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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  Unbeatable reliability - 1999 Honda Accord
  By amchev - June 26 - 11:50 am

  I bought this car new in January of 1999. In that time Ive only done scheduled maintenance except for replacing the battery. 100% reliable transportation, everything works just like it did the day I drove it off the lot. Its not the most powerful or sporty car on the road and the newer models get better fuel economy but Honda has proven to me that they build reliable vehicles.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By unicorn - June 23 - 9:40 pm

  This is a great car with lots of power and decent fuel economy. Interior is very roomy and comfortable.

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  Old GPS DVD - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ernie - June 23 - 12:26 pm

  We love this car. Its fun to drive, feels very solid on the highway. The only problem we encountered is we noticed that the GPS system didnt have a toll road that had been open for almost 2 years on its map. When we checked the DVD driving the system it was the 2008 DVD....in a 2010 car! Not good.

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  Made the right choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - June 23 - 7:21 am

  After 11 months and 18,000 miles we love the Pilot more than when we bought it. We have three boys and we wanted something wide for long trips but not as long or high as a Sequoia. The Pilot was a perfect fit. Its well designed. The third row is very useful for the 8-11 year olds we always have tagging along. My wife loves driving it.It has great pick up for us (were used to under powered SUVs). Gas mileage is a little disappointing but it is a heavy vehicle. We get about 18 mpg in town and 20 mpg at 73-75 mph.

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  Try it, youll like it. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Tim - June 23 - 4:26 am

  I considered buying a Prius given the deals currently available. But, after driving an Insight I bought it the same day. Not to say that the Prius isnt a good bargain at the moment, I just found the Insight to be a better overall car. Yes... a little smaller, mileage not quite as good. On the other hand, more comfortable driving position and much more fun to drive. Took it on a 700 mile trip this past weekend. Quite comfortable for myself, my wife and one 8 year old. Put it in sports mode for the Long Island Expressway and youre good to go!

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  nice, but could be better - 2001 Honda Civic
  By civicex01 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  good, solid car, but I miss my eg hatchback with its better suspenion and handeling. All other new Hondas and Acuras get big power upgrades, except the civics.

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  Not for comfort - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Leah - June 21 - 6:00 am

  The S2000 is a fun car, but seriously lacks in comfort. If you into speed and can handle a 2 seater this is your car, but you may want to rethink road trips in it.

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  Best everyday truck ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 21 - 12:17 am

  This truck does exactly what I need - it carries in the bed stuff I would never want inside a car or SUV but doesnt suffer all the negatives a regular truck would (bad gas mileage, bad ride, etc.) It has plenty of power for everyday driving, as long as youre not trying to race. As for the complaints about gas mileage, if you drive the way you should to conserve gas, youll get what I get, which is 19-20 mpg every tank, and that is using the AC at all times, driving a mix of highway and surface roads. No one complains about the V6 4x4 Crew Cab Nissan Frontier getting 17 mpg, so why the complaints here?

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  Rear Brake, Road Noise, Remote Control - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nj2004 - June 18 - 12:10 am

  Need to replace rear brakes @28k miles. Road noise got worse after replacing the rear brakes. Remote control didnt work after 18 months. Far short of what I have expected from Honda. I have owned a Pilot for nearly 6 years. No problems at all for Pilot.

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  Only an eight - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By scott likes the AWD - June 16 - 10:05 pm

  I bought this CRV to replace a Chevrolet Tahoe, not much of a trade off. I liked the size of the the crv and the pep. I really got to appreciate the AWD, when we got caught in a Montana snow storm and kept on trucking when all the big 4 wheelers were having to chain there rigs up. We went right on through without a issue and about 22 mpg, try to tell my old Tahoe that.