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 Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Warrant - September 8 - 10:32 pm

  This is my second Civic, I had a 2006 EX automatic and always wanted a manual. I would like to see the steering wheel move more up and down and while I did have 6 broken sun visors I fixed the last set with two well placed Stainless screws and nuts. I love the 33 plus mpg sometimes even 42 if I baby it. The only other thing that is hard to deal with is if you drive west into the sun it is a lot of windshield to blaze the sun in on you.

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  Practicality of a minivan w/o the stigma - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Chris A - September 8 - 8:10 pm

  This is my second Pilot, my first being an 05 model, which I liked quite a bit. The 2nd generation addresses a lot of the faults of the first generation, most notably the design of the third row is much improved and the pop up rear glass. Although these improvements are most welcome, there are still a few issues. Honda needs to go back to the drawing board on the engine in this vehicle, and improve low-end torque. That is the reason the fuel economy is poor - mostly because you have to give it lots of gas to keep up with traffic. Sure, its heavy and big, but Im convinced it would do much better with tuning. The only other issue is the tacky interior plastics, which are GM-like.

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  Better than Expected - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Jeff - September 8 - 10:40 am

  After researching a few months before it was released, I was expecting to be disappointed when I went to take a test drive the day dealers received a few. I read about rear visibility issues (common in hatchback), and I was expecting poor handling/power (hybrid). I loved the outside look but THOUGHT I would drive and decide not to buy. Wrong! While I understand the enthusiasts of the old CR-X wanting an Si model with more power, this vehicle performed well! It is a true balance between sport/fun and economy. Sure, I cant pass another car at 100mph on the freeway like I could in my BMW Z4, but this is one fun car if you can deal with it seating only 2.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Honda Accord
  By carol - September 7 - 9:07 pm

  I have had the car for a year now. Any complaints dealer fixed. No brake problems. Seats are uncomfortable. I bought some sheepskin covers which are real thick and it seem to help. Fluttering noise in air conditioner checked filter etc, road noise is a problem, someone mentioned better tires, dunlaps dont get it.

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  Honda deception - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Joann - September 7 - 8:02 pm

  We recently had the new software update that we got as a result of a recall. Now we have lost power and fuel economy. We recently read a number of articles that claim that Honda knows they have a problem with their batteries so made this update so that the car relies on the gas portion and not the Hybrid part. Sometimes we cant get up our own driveway. We called Honda and they said too bad even though our car was under warranty. We are very disappointed in Honda because they are only thinking about their bottom line (they dont want to buy new batteries) and not customer satisfaction or safety.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Patty - September 7 - 3:17 pm

  Best car that I have ever owned. Hardly any maintenance, great gas mileage and always dependable. I have replaced the rear brake pads at 35,000 miles, new tires and a new battery and thats it in 6 years. The only drawback is that my tall husband hates getting into this car. The leg room in the passenger seat is very generous.

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  Great car for what it is - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Tom - September 7 - 2:20 pm

  If you are expecting a lean sports car with some serious power then keep looking, this isnt for you. This car is in the same category as a $20,000 hatchback, and it blows everything else for the price out of the water. If you are a lead foot and love to romp on the gas from a stand still every chance you get you will find yourself draining the battery pretty quickly. This is not a high performance machine, its a sporty hybrid, and for what it is, Honda has done a great job designing this vehicle.

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  Champion - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dago travers - September 7 - 9:15 am

  Im 66 and this car has been the most cost effective vehicle Ive owned including motorcycles and as old as it is now I still consider it a beautiful frog and believe it will last as long as I. Thanks Honda

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  Terribly dissapointing - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By abscsx - September 6 - 5:47 pm

  Looks better than in pictures. Seat is nice but adjustment for height is proper as it tilts at the same time. Shifter is very good. Rear wheels are too much tucked inside the fenders. The car is reluctant to accelerate at any rpm. Engine noise is not what one would expect from a Honda. Revs built slowly. Brake pedal feels unnatural with no initial bite. Steering does not feel connected, like most electric steering systems. Clutch is very too soft, hard to feel the engagement point.

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  Fun to Drive - 1998 Honda Accord
  By randym - September 6 - 2:34 pm

  Has been a great car for us. I have heard about the transmission problems with these model years. Our car has 162K miles and no problems. Guess we are blessed. Car is fun to drive. Passing it down to my teen twins to drive. Only problems was an intake manifold clogging that causes the check engine light to come on. It was a hassle to get that light off. replaced belt tensioner and alternator. no other problems. tires are a bit expensive for this model. Electronically everything works great. car body dents easily though. Plan on driving it to 300k or more.