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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  Still loving it - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Tonya - March 12 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car over 9 months ago. Still super cute and fun to drive. Had a fender bender a few months back and drove a Mazda 3 rental for a couple days could definitely tell that the Honda Fit doesnt have as much horsepower when compared to the Mazda 3 but I never purchased the Fit with the delusion it was a high performance sports car No mechanical problems to report yet and I get lots of compliments on the vehicle I use the vehicle for mainly commuting around town for work so cant say Ive ever thought it was overly uncomfortable It was a good purchase for the money paid when compared with similar models of Toyota and Nissan

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  Great first car! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By KY Civic - March 11 - 8:57 pm

  I got this car for my 16th birthday three years ago with 88k miles, and nearly 30k miles later its still running great. Had to have the axle replaced a while back, for a cost of $800, but thats really been the only problem Ive had. Gas mileage is decent, but could be a little better. Acceleration can be a tad sluggish, but overall okay for a 4 cyl. Couldnt have asked for a better first car.

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  Steering issues - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By mgb - March 11 - 7:17 pm

  After steering issues with a CR-V I previously owned, I had some concerns about buying a Pilot but after some test drives and conversations with my dealer, my concerns were alleviated. Big mistake on my part. It just took one experience of accelerating while going up a fairly steep highway hill and trying to change lanes to the right to convince me that my Pilot is dangerous. It floated back toward the original lane I was in on its own accord. Since then Ive noticed that quite often when I accelerate going up a hill, especially coming out of a right turn, it doesnt stick to the road. Hopefully Ill be rid of it before I have to depend on it in an emergency situation.

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  Why I hate Honda Junk - 2008 Honda Civic
  By IhateHondajunk - March 11 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased a 2006 and had an issue with the control arms. I purchased three sets of tires for the car in less than 36k miles. I took it to the dealer several times at my expense and they ignored my complaints telling me at one point it was all in my head. I did not think too much of it until I traded the car in for a 2008 and low and behold the same problem except now the driver side window would fall out and the electrical system was shorted. The window was an easy fix. They replaced the bracket and window but the hitch was that they had sold me the vehicle with tint. They claimed that Honda did not recommend that customers put tint on thief windows yet the dealership sold it to me that w

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  It has survived me so far with 200k+ - 2003 Honda Civic
  By C Read - March 11 - 3:16 pm

  Ive enjoyed driving the car, mileage is great, especially since I drive a lot of miles, but I have had my problems with the car: alternator went at 90k, the trans had a bearing go at 135k (replacement required), paint started peeling at year 4, ECCM (computer) went at 197k, the fabric on the doors started coming off (glue degraded). The engine is still. Though this car hasnt been as worry free as hoped, but with the high mileage accumulated as quick as it was, I would say it has handled as well could be expected with any car, Ill compare my next car when I get one, until then.

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  Love it - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Skie - March 11 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my civic with 15k miles on it and have put almost 30k in one year of ownership. I love the gas mileage I get from it because I drive to school every day and work on weekends neither of which are near my home. This car is by far my favorite out of all of the cars I have ever known and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Interior Plastic Scratches Easily - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By mommyofthree - March 11 - 11:28 am

  Love driving my new 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD RES. The only negative comment I have is interior plastic is awful. Scratched in so many places already! I have had the car only 1 month. Black plastic on dashboard is chipping and has turned white. Seems as if you touch the plastic is scrapes. Also DVD seems to be rattling tons when not in use.

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  Happy Honda Customer - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Happy Honda Customer - March 10 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this car in Dec. 2004. I was glad I made the purchase. This car has been very good to me. I kept up with the oil changes and the 30, 60, 90,000 mile service. I know have about 90,000 miles on it and I plan to keep it until I cant drive it anymore. The engine seems to have a high noise. The fuel economy isnt as good as it used to be probable because of the ethanol they are putting in the gas nowadays. I used to get on average 36 miles to the gallon now I get about 30 mpg. Could have better pick up in first gear. The throttle response is a little low. It kinda lags. However passing other cars is a breeze. Has some rattling hear and there.

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  Again a civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By erik - March 10 - 9:58 pm

  After researching for months and comparing to other carsgot a used Civic 09 with 4500 miles on it 5000 less than a new lx with taxes and fees. This drives a lot better than the 2001 Civic it replaced, lesser noise, first automatic, always drove a stick. The advantage over a stick is lesser rpm on the highway. 2200 rpm with 70 miles cruising. Like the blue backlight of speedometer and armrest with more storage as in old Civic. Good firm seats, drove VW and they have that to, I like that, also in height adjustable. Drove 390 miles with one tank of gas and still a quart in it, so over 450 miles is easy for me. This car has to make a 250.000 miles as my old Civic with less maintenance as was.

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  Great vehicle - 2000 Honda Accord
  By swarun - March 10 - 7:40 pm

  I have had this car for 10 years. It runs great. Very reliable. Has never stopped me on the road. The original battery lasted 9 1/2 years.