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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  Awesome Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 6 - 5:39 pm

  I have always loved Hondas, this is my 5th and I could not be happier. The car has a some miles but I know that it still has many more in it. I am still getting 32+ MPG with over 200K and the car is amazingly reliable. The leather is a great addition as well as the power options. The stereo system is great for stock and these cars can move if you really need it to. If you stay up on your maintenance these cars will go forever! Everyone should own a Honda!

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  Great - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By jrsummergal - April 6 - 5:16 pm

  I bought this car in December 10. I looked and looked and finally found one. I wanted white with leather and sun roof. I ended up with the navigation which I didnt really care for but its nice to have. I wanted this car because I have 4 kids and needed the room. The cargo space is not to good for travel but we will get a carrier for the roof. I just took it to Arizona and it drove GREAT. Im very happy. I looked at the Highlander but the Pilot seemed roomier the 3rd row seat was definitely more comfy. My 8 year old son sat in the back of both the Pilot and Highlander and definitely liked the Pilot better. We love our Pilot.

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  Another Odyssey Transmission Failure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Lucy - April 6 - 2:41 pm

  We bought our van used in 04 w/ only 12,000 miles on it. Loved the van for 5 years and paid it off. Planned to keep it for a good long time, when without much warning the transmission went at only 85,500. We serviced our vehicle at the dealer faithfully and we towed it there for assistance. They said a new transmission would be almost 4,000 and continued to tell me about all of the transmission issues Honda has been having with their vehicles. We were extremely disappointed and decided to trade the car in for a Hyundai w/a 10 yr. powertrain warranty. Like many of the other customer reviews Ive read...we too have lost our faith in Hondas quality.

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  Fun Battery Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lund - April 6 - 1:50 pm

  Perfect car for commuter and/or run-about-towners. Handling makes up for lack of acceleration and 45+mpg makes up for everything else. Very up-market exterior styling blows away Prius plus one can stop the car when one wants!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Thad - April 6 - 1:14 pm

  After sifting through several thousand ads/scams for used Civics, I lucked into a cream puff EX w/ 31,000 original miles, w/out a nick, dent, or scratch. (rally red -- GREAT color!) Its the best looking, best performing used car Ive ever bought, and now that the weather is getting nicer, Im loving my sunroof. I put a remote starter (mandatory in Michigan winters),and a new set of tires on her, and she runs flawlessly,without a single rattle. No, its not a 328i, so handling and performance are held to a different standard. Also, I was surprised to find city mileage at only around 28mpg with the automatic. But I still love this little car, and better still, I love having NO PAYMENTS!

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  Trading It! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hateit - April 6 - 9:25 am

  Whats to like other than the looks? My brakes squeal all the time! The engine does not do well switching from 6cyl to 3cyl. XM Radio still does not work! And cylinder head blew a few months ago. It was fixed but still does not start the first time every time. Honda says its fine, cant find anything wrong? Best part is the 36,000 mile warranty that is almost up. Selling it soon!

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  10,000 mile update - 2009 Honda Accord
  By andrew - April 6 - 6:54 am

  Wow I read the negatives by others and I am surprised. I have had over 50 cars and still take cars for test rides. The exl v-6 is one of the best values out there. Its comfortable in every seat, has great visibility, very quick, great quality, and can get very good gas mpg. 20-21 city winter, 22-23 summer and just got 30.1 on a trip to New York. It is easy to get on and out of and when compared to the next jump up like bm, Audi you would spend 10 k more and not have the reliability. Accord still sets the standard of best value for your money !

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  Repeat Buyer - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ryan - April 6 - 6:42 am

  For those folks who think this vehicle "floats" away while trying to steer, or pulling to the side , my advise is dont drink and drive. Honda I believe uses a technology called power on demand responsive steering. So get used to it. My old pilot has 125,000 miles and I just got another one last week. After 125,000 miles my old car still runs just as good as the brand spanking new one. So that should tell you about the quality.

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  Mostly Great - Navi needs improvement - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Terry - April 6 - 6:04 am

  Like many, my Fit gets much, much better mileage than EPA. My average over 14,000 miles has been 34 mpg, with a high of 43 mpg on a highway trip at 65 mph. Its fun, fun, fun to drive - I still look forward to driving it every day. The stereo is very good, but not great. People are surprised by how much interior room there is. Biggest complaint is the navi system. The POI database is so bad its almost unusable. Missing lots of businesses and inconsistent naming which makes it really hard to find them.

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  Okay car, needs work to make fun to own - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ExcuseI! - April 5 - 9:29 pm

  Bought the car used at a steal (fuel prices had come down and people had already migrated away from fuel efficient cars). Took it on a trip from VA to JAX and averaged 39.5mpg (!). However, the hills of CA and shorter commutes drop the mileage down to 20-25 mpg. For the (lack of) performance from the car I would expect better. My 2005 V6 Tacoma crew cab auto gets 17-20 mpg around town and has much better power. The ride is very loud and I feel the interior material quality isnt as good as my wifes old 1996 Civic (gone). There are scratches on the hard plastics in 1 year that werent there on the 10 year old Civic. However, it has many features for what we paid, but Civic needs a refresh.