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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  A good buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By aengberg - April 17 - 3:47 pm

  It is fun to drive, and a great commuter car. It is extremely reliable. I put over 25,000 a year on it, and have had no problems with it. It is not a luxury car, but it is sporty, and performs well. I would recommend this car for a young person looking for a fun and reliable car. Like I said it is not a luxury car, so if you want something smooth, and comfortable you might want to spend a little more and look at an Acura. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best cars on the market.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Honda Fit
  By peter c - April 17 - 10:16 am

  First Honda I have owned and am I disappointed. The ride is unacceptable in the northeast in the winter, you cannot even drink a coffee, not that there is good cup holder to put it in. The car wanders all over the freeway, it needs constant correction. It feels like the wind is blowing the car around when there is none. The headlights flicker randomly. The throttle raises just a little bit as you come to a stop. I am always stomping on the brake.The light indicator is behind the steering wheel.There is an annoying rattle in the dashboard in front of the steering wheel which goes away with the heater on. I have 3 tires leaking 6 to 10 lbs of air a month.I never noticed these on the demo model.

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  So far not very impressed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Farrell - April 17 - 12:27 am

  This is my first Honda, and frankly, I was expecting more. The ride is very noisy, and the suspension system on the car is disappointing. Im not sure if I just got a new car with lousy shocks and struts, but you feel every imperfection in the road. I would like others feedback on this. So far the fuel economy on the car is ok, but nothing to rave about. I have only owned the car for a few days, but already miss my trade in. In short, based on Hondas reputation I thought i was getting better.

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  Value for money. - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By bartio - April 17 - 12:20 am

  I did research several vehicles for the past 6 months. The main selling points for me over my runners up (CX9, XC90) were Spaciousness, well designed storage, resale value, reliability ratings. I have a Camry and a Golf, so I know sporty (noisy) and whisper quiet.. The Pilot is not as quiet as the Camry, but I didnt feel the bumps as much in the Pilot either. So it is a wash.. Very well thought design. Drives solid.. no pulling to the right like people here complain.. Im very happy with my purchase and hope to drive this one for several years..

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  Much better MPG than EPA ratings! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lenny - April 16 - 9:57 pm

  Just filled up for the first time-better than 44 mpg (actual) since new 370 miles). My other car is a 2003 Jetta TDI. The Insight is different-it lacks the outstanding road feel of the VW, but is much smoother and less noisy. Fun to drive, great gadgetry (nav with bluetooth link). Decent road feel and handling.

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  My experience with my honda oddyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By etan - April 16 - 8:39 pm

  Drives like what you think you get but have some problem in electrical.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2001 Honda Accord
  By JayC - April 16 - 7:35 pm

  In the last 19 years I have owned 2 cars, a Honda civic and now a Honda Accord. Between the two of them I have replaced the tires and the exhaust on the Civic--that is it! For dependable, well made cars you cant go wrong. The size of the sedan is good. Good trunk size, good passenger size, nice feel, vision and little things like cup holder, glove box etc. Dash is easy to read, all controls are placed sensibly. I dont drive a lot but the car is comfortable and good on gas.

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  I was very dissapointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jiri - April 16 - 5:19 pm

  This is my second Honda accord with manual transmission. First was 2000 4 cyl. No problems at all with this car. After I bought new accord I had to replace brakes at 4k because of a noise, by the way the noise is still there at 16,000 I had to replace rear brake pads what is not ok. Since I bought this car I was few time at the dealership because of my manual transmission respectively 3rd gear. I was there three times, transmission wasnt fixed. There was more minor problems with door latch, handles, with speakers. I am very disappointed. I made about 7 trips to the dealership since I bought this car!

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  Great purpose built car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By KG - April 16 - 4:02 pm

  I am completely enamored with my Honda. This is coming from a guy who had a jeep cherokee 4x4 as his previous vehicle. This car served me as well in San Diego as it did in the cold weather in Boston. Snow tires and a 5 speed manual made this car a joy to drive in the snow. The car started every morning regardless of how cold it was. Owners who complain about this car didnt understand what they were buying. The car is 20 grand brand new-one shouldnt expect Porsche-like build quality and materials for that price. Another unjustified complaint people have is the surprisingly low mpg. This is what happens when sound deadening, airbags, and computers get added to a car.

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  Happy owner - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Don - April 16 - 3:05 pm

  Were new to Honda wanting one due to having a dealer close by. Motor Week said it was the best SUV for the year. Averaging about 17 mpg mixed driving. Have got up to 25 mpg at times on expressway. On recent trip Mrs and I agreed we had less travel fatigue. I like the size while having a lower profile with a wide track. I have some tiny remorse about not considering (test-driving) the Touring model.