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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  good car which could be done better - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mlody - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So far I have not experienced any major repairs (besides body work). I had some issues when car was newer (all cover under warranty except rattles, noise); like loose passenger mirror, loose antenna base, broken passenger vent. Besides that, I have rattles all over the dash, sunroof, and in the back. Other than that, the car runs great.

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  Good little car, but miss my SUV - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Tina B - November 18 - 9:16 pm

  The Fit is definitely a good car, but I am suffering a serious case of buyers remorse. I had an SUV before getting the Fit. Do your homework for sure. I did not get a good deal on it, which is part of my regrets. I think you can get a lot more car for the same price if you went with a Mazda 3 for example. I really wish I would have gotten that instead. Gas mileage is good, but the on-board gauge is off. When it says Im getting 37 mpg, it really is around 32. Still good, but instrument is unreliable. You have to pay extra for many features that are standard for other models. Insurance higher than on previous SUV. Check w/ your agent first.

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  Honda LX Sedan - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bbk - November 18 - 3:36 pm

  This a very nice car for the money. It has good features at this price point and more standard features than the Nissan Sentra I owned previously.

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  Economy and utility - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Bryncrrd - November 18 - 1:23 pm

  The Honda Fit was purchased for economic utility, and it serves those ends admirably. It is very well designed and, as far as I can tell at this point, very well manufactured. The interior space, when all the rear seats are folded flat, is amazing. The front seats are fr more comfortable than they look, although the upholstery seems to attract every bit of fluff in the area. Its not a vehicle that flourishes at high speeds; the engine becomes very busy and high-speed stability is not a strong point. But for the purposes cited above, I know of nothing to equal it currently available on the market.

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  17 years and still going strong - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Todd - November 17 - 9:07 pm

  I have had my Accord for almost 4 years now. I have had nothing but excellent service from this car. My honda has 324,000 miles on it and I am still getting around 25 mpg. It may be old, and not as stylish as the newer ones, but with gas so high, I will not be getting rid of this car anytime soon.

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  2006 Honda Civic Coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John Quinlan - November 16 - 9:56 am

  Problems: Air bag light problem; light stays on when car is turned off for five minutes and then restarted. Need to replace module. Serious static from radio when rear window defroster is activated, unless radio station is very nearby. Hesitatioin when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Otherwise, love the car!

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  Satisfied Buyer - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Satisfied Buyer - November 16 - 7:03 am

  After looking at and test driving the Acadia, Outlook, Edge, CX-9, and Pathfinder, I was pleasantly surprised by the redesigned 2009 Pilot. The GM products were "cheap" looking on the inside, and the driving experience was average. The others lost out to either styling, or functionality. A family of four, two large dogs, and all the gear to go away for the weekend fit comfortably in the Pilot. All of the features are easy to operate, and convenient. I honestly could not be more pleased with the vehicle and enjoy driving it. I also found it to be priced significantly lower then its similarly equipped competitors.

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  20mpg on city - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jude - November 15 - 11:46 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda accord. I had a 2000 Accord which I bought brand new and I have no complaints thats why I bought the new 08 Accord. Ive had it for 3 months now and Ive had no complaints except for 1, the most MPG I get on city is only 20mpg, sometimes 17 which makes me hate their "goodbye to gasoline" ad because its not true. I dont drive aggressively, so I dont know if I got bad build or what.

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  Poor built quality - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By bb - November 15 - 12:26 pm

  Maybe because this is the first year for this updated model, but I noticed a lot of small fit and finish problems. Didnt expect this from Honda.

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  Solid car, check the brakes!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Gregg - November 15 - 11:12 am

  These cars are all they are cracked up to be. Starts everytime. Change the oil and the engine will run 300,000+ miles. Do not be fooled into thinking you wont spend a dime on maintenence! Things do break like every other car. CV shafts, ball joints, brake rotors, etc. Which by the way, before buying this car (94-97 Accords) get the front rotors checked!! If they are bad (pulsation in the steering wheel) knock $400 right off the price of the car. Or ask that they be replaced before purchasing!