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:

• 

  Dont believe the hype (dont buy it) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jimmy - August 14 - 11:40 pm

  I was going to buy a Prius or a normal Honda Civic. I decided to split the my decision and go with a low mileage Civic Hybrid. Big Mistake my friends. When I test drove it I was impressed because the car is very smooth and rides nice. It seemed to be everything I wanted. However after two days of driving my new hybrid I noticed I was only getting 33 mpg highway and city. I filled the tank up twice and the car went 400 miles on a 12.3 gallon tank (thats what the size is and it equals 33 mpg). I tried to take it back and trade for another regular Civic but I was told "You signed and now you are stuck with it." All I am told is "You have to drive with a light foot" Prius, Prius, Prius!

• 

  What could be better? - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By CCAR - August 14 - 7:23 pm

  I upgraded from a 06 Jeep Grand Cherokee with too many problems to list, so I gave it back. The 10 Pilot is excellent. What cant you do with it? I have not seen any pulling problems. All of the extras on the vehicle are wonderful. Get the DVD system if you have children, also gives you a better speaker system, which Honda is known not to have.

• 

  Love this Car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Elvis in Austin - August 14 - 4:20 pm

  I bought this car in Apr 2010. Love my Honda. Drives excellent. It has exceeded my expectations. 4Cyl in the EX has great pickup. Intend to keep this car for 10 plus years!

• 

  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Disappointed - August 14 - 2:18 pm

  I really, really loved this car until this morning. I was waxing my car and trying to polish out what I thought was water spots. On closer inspection it was obvious that the paint was chipping in radial patterns all over the hood of my car. Worst paint job ever. Dont buy this car if you have expectations of a paint lasting over three months.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BertD - August 14 - 8:41 am

  Purchased new 7 years ago, will turn over 180k next week. Better fuel economy now than when new. Not uncommon to hit 25 mpg and it gets DRIVEN, mostly by my wife . Brake life incredible, tire life fantastic! No repairs, only recommended maintenance. If only we could tow it, 4 wheels down, behind our motor home it would be perfect. My wife will cry when she has to give it up. Going to look at a new CR-V today.

• 

  Love My Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By smiley2006 - August 14 - 8:07 am

  I got my car over three years ago and it runs great. I have had to only fix minor things and thats usually my fault. I had to replace a door handle from a bad storm a few years ago (I just kept pulling). My car is great its fast, cute and great with gas. I am only getting rid of my car to get a 4 wheel drive SUV also going to be a Honda. I changed my family from Chevy lovers to Honda with my car.

• 

  Great big little car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By UofAalum - August 14 - 7:45 am

  Traded a 2008 Altima 6-speed manual for the 5-speed manual base Fit (which was hard to find, but I only buy manuals). Amazing interior room for the exterior size. Great ride and handling. While it wouldnt win a drag race with the Altima, it is just as much fun to drive. Test drove the Sport with the paddle shifters, but the manual is much more responsive -- sure, theres some engine noise when you get up into the power range (>4K RPM), but its smooth as silk at all RPM and if you keep it in its power range its very responsive. Getting 31 mpg in town and up to 40 on the road at speeds of 60- 70. Above 70 mph the MPG drops fast as RPM go well above 3K. Great car!

• 

  Hope all Hondas are this good. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Kurt Lehmann - August 13 - 9:22 pm

  We have now put 148,000 miles on the car and have only done regular maintenance with one exception. We had to replace both headlights due to cracks and condensation. The cars 4 cylinder is very adequate though has trouble going 70 up hill, but duh. Drives well in snow if you go slowly. Hoping to get another 150,000 miles out of it. The headliner has been coming down for a couple of years, but the rest of the interior cloth has been very durable. Honda dealerships have actually been nice to go to. Weve had very good experiences each time.

• 

  Like Wine - 2007 Honda Civic
  By TankerToad53 - August 13 - 8:15 pm

  I purchased my 07 Si Coupe used with 67K miles. on the odometer. This car is an absolute blast to drive. It has been over 20 yrs since I would go out for a drive through the twisties, just for the heck of it. Now, I cant wait for Sundays to go out on a spirited drive. The engine is now approaching 70K, still revs solidly to 8K RPM. Gearbox is a dream (except 1st to 2nd, Probably needs this synchro replaced). Suspension is still solid and the car still gets the looks, although I could do without that, specially from the traffic enforcers!

• 

  Brakes not reliable - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mean guy - August 13 - 4:30 pm

  This car is great in the snow and it rides well. The gas mileage averages about 23 town and 28 highway. Tires are balding at 30,000 and rear brakes started grinding. Honda does not want to honor Warranty saying brakes are wear items, even though service repair guy said that the pads had frozen in place. This is not normal wear. You should not need pads and rotors at 30,000 miles