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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  Impressed - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer - April 5 - 6:17 pm

  Experienced SUV owners: Pilot,Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Xterra, Outback, Forester, Suburban, Explorer, Commander. We thoroughly examined (down to where the jack is stored and the type of spare tire)and road tested the Pilot(on a variety of surfaces and at various speeds). We like its Jeepesque squared off look. Excellent seats. Driving position very good on long trips. Nice layout of controls. Great storage. Excellent center console design and shifter location. Good mileage in aggressive driving: 18+ combined city, country and mountain roads not worrying about keeping the ECO light on. Quiet. Very stable and neutral driving dynamics for an SUV. Tracks well on the highway.

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  Watch your brakes/gas mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By StlCards - April 5 - 3:11 pm

  Loved the new styling, reliability, and features in my Accord. Opted for the 4 cyl (190 horses) for the gas mileage vs. the V6. Considered the Camry (plain Jane interior)and the Maxima (a little expensive). After driving it for 2 years, I notice a whole bunch of these cars on the road.

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  sweet ride - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - April 5 - 1:32 pm

  This van is a sweet ride comfortable, well put together not a van man but this van has changed all that, as I said below I only wish it had more road noise reduction reducer in the floors

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  Fun to drive, but BUYER BEWARE! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Nathan - April 5 - 12:38 pm

  The car is fun to drive. It has good acceleration and corners very well. Gas mileage is pretty good, averaging around 33 mpg combined city and highway driving. BUYER BEWARE THE A/C CONDENSER. A week ago, I noticed that my A/C was not cooling. Called the dealership and they said that it was possibly a rock through the condenser. I took it in, and sure enough, a big hole in the A/C condenser. Cost of repair, $576. I did a Google search and apparently this is a common event that Honda will not address as a problem, not only on civic, but also accord and odyssey. They tell you to file a claim with your insurance company for their poor design. This is not what I expected from a Honda.

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  Spaceship or Car? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By allison88 - April 5 - 9:11 am

  I purchased used in Oct 09- Have loved it. I agree blind spots are a problem until you get used to them- took me about 2 months. It handled fine in the snow and hills of Pittsburgh. Standard tires were not great in the snow (and by snow I mean 2 feet) so I bought snow tires and didnt have any problem driving through unplowed streets! I love the sunroof, really makes up for the small windows in the backseat. Seats are really comfortable.

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  Love It ^_^ - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jdmforever - April 4 - 11:54 pm

  This is an amazing car. I bought it used, but in great shape. Its got lots of power, especially after 6,000 rpm. =] The interior is great, the seats feel amazing, and the six-speed is wonderful. It has great fuel mileage, considering the type of car it is. This car is surprisingly big on the inside, which is nice. The Si Sedan is the best car out there for the money, and its a Honda, so itll run forever!

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  Brake Nightmare - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GJAN - April 4 - 8:08 pm

  My first Honda. Not a great experience so far. While I will say I love the comfort of this car its reliability issues out weight its curb appeal. I have changed the rear brakes twice within the last year. The passenger door build also has had to be repaired twice due to a faulty locking mechanism. I just recently had to get the a/c condenser replaced on an 08 w/ 40k mi. Hondas a/c condensers are notorious for sub par reliability. This car is great for comfortable everyday driving by no means is it any type of performance vehicle.

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  Navigation System is superb - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Joe Henry - April 4 - 2:56 pm

  Whoever thinks the Honda Satellite navigation system is somehow weak or confusing is either stupid or dishonest. Its an exceptionally useful and easy-to- operate system. I almost made the mistake of listening to incorrect consumer reviews. Glad I didnt!

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  Great commuter - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Chiplayer - April 4 - 10:37 am

  The car is great! I got the car with only 44,000 original miles a few months ago and the car is 15 years old! I could not believe it and the independent dealer I bought it from seemed to be insulted when I indirectly suggested the mileage couldnt be right. I bought a carfax report right after I bought it and sure enough, the car had one owner and the mileage was right on! The greatest deal I ever got on a car! The body has a couple of bangs and the paint is faded and peeling but who cares the interior is cherry and the engine like new! Too bad these cars are one of the most stolen cars out there. Its okay, I sleep with a bat and I am not referring to my wife!

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  Reliable and practical - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mavy - April 4 - 9:31 am

  Bought brand new in July 2007. The pros are that it has been very reliable. It has only needed routine maintenance. The only thing that has malfunctioned has been the windshield wipers (they go off on their own sometimes and wont turn off!). Acceleration isnt THAT fast but I did not buy this car for its power. Gas mileage has probably been around 20 mpg overall. Happy with the cargo space. Fits stroller and grocery bags and more!