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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  Nothing to write home about - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Markl - April 29 - 6:12 pm

  This is my third civic and I dont think it stands up with the others. The clutch/accelerator syncro makes it unstable to pull out on hills and the car has not had even acceleration since the day I bought it. I keep hoping that maybe it will get better.

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  Build Quality of Honda Taking a Dive - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By bfv - April 29 - 4:00 pm

  Within the first week I had been back to the dealer 3 times for quality defects to be corrected, clear coat spray on the windshield, a torn seat cover, a bumper coming off and now we have found the carpet next to the drivers side seat not completed. Have already driven 150 miles and spent nearly 2 days having quality defects corrected. Honda of America has been useless in the process. Ive had a Honda for the past 30 years with great results, not sure yet but this one may be my last. Our "new" car was built in the Lincoln Alabama plant.

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  Workhorse, But Back to Toyota for Me - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Prof Utonium - April 29 - 2:11 pm

  Bought new. Had most bang for buck when it came out. Handles well--more like car than van/truck. Had lots of innovative features. Its probably improved, but always had Toyotas before--going back too (this week). Its the family van (3 girls) we use it for everything everyday, even pulling a trailer. However, seats uncomfortable, stereo marginal, power doors stink. Has problems seen on forums: Transmission replaced (recall fix). Power doors constantly failing (3 times since warranty ran out at $200+ a pop, 7 times total). Dash light dimmer burned out (recall fix). Speedometer failed. Loud, whining rear wiper but still works (we just dont use it). Some other dash lights out.

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  Overall Review - 2010 Honda Civic
  By C. Simpson - April 29 - 12:07 pm

  Overall I really like this car. We bought a new Civic EX in 2001 and had virtually no problems with it so we just bought a new 2010 EX to replace it. We drive about 25K miles per year so economy and comfort are important. There have been some nice upgrades over the years and it still feels like a quality vehicle. We paid right around 18K and had a great experience buying it from Metro Honda in Montclair, CA. Using the internet to query several dealers was great. In the end we chose Metro because their price was competitive but just as importantly their customer service was terrific. They also offer a Lifetime Powertrain warranty which is nice considering the miles we drive.

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  Best-kept secret - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bob - April 29 - 11:38 am

  Amazing. After six months, still havent seen another Insight on Montreal roads or in huge mall parking lots. If people only knew how much fun this little hatchback is. Zippy, especially under hard acceleration, silky smooth engine, balanced and grounded like a Go-Kart, bright and spacious cabin - whats not to like? And, no, it doesnt look like a Prius. Sure, its form might be similar, just like my form is similar to Tom Cruises. Its the nuances that make all the difference, and theyre considerable.

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  Great car very bad gas mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ningamomx3 - April 29 - 4:24 am

  So far its been a great car. Plenty of room. No major problems. Just recently the tires starting making a roaring sound. But over all a very nice riding car. Went to SC in it right after we purchased. Very nice ride. Not loving the gas mileage. Ever since I have had the car, I get 24 mpg. I think it being a Honda it should get way better then that.

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  Best car Ill ever own - 1993 Honda Accord
  By eric - April 29 - 12:02 am

  Rock solid, bullet proof reliability! 227,000 miles and counting, I drive it every day, and love it every day. Original clutch, exhaust, interior perfect, nothing ever breaks on this car (the left headlamp bulb was installed at the factory, and is still there after 17 years!). Not true, the power antenna breaks due to the high heat in Arizona, but Ill forgive this wonderful gem of a car. I cannot praise Honda enough for this car and cant wait till they introduce another one like it. After all, it has to wear out someday, doesnt it?

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  Workhorse - 2007 Honda Accord
  By clfreemn - April 28 - 10:57 pm

  I have been driving in sales covering a 400+mile radius since 1996. When the company went off leases and to Runzheimer, I had to find something reliable, with good resale. This car is incredible. It just turned 3 in February. 206k miles now, 150k before needing brake pads, First tires lasted over 65k, second set almost 100k. Excellent fuel mileage. No rattles, squeaks, or seal noise. Tight. Dealership maintained and the only thing other than regular maintenance was a $35 a/c compressor relay. Would like 0 road noise, but this car is quiet enough for cell conversations with a headset. All-in-all the best car for field sales I have found. Dealership (Meyer Honda) is also first- rate.

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  Wood Trim Upgrade is Downgrade" - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By csb - April 28 - 9:08 pm

  The interior wood trim accessory on the 2010 Pilot- opulent upgrade to complete the look is nothing more than a sticker ($393 + install= rip off)placed on a portion of the exsisting panel(s). The quailty and appearance of this upgrade looks very cheap. Advertised as "wood" by Honda has a matte finish,very misleading and a waste of money.

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  2nd S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By WMS - April 28 - 2:49 pm

  This is my second S2000 after owning a 2003 model. The 2005 (AP2) steering/suspension/wheel/tire combo is a noticeable improvement over my old one. Its really confidence inspiring in the corners. The 2.2L has a little more usable torque at lower RPM as well reducing the need to downshift as much as the 2.0L. the synchros were also improved for 2004+ so the gear changes are also noticeably smoother. With 50/50 city/hwy driving, Im managing 25mpg.