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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  Nice car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MicroBlitz - March 22 - 1:37 pm

  Loved this car. This is the 3rd Civic Hybrid weve owned. Drives nice and easy to park. Great gas mileage. The best combined (Hwy/City) mileage I got, by checking a tankful of gas manually was 63.2 mpg driving in warm Florida weather on mostly flat roads. The worst combined (Hwy/City) mileage I got, by checking a tankful of gas manually was 43.5 mpg driving in cold Michigan weather on semi-hilly roads. Things I didnt like about the Civic were: (1)The wearing of the door seal from rubbing against it when getting in and out of the car, (2) Small trunk, (3) Small gas tank. (4) Seats too low. (5) The lack of color choices.

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  Just hit 150,000 miles. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Lianger - March 22 - 9:40 am

  I got my 98 civic 4dr ex my junior year of high school. Im still driving after 11 years. I just hit 150,000 miles with all the commuting back and forth to work and back. Its about a 50 mile commute round trip. This is my first car and its going to be sad when I have to let him. A lot of good memories. No major issue and very reliable car. I have gone through about 4 or 5 sets of tires, 3 brakes and rotors, 2 exhaust pipes, replaced 1 turn signal light bulb, Timing belt, water pump, 2 CV boots (city has a lot of pot holes), and a turn up. The worst thing that happen was a crack gasket which cause the antifreeze to leak.

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  Best vehicle that Ive ever owned - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - March 21 - 9:24 pm

  Ive had this car for over a year, and it has been great! Its averaged 20.5 mpg. It has a smooth ride. It tows like a champ, and handles off-road very well.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By mk - March 21 - 5:45 pm

  My old Pilot (2007) was perfect, it was powerful, had decent brakes and I averaged 18 mpg, this new Pilot is slow to start slow to stop and eats gas like mad! Looking at all the major reviews I now see Im not the only one who feels this way, my mistake was expecting Honda would only improve the Pilot not ruin it. Now I must live with it for a year, I cant stand seeing that little green light on the dash going out every time I push the gas, the only time it goes on is down hill with a tail wind, its a joke to make people think this SUV is GREEN, its anything but seeing my MPG meter show 16.3 MPG avg.

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  Do Not Buy a Honda Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By First Honda Purchase - March 21 - 4:16 pm

  Replaced transmission at 49,000 miles in Jan 2008, called dealership no mention of recall. Now at 83,000 miles, transmission is out again! 1.1 million recalled - my VIN # is not on the recall list, even though it is doing the same exact thing Honda issued the recall for. My first Honda will be my last. Customer service from Honda USA is terrible. Buy a Ford!

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  My fit at 18 months - 2009 Honda Fit
  By colofarmgirl - March 21 - 12:12 pm

  I love my Fit. I dont know why the mileage is listed at 29 mpg. I get 40 mpg, although a lot of my driving is on the highway. I was really surprised at the acceleration, given the mileage. It has great cargo options. The interior is holding up well given that I always have a couple of dogs with me. The only drawback to the Fit is that it gets blown around in high winds. I wish it had cruise control, other than that I am really pleased with my decision to buy the Fit.

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  Spring break driver - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ken ON - March 21 - 10:39 am

  I was waiting for the new 4Runner before making a decision to buy a new vehicle. I also checked out most competitors including the MB M Class. The Pilot was still the winner by far. A week after taking delivery we left Toronto for Florida for spring break vacation. This is a 2400 KM (1500 Mi) drive one way. The vehicle performed exceptionally well in every aspect. Comfortable for driver and passengers and the NAV and entertainment system were great assets. I have owned a Yukon and Envoy which do not come close to this Honda Pilot in any way. I previously purchased GM but my wife has had several Honda Accords which helped sell me as they have been outstanding.

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  Beast car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By rid - March 20 - 10:29 pm

  So this was a hand-me down car from my mom that got a 09 Honda accord. Truly this car is older than me but it doesnt seem like it. The car has a sturdy build and awesome feel when driving. The interior is a clean cut design and cant get any better. I truly think its built better than my moms car and Im only 15. My car has over 200,000 miles in it and has a new engine and has been taken care of and its better than any coupe car out there today. its even better than the top fuel efficient car out there getting a top mpg of 46!

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  One of The Greatest! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By The BEST! - March 20 - 10:06 pm

  My Prelude is actually a 1988 Si but the car was almost the same from 88-91. I bought it new in Sept 87 and still love this car, drive it to work every day. I bought a 98 but was never satisfied although it too was a nice car. The handling just wasnt the same. If I could find a brand new 88 Si I would buy it today. This car still looks good and drives great. I have had to do some repairs & replacement parts but with 220,000 miles it can be expected. Averages 28 mpg on back roads and some stop and go traffic. I guess they will have to bury me in it cause I just cant part with it.

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  Utility vehicle after all - 2007 Honda Accord
  By smrth_gpt - March 20 - 7:19 pm

  I bought this car brand new. My experience with this vehicle has been as follows - the engine & transmission provide a smooth, powerful and reliable ride. The suspension is awful though - you can feel even the slightest imperfections on the road. The build quality and sound insulation is pathetic - too much road- noise and constant rattling and squeaking from the doors and windows is annoying