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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  Sadly my last Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Greg - August 17 - 12:45 pm

  When I bought the car new I loved it! sporty styling, feel, and supposedly good mileage, but never more than 26vmpg. It turned out to be the worst car Ive owned.@ 2k miles interior trim pieces were falling off. 1st oil change alignment was off and my tires were shot! Honda wouldnt cover it! 20k brakes were shot. A/c has never worked correctly, 7 times to the shop and still goes out! at 30k miles dealer didnt tighten the oil plug and destroyed motor, had to fight to cover it. Now @ 40k miles interior is falling apart, rode noise is horrid, seats are terrible for long drives, jerks when it shifts, and Honda care line is a joke, they dont care. I filed under lemon law. My last new Honda.

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  Just As Expected - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By JRD - August 17 - 8:21 am

  We have owned our Odyssey for 10 months now and so far we are pleased with how it operates and serves our needs. It has not seen a very long drive yet this year because its sharing the duty with our two older Hondas, but hopefully we can rack up some miles before winter sets in once again here in the East Coast. We have no problems at all with the engine, body and the instrument controls. The VCM works fine, although the claim of seamless transition does not hold true, for the driver can feel when its switching from either VCM or non- VCM modes. The steering feel is nicely weighted which gives a sense of control to the direction we want to go.

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  Fun To Drive - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bankie - August 17 - 4:08 am

  The A/C only turns off at stop when in ECON mode. When ECON mode is off, the A/C functions at a stop. A/C is cold. Love the dash/gauges, hate the cheap plastics used on the interior. Scratch easily, very cheap. Feels like an economy car but at 20+k for the base model thats kind of lame. Almost no sound proofing, $400 optional usb connector (seriously?) They shouldve thrown it in. Cross country drives are a drag as the engine is low torque so you spend the gas youd save putting your foot through the floor to climb hills.

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  2011 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV 4WD w/N - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 5thhonda - August 16 - 10:39 pm

  This is my wifes car and she loves it a lot. I really enjoy driving it. Its very spacious. No regrets. I have the sunroof issue and made an appointment to have it fixed.

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  Great Commuting Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Point A to Point B - August 16 - 8:54 pm

  Wanted better gas mileage as I drive 50 miles total every day. I traded in my Accord (4cy)for the Civic - so far so good. The Civic is more fun to drive than the Accord and I actually like the simplicity of the interior. The ride is OK, not as comfortable as the Accord yet I find myself enjoying it more.

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  Trying not to regret - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Toonman - August 16 - 8:46 pm

  Bought this car for the spaciousness and 3rd row. I never owned a Honda and heard about Hondas reliability and quality. Since I bought this, I had 2 issues. First is the moonroof will not close. It goes back halfway and kicks back. Sent to dealer twice and they reprogram the system. Still the same issue. A week ago, I received a recall letter asking me to bring back my Pilot for a moonroof software update. Second issue is the car keeps pulling to the right. I have seen some reviews about this. Brought it to the dealer twice and they said nothing wrong. Obviously this is not the first car I have driven and I know when a car is pulling to its right. I am hoping for another recall...

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  2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SSimon4916 - August 16 - 5:37 pm

  I now have 90k on my car with only one major repair. The window seal contorted at about 30k and was $200 to replace. I get between 39-42 mpg, depending on driving behavior. I am about to receive the battery update for the car, which should increase the life of the battery. I was told Honda did not replace batteries in hybrids when I bought the car, but now they do, or always have. Driving is smooth for the most part, but any bumps or pits in the road will definitely be felt. Service for the car can get a bit pricy. The smaller steering wheel does take some getting used to and the braking can be annoying when it does a full extra tire rotation when charging.

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  Best buy in this price range - 2010 Honda Fit
  By seetheoceanblue - August 16 - 2:20 pm

  This is my 2nd Fit, loved them both - Ive noticed a considerable improvement in mileage over my 2008 Fit. After 1600 miles Im averaging 32 mpg in mixed driving and the mpg is still increasing. I attribute part of this to paying some attention to that annoying but useful mpg bar display in the center drivers console. You WILL get better mileage with a Civic or Corolla sedan, but you wont be able to haul washing machines, large dressers, and find other amazing uses as with the Fit. Great for a single like me with no friends with pick-up trucks or SUVs. Its the best compromise between utility and economy in available US cars today, period.

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  Great affordable used sports coupe - 2006 Honda Accord
  By My06Accord - August 16 - 1:59 pm

  I sold my Acura and my Subaru WRX STi due to buying a house. I was looking for a reliable, affordable and comfortable coupe. I found this car with 53,000 miles, new tires and new brakes. Please check the battery carefully, mine was leaking and the positive terminal was corroded. The car is very comfortable and pretty quiet (not much road noise) compared to what I used to drive. I paid 14K. The V6 has 240 hp from the factory, I added the AEM V2 cold air intake for another 15. The car gets easily 300 miles on a tank and uses 87 octane.

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  First & Probably Last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jgreene - August 16 - 1:27 pm

  Bought the Accord thinking I had finally found a car I could stick with for more then 2 years, but not looking promising. Noticed immediately how noisy it is on the highway..cant hear the radio. Rear brakes replaced around 36,000 miles. (From the reviews posted, might not be the last time either) A/C not cooling as before, so probably looking at another repair bill there. Very disappointed in the overall quality. Probably will be the last Honda I own. Guess I should have stuck with GM!