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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  Incredible little car! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Don Groves - May 4 - 7:28 pm

  I bought it today, but I am so pleased with it. The flexibility of the interior design is incredible. All cars like this should have a magic seat! Great car for someone with a dog. Nice and peppy for a little engine even with the automatic. Excellent sound system that integrates with my ipod. Good bye to satellite radio. Excellent dealer experience.

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  My best vehicle yet! - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - May 4 - 6:31 pm

  If you dont need to tow your 8000 lb. house around and are looking for an excellent family utility vehicle, ride, comfort and reliability, this is the truck for you. Sometimes I forget Im driving a pickup. The rear seats have a pull down center arm rest with cup holders which is a blessing when the kids are riding with me. I like the huge trunk space under the rear deck and the two way deck door opening. I carry my golf clubs under the lift up back seats. Just finished a 3600 mile round trip from California to Texas and back which was very comfortable. Avg. 21.8 MPG over the whole trip. High Grade Michelin tires are supplied on alloy wheels. You cant go wrong with this truck.

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  Second Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By autobuff - May 4 - 6:05 pm

  This is my second Honda that I have purchased. The first a honda CRX Si drove it to 305,116 miles. The ride is smooth, and the interior much improved compared to my friends accords. The interior is quiet enough to have a civil conversation, though not as quiet as a Lexus. Pick up is effortless with the manual with a slick feel. I bought this car used with only 27,900 miles on it, and the way i see it it is barely broken in. I look forward to minimal maintenance issues, and great return on this purchase.

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  Better than EPA - 2010 Honda Insight
  By offy - May 4 - 1:45 pm

  I recently took advantage of the great lease deals at Honda with a 36 month Insight lease. I traded in my not-too- old Mazda 3 and am very happy I did. In my first week of ownership, with the assist of the Econ mode and the computer showing me how to drive efficiently, I am averaging about 47 mpg, about 80% highway driving. Now my mundane drive to work has become just a small contribution to the environment.

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  Comfort of Accord Needs Improvement - 2009 Honda Accord
  By kproulx - May 4 - 11:18 am

  Overall, a great car, however, the seats are very uncomfortable. If they provide better seats or offer improved seating, I would never even consider another car. If they dont fix this, I will definitely consider a different make and model.

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  Pulls to the Right - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Terencio Hongco - May 4 - 3:16 am

  My only problem with this vehicle is it pulls to the right when youre not holding the steering wheel. The dealership already made wheel alignment twice to no avail. Also,the material they used for the interior scratches easily - cheap plastic. But over all this is a nice and reliable vehicle so far.

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  Warning, dont buy a Accord 08 or 09 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brown - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  My wife and I purchased to honda accords (2008 - 2dr coupe used) & (2009 4dr sedan new). Since the purchase date in Feb 09, I have had nothing but problems. 1) The tire pressure light keeps coming on 2) Muffler had to be replaced due to bad components 3) Both keyless entry remotes went out 4) Driver side seat lumbar support without was replaced 5) Rear brake pads wear out fast, replaced. 6) Tires dont stay balanced and aligned. Although all of these problems was covered by the dealership its a shame that I have to take a new car in for repair "time after time". This is what you will have to look forward to in the years to come. Oh, the 08 coupe is no better! Warning dont buy Honda!

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  I love my 2010 Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Pro - May 3 - 4:22 pm

  Beats any other vans, hands down. Great design, looks, powerful engine. The car comes with a lot of basic features compared to other vans. I tried the Sienna but didnt like the handling (sloppy and feels light on the road), on the contrary the Odyssey feels tight, higher quality car as expected from Honda.

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  Trading for a 2010 CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sprig - May 2 - 10:32 am

  We have put 130,000 miles on this CR-V with no problems whatsoever. Handles great and nice to drive. A v6 is unnecessary, this vehicle has all the power we need. MPG changes considerably if driving into the wind. Weve made as little as 20 and as much as 50 (with a gale tale wind), but it averages 27-28 most of the time on the highway.

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  Transmission Problem - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ed - May 2 - 10:30 am

  Bought this car in 98.Engine light came on at 80,000 miles, catalytic converter had to be replaced, cost over $800. Summer of 2005 the trans failed at about 134,000 miles. Took it to the Dealer (paramus), and the service guy referred me to a transmission place in Ramsey nj to rebuild the trans. They rebuilt the tran, cost $3200, gave me 15000 mile or a year warranty, car felt great, drove like a new car. 5 months later, trans started slipping. Took it back to the shop, by this time the 15,000 mile warranty had ran out. The guy claimed he replaced sensors, charged me again, $180, and said he needs to open the tran again, told him no, he said the car wont last 9 months. Same problem, 5 yrs now.