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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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dor - May 17 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this car in Feb. 2003 and I have to say that it is by far the best purchase I made. I use it every day to go to work, averaging 28 mpg (hwy + city). After over 100,000 mi I cannot complain of anything worth mentioning. The interior is simple and yet functional, Overall, a great car.

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  Best car I have owned - 1995 Honda Accord
  By hawkbeck - May 17 - 10:19 pm

  I have owned 5 cars in my lifetime and the 1995 Honda Accord is by far the best. With 225,000 miles on the car, it still gets 26 miles to the gallon with the 2.7 L V6. Handles outstanding and still drives fairly well considering the time and mileage on it. It has been a work horse and I will soon pass it to my kids after the second timing belt replacement. I have owned the car since 1997, having purchased it with 16K miles. The quality of the car far exceeds the Ford and GM cars that I owned. Only the Subaru that I own is close but still not as good.

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  2010 Pilot scores an A-minus - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By matt - May 17 - 9:38 pm

  So far the Pilot has been exactly as advertised. My driving is 90% highway where the Pilot gets 20 mpg as stickered. Some reviewers said their Pilot pulled to the right, but Ive seen no pulling at all. Suspension is good and the ride is comfortable, as are the plush seats. The third-row seats easily fold down to provide additional cargo room. The Pilot also contains an unusual feature where the second-row seats can be moved forward or backward for additional leg room. Second-row climate controls are conveniently located with digital readout. Navigation system is easy to use the same display doubles as stereo command center. Voice commands work well. Storage nooks are numerous.

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  Still running with new parts - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Bigtaka1 - May 17 - 4:50 pm

  I bought my civic used in 2005 with 37K miles and now have 158K. I have been a stickler with scheduled maintenance and have averaged between 33 and 38 mpg. I go on long drives once a month and it does well, but the seats are uncomfortable and you feel every pebble and crack and on the road. I replaced the ignition coils at 120K, the clutch at 153K and the head gasket replaced at 155K, which was hard to diagnose as the symptoms lead you to think the issue is elsewhere (overheating and heater malfunctioning), and the dealership was clueless. Otherwise it has been good to me. I would recommend buying this car, but if the miles are high look for one with new head gasket!

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  A dual-purpose car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By frederick - May 17 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car used with 110,000 miles on the clock and unmolested, actually it was a Canadian Model (SiR). First thing about this car is the handling. With double-wishbone front suspension and independent rear, it just felt like you can go into any corner at speed! However, what makes this unique (applies to all Hondas with VTEC) is the VTEC engine. low-rpm is great for gentle in-town driving (or when you are calm). When you wanna gun it down, just hold the rev up and virtually no other NA cars can keep up with you, not to mention the sound and the turbo-feel when it does that.

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  Enjoying the ride - 2010 Honda Insight
  By David M - May 17 - 2:33 pm

  I decided I wanted a commuter car to save on gas and reduce my contribution to pollution. I was first attracted to the InSights look. Although it has a Prius shape it definitely looks more sporty to me. I realized I was buying a small car so wasnt overly concerned about the space in the back seats. Also, my Insight seems very quiet on the road even on the highway so not sure why some of the reviews say stuff about noise.

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  I still have fun driving this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Adamk911 - May 17 - 2:02 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Honda Civic in 2006 right after the new body style came out. I had 2 cars breaking down traded them both in for my Civic. Except for normal maintenance I have had no problems with the car at all. I still have fun driving it! This is an excellent gas miles car as well average 38 on the hwy and 32 in the city. I am a Honda fan for life I just purchased a 2009 Ridgeline cause I love that truck. My Honda Civic will be with me until it dies and maybe even after it does.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Sandi Wilson - May 17 - 1:31 pm

  I had a 2007 CR-V and just loved it but I put a lot of miles on my vehicle so decided to trade it in for a new one-- so so disappointing. I have had Hondas for the last 20 years but this will be my last one and cant wait to get rid of it. Terrible quality and gas mileage is so terrible compared to mine 3 years --only getting around 23 combined hwy/city where my old one would get me about 27. Supposed to be same vehicle.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By manny - May 16 - 10:55 pm

  Not happy with gas mileage she gets 12 in the city and 18 on highway not what I expected from a Honda. Rear sub rattles sounds way to much, been in two others same thing. Seats are impossible to clean. Besides theses issues runs well no problems.

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  Future Buyers Beware - 2010 Honda Fit
  By iowacityiowa - May 16 - 8:58 pm

  I love my car, but few things to think about before you buy this car. The sport is low to the ground and you cant see the nose of your car which makes pulling up to curbs a bit tricky so you dont scrape up your front. I also find my self parking a foot or two from my intended stopping spot because its hard to judge where the nose of the car is. Also the all black interior is a lint/dust/dirt magnet. I have found Swifer dusters work great, I keep them in my car for touch ups, also a min sticky roller brush to get lint off the seats. Also for those who have trouble backing up, this car takes a little getting use to. In town I average 27 MPG which I love. Overall I think its a great car.