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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  Id Buy This Car Again - 2010 Honda Fit
  By ppla54321 - August 11 - 9:52 pm

  Ive had my Fit for 6 months, and have really enjoyed driving it and have had no problems with it. I do a combination of city/highway driving and average 36- 37 mpg overall. I have the Sport package which overall has a great look and is fun to drive. I did purchase floor mats, body side moldings, and window tint after market (see below re:improvements). As others have stated, the upholstery attracts fuzz, so I carry a lint roller in the car.

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  Its so roomy cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By patty - August 11 - 7:51 pm

  Hi I bought my 01 cr-v in October 2009 with 98,000 miles. Ive had it for 2 years now and put 50,000 miles on it. It now has 148,000 and runs very good. Its been different for me to drive than a car but I love the room and comfort it gives me. I go camping and fold down the seats blow up my areo bed and sleep like a baby. This is one fantastic vehicle.

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  Bugs in design better than expected MPG - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bird Dog - August 11 - 5:14 pm

  The Insight is extremely fun to drive. Our average MPG is also much better than the EPA report, 46-48 on every tank.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Element
  By hapkiman40 - August 11 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this car pre-owned with 36k. Currently we have 70+K and have had no problems. Ive read some of the entries with lower ratings and I have not had any of the issues that others have had. One person even mentioned that this car is not for those in northern climates. I could not disagree more. I live in an area that receives 119 inches of snow/year. My Element has been flawless and I tend to be hard on my vehicles. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Still love my Civ - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Zigger1962 - August 11 - 2:40 pm

  Bought new in July 2003, have put 110k miles on in the last 7 years. Perfect little car for a guy like me looking for a reliable economical commuter. 36- 38 mpg on 50 mile round trip commute. 2- 3 times a year I travel to Tennessee and I always get 41-43 mpg on the trip, traveling 75-80 mph. That makes me happy, has been fairly trouble- free. Shop been saying for the last 3- 4 years that the front struts need to be replaced, but way too expensive, letting it go for now. Had to have the thermal protector for the a/c compressor replaced, wasnt too expensive. Front brakes done last year, rear brakes still pass inspection. Due for the 110k timing belt replace ($$$) : ( but overall a great car!

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  2008 HONDA ACCORD LX-P - 2008 Honda Accord
  By F. Garcia - August 11 - 5:04 am

  Fell in love with the car initially until quality problems showed up - Premature wear of rear brake pads (replaced at 20,000 KM), power steering pump failed, and just recently (09 Aug 10), transmission oil was leaking (dealer found cracked transmission cover). Other issues by comparison - cabin noise, not so good gas mileage.

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  A fantastic car for a narrow segment - 2010 Honda Element
  By tictoknsac - August 10 - 10:23 pm

  The Element is a fantastic car for a very specific segment of car owners. If you want a car that can haul an incredible amount size-wise and, has AWD to go skiing and, gets decent gas mileage for commuting and, is large in terms of driver and passenger seating/comfort (4 max) and is incredibly reliable AND you can appreciate its boxy shape as a necessary attribute of much of the above for < $25K - THEN you can/will love this car. Otherwise, you either will not be interested at all -- OR you point out all the cars that will do SOME of these things better. But you wont find a car that does ALL these things better. This is my 2nd Element and I could not think of another car I wanted.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By keith rubio - August 10 - 7:54 pm

  I traded my Silverado z71 for this pilot for better gas mileage. The truck got better gas mileage than this Honda! I have owned many suvs and this is the most uncomfortable one yet! Do not buy this car if you have to drive in snow above two inches. The brakes lock and you MUST turn off the stability control to make it safe. There are a lot of squirrels where I live but this car is the squirreliest thing on the road in more than two inches of snow. Thank God I kept my Suburban so I can drive it in bad weather and feel safe! I wish I had not listened to my wife and bought a Landrover Lr3. Know anyone that wants to trade?

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  Good car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By manfrombklyn23 - August 10 - 6:42 pm

  Great car! After 7 years of owning this car, I have only replaced the struts, mirrors, gas cap lid cable, change draw spring and replaced washers underneath driver seat to stop it from rocking back and forth. Besides that I have done 1 tune up, change tires twice and the obvious oil changes. I figure thats all pretty normal stuff considering I am at 93,000 miles. This car has never stalled out, overheated or not started up. I would def purchase a Honda again.

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  Love It - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By David - August 10 - 4:38 pm

  Shopped and shopped and drove every "competitor": Mazda CX-L, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia. My conclusion: while other car makers try to imitate each other, Honda builds something truly smart. We were unimpressed with how the other vehicles accommodated our family of 2 adults 3 children. Once we sat in a Pilot and drove it we were completely sold. No comparison in the roominess and comfort department. Very quiet, solid drive - doesnt feel like a truck, but feels much more substantial than a car. Were getting about 16 mpg around town and 23 hwy - good enough for me. Ive never driven anything Ive enjoyed so much.