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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  Pain in the Neck - 2009 Honda Accord
  By John Merget - June 18 - 6:54 pm

  This car for me is a study in contradictions. I very enjoy the cars aesthetic and performance characteristics, but driving the car is a literal pain in the neck (and back) because of drivers seat and head restrain design. I have tried for over a year to "dial in" the multiple seating and head restraint configurations to something approaching comfortable, but no luck. Perhaps at 64" and 212 lbs I am too big for the car. Anyhow, the car is now for sale.

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  Great SUV - Great for the Road - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By MDG - June 18 - 2:16 pm

  Great SUV for Highway driving. We consistently get 22 MPG (wish it were better, but not bad for this size car). Great Nav system (negative is you have to pay for version upgrades). Good size interior to hall stuff, a MUST is the back area plastic cover. For me I got the full area cover (pricey at $300 - but worth it). Great hide away storage in the back - good for jumper cables, tools, trailer hitch, and other stuff. Rides great on the road and in town. Sound system could be better for this price - but lots of electronic toys to play with - a plus for me 110 volt outlet and Ipod connection that is integrated. I would recommend this car to anyone and would purchase it again.

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  First and Last Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CarKat - June 18 - 10:47 am

  Having been a devoted Toyota owner for 30 years I decided in 2007 to make the move to Honda. At 5000 miles I noticed that the rear lug nuts were rusting, odd since the SE alloy rims shouldnt do that. Honda replaced them at no charge. At 16,500 when car went in for oil change and state inspection I was notified that the rear brake calipers were rusted thus causing the rear brake pads to wear which now needed to be replaced! I was told it was because I dont drive the car enough. I drive everyday to work in stop and go traffic. After no reply from the dealer or Honda of America I am trading in the rust mobile for another Toyota.

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  Love my Hondas - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Sils79 - June 18 - 10:05 am

  I absolutely love my Civic, this is my 4th Honda and it is wonderful just like the rest. The car handles wonderfully and the craftsmanship is top notch for this class. Could use a little more punch under the hood, but for 40 mpg freeway, I guess Ill compromise a bit on acceleration. All in all it is a wonderful car and based on this, the other Civic and 2 Accords I will keep on coming back to Honda.

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  Never again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By anthony candelora - June 18 - 9:45 am

  I bought 2009 Honda Accord brand new did not like the feeling of noise and jerking feeling when driving it and the dealer said theres nothing wrong with it so I decide to trade it in and I bought a new Buick lacrose v6 and I love it I will never buy another Honda again

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  I love my Insight! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Wizard - June 17 - 11:15 pm

  I decided to look at hybrids when my old SUV qualified under the Cash for Clunkers program. I was attracted primarily to the Insight because of its sportier design by comparison to other hybrids I looked at. Any improvement in mileage was a leap forward from my SUV so super duper gas mileage wasnt my primary goal. I just wanted a vehicle kinder to the environment. My mpg almost exactly matched the advertised mpg of 41 city and 43 highway until I got interested in hypermiling techniques about four months ago. Im now consistently getting 48-51 mpg (and rising) with my daily in-town commute. Ive been astounded how a few minor changes in my driving habits have made so much difference.

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  First [and Last] Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LadyM - June 17 - 10:38 pm

  I purchased my Civic new in the summer of 2008 and within three weeks it was leaking power steering fluid. IIRC, the dealership had to replace the power steering rack. A major repair before 1K is not a good omen. Within a few months, the car developed a starting problem. Ive been to the dealer 4 times for that particular concern. They replaced the starter motor and the other three times they found nothing wrong. It still will not start sometimes. When idling, the AC starts to blow lukewarm air, even when its on the coldest setting. Again, dealership couldnt find a problem. The suspension is noisy and the interior plastic scratches very, very easily. I wont buy a Honda again.

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  Clear Choice for Commuter - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chevy2Honda - June 17 - 8:37 pm

  I was driving Chevy Suburban daily for the last several years. With a recent job change, I was spending close to $500 in gas every month. That had to stop. After reading reviews on Prius and Insight, it was pretty clear that I needed Insight. Bought EX model in the middle of June 2010, and I have no regret at all and love driving it. My weekly gas bill is mere $20. Even with my monthly lease payment, I am spending less money every month. The quality is great, and the console is well thought out.

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  Good, but not without its flaws - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Michael B - June 17 - 8:24 pm

  The Insight looks great (nicer than the Prius in my opinion), generally drives well, and gets excellent fuel mileage at a cheap price. Ive only been driving it for 300 miles (roughly 40%/60% city/highway) and it has already topped 42 mpg and is still climbing. Its an extremely quiet car unless you floor it (and even then...) Im not sure why noise is such a common complaint. Overall, I am very satisfied. However, there are a number of annoyances: Auto-stop. Stop and go for any period of time will make you wish you could turn it off. You cant. Accelerating from 0 to 10 is *very* jerky. Above 10 mph its fine. Again, awful in stop and go traffic. The hatch creates a rear blind spot.

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  Another good one so far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By scooter - June 17 - 2:28 pm

  We have had ten hondas during the last 25 years. Each one has been better than the last. Like most, this one hasnt had a single defect yet. I know its early, but so far so good. Especially like that the ride is quieter than our 2004 Odyssey, and the mileage is 24 mpg, 5 mpg more than Odyssey. I find the instrumentation excellent with the Gage for obtaining best mileage useful. Excellent handling and braking, no major blind spots. I find it very competent. Exterior styling could be upped some tho.