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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  Aside from the brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Darin - August 13 - 12:02 pm

  At 31,000 miles, my rear brake pads need to be replaced. Most of the miles are the car are highway miles, so this really is unacceptable. The Honda dealer only reluctantly shared the information regarding the class action suit and only after I kept questioning them on why the rear pads were already bad. Aside from this, I really do like the car and enjoy driving it.

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  Far Better Than I Expected - 2010 Honda Fit
  By NewFitDriver - August 13 - 12:01 pm

  I bought a Fit because I was looking for a good commuting car (suburban & highway) that was good on gas. I considered hybrids but went with the Fit based on purchase price, features and MPG. The car is rated for something like 31 MPG, but I routinely get 36 highway and 37 - 38 suburban. Checked at fill-up, Im getting about 37 on average. If I watch the MPG gauge, I can average about 40 on back roads without the A/C and 39 with. Some reviewers criticize the performance, especially acceleration. I find it good with the 5-speed manual. Not a race car, certainly, but not bad. Electric power steering is sensitive and takes getting used to.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rocky - August 12 - 9:24 pm

  Ive owned this car for over a year, now. Gets better MPG than I expected. Have never gotten below 40MPG. Car looks good when I first bought it, other cars would irritate me by getting in front of me and slowing down, then switching lanes until I realized they were checking out my car. I have no complaints thus far. I only wonder how long the battery will last. I really love this car!

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  Very pleased so far - 2010 Honda Insight
  By EFC - August 12 - 9:04 pm

  I have only had my Insight for about a week but so far I am really enjoying it. It gets really good gas mileage and I think the car is a good value for the money. I have the LX and it is not a "Luxury" vehicle by any stretch of the imagination but it is cute and comfortable. The back seat is roomy enough for normal sized adults to sit comfortably. Next time might try the EX because it has a few more whistles and bells. All in all a great car.

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  Its ok - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Larry - August 12 - 3:47 pm

  The mileage is Terrible for a V6 and it is really not very powerful of an engine. The paint is chipping off of mine fairly easily. Luckily I bought the paint plan. I am towing a camper and am already looking to a V8. I like the trunk and bed gate. Stereo is TERRIBLE. Does not even have IPOD jack. Overall it is ok but not thrilled. Every time I go for an oil change they find something to get the cost up to over $100.00 Our dealer outsources the paint dept. which I did not realize until after the purchase.

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  Honda Fit Not yet convinced. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tblue32 - August 12 - 2:23 pm

  Thus Far we had to return it to the Dealership for front end vibration. Also Ive noticed the paint on exterior scratches easily. My front spoiler Paint is cracking and peeling at the Lip. The Seats really make my hip hurt with trips over an hour. Engine is great I really appreciate it spunky. But the shift points are really annoying it feels like it hesitates when shifting at randoms times. Not smooth. I used Chevron or Shell Gas I"m only getting about 367 Miles per gallon. Not quite what Honda says. Not sure I drive pretty conservative and mostly Fwy miles. Also very odd when braking down hill the tans will downshift abruptly as I read I understand its part of the design.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By MattAC - August 12 - 10:58 am

  I drove this car for almost 13 years and still going strong. This car is reliable, easy to maintain and still looks great.

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  Transmission Failure - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jana - August 12 - 4:40 am

  Ive 2002 Accord SE and my transmission started slipping when I hit the acceleration from 0 to 20 with check engine lights on, and on further tests Honda declares a BAD TRANSMISSION at 96,400 miles. It looks like Im not alone here and I strongly wish Honda to recall this model.

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  Just got one - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Charles - August 11 - 11:35 pm

  My wife just bought it. I went for a test ride and a good first ride in it. I was pleased with everything I saw, heard and felt. Ive read about sunroof issues but this is to new to tell. I drove the Traverse and didnt like it. Other reviews will talk about acceleration. Well if you want to jump off the line you should get a sports car. These are family haulers. Yes, gas mileage should be attacked by the Honda engineers. 25 to 30 highway. The technology is out there. While everyone will not be pleased, take a good test ride and shop around. Youll find the Honda fits your needs and thats what counts in the end. Its about what you require in an SUV.

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  Hand-Me-Down Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By GML - August 11 - 10:51 pm

  My dad bought this car brand new in January 2001, and has had it for a little more than 9 and 1/2 years. Now, its been handed down to me as my dad has gotten a new 2010 Accord. Ive driven the car many times before my dad gave it to me. Its not a bad car. The ride is good and comfortable. The power is sufficient. The exterior style is a little boring, but I can deal. After 9 years in the family, it runs fine and Ill most likely keep it for another year or so before buying a new car for myself. As a hand-me-down car, its good!