wet, ice, snow, and the occasional stretches of smooth pavement I manage to come across. Reliable to a fault. Predictable and reasonable gas mileage. A great performer on the long haul. More usable space than anything else in its class. Carries an overwhelming amount of cargo. Nothing ever broke. Not even the smallest thing. m replacing it with the 08 Pilot. A no brainer.

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  Beware - 2001 Honda Civic
  By nikkib - March 2 - 6:48 pm

  I bought my cCvic used with 58k and immediately began having problems. First electrical(my headlights stopped working, after i fixed that i had to replace the struts (which were completly shot) at 65k then the wheel bearings, then with only 100k on it the tranny blew. I was lucky and it only cost me 2k for a used tranny. The SRS light is on and the dealership says my airbags dont work, drivers side window motor is starting to go out, the suspension needs a new axle and struts again. I would personally look into buying either a 2000 or older Civic if interested unless you like throwing money away. Great gas mileage and doesnt leak oil yet, knock on wood...

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  Pilot of your dreams ?? May be May be not. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kumar - February 29 - 2:30 pm

  This is a good solid car and good value for the money. However the infotainment is not very intuitive and user friendly. The acceleration is ok but in the ECO mode is very feeble. Merging on to oncoming traffic in ECO mode is not pleasant. The interior on the EX-L with RES is well done. The ride quality is very good. Over all we like the car.