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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  Compare price & needs to price & wants - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Tammii - February 10 - 11:15 am

  We traded in a F150 for 2 fits, so of course the gas mileage is better. Its a good car, floor mats, cruise control, tinted windows, ipod connection all thrown in by dealer. Price wise is good. We pay the same payments for two fits as we did for the F150. Gas mileage good in the beginning, but dropped off majorly after 6 months of driving,in both cars. Tires are an issue. Almost as if they are out of balance, but after taking it to dealer, I was told the tires just need to warm up. Never heard of such a thing. Getting a second opinion on that one. Good car. Depends on what you want and how much you want to spend.

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  Love my Civic in sunny weather - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Des Moines - February 10 - 10:07 am

  Ive had this car over 2 years. Love to drive it except during the winter. It pretty much leaves me stranded - cant navigate the snow and has poor traction - even with snow tires. If there is more than 1 inch snow predicted, I stay home or drive our truck.

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  Ridge I - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridge - February 10 - 6:29 am

  Great small truck. Great ride. Great interior design and trunk under bed. Needs auto lights and memory seats

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  My Honda Civic 2002 Ex (Automatic) - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Raj - February 10 - 5:45 am

  I love my 2002 Honda Civic Ex. I bought this car about 1 year back and already have put 9000 miles on it. Currently the odometer reads 67000 miles. This is a small beautiful car with a wonderful gas millage. With an automatic transmission I get about 25-26 miles/gallon in the city and 32-35 miles/gallon on the highways. Other than the usual regular scheduled maintenance I the car requires nothing and runs perfectly fine. I changed the battery this winter. The only complain with this car is its poor factory installed audio/speaker system.

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  Rocket Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Brandy - February 9 - 10:51 pm

  I bought this car new and have had it for 5 years now and mainly do city commuting. I love my car---feel like I am sitting in a cockpit when flying down the freeway. Car has startling zip when punching the gas pedal can easily overtake on freeway. Routine maintenance is all I have had to do on this car. I rarely use the back seats. Great trunk space. I can easily shop Costco and Lowes and have carried home 6+ lumber by flipping down seats. My dad calls it my "origami car".

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  snow handling - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vinny - February 9 - 6:57 pm

  I purchased a certified 2007 honda fit with 19,000 miles.I was very pleased with this car till it snowed. The dealer had put on 4 new tires--whatever they were they are horrible....maybe the car is just too light.I thought my vw jetta was bad in the snow but the fit is ridiculous. I cant get out of my driveway even after Ive shoveled it out.I got stuck on a level alleyway pulling out to a level street! After the road was plowed the remaining snow was throwing me all around even though the larger car in front of me was ripping right along.Now Im scared to venture out with even the lightest snowfall.I ll have to do more research next car purchase time.

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  Average SUV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By iampilot - February 9 - 5:57 pm

  I have bought the pilot two months back and I have added ~2300 miles so far. Overall, the ride is comfortable with minimal road noise. It can handle snow quite comfortably even on a 2WD. I initially experienced the truck pulling to right and took it to the dealer. He told me that he observed the problem too and rotated the tires and adjusted the tire pressure! I dont have a lot of complaints about this now. My biggest complaint is the mileage. I am averaging 16 in city and maybe 21 on the highway which is far less compared with other SUVs in its class for a 2WD. Overall nothing out of the box, average SUV for 30K.

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  GREAT Truck!! Very Happy Again - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy with my Honda - February 9 - 5:23 pm

  This is my second Ridgeline and my son now has one too. We are both very well pleased! I love the Accord like ride. The handling is great on dry roads or in snow. The towing is respectable for a smaller truck. The in bed trunk is something that everyone seems to mention. It is very useful. I can easily put two sets of golf clubs in it. My Ridgeline offers a quiet ride, comfort, and class. I have had other trucks and this one is by far the best. It is the most versatile as it is good at everything and it doesnt take up the whole double side of the garage. I am hoping that Honda does offer the V8 that they are considering for 2012. A little more power would be nice!

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  Completely Rad Vehicle - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Walsta - February 9 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased my Honda used with 130,000 miles on it. I havent had any major problems. My only complaint is the power windows are dying and the parts are very expensive. My Accord had the same issue. The car handles very well even in tight spaces. My turn radius is better than that of my sisters compact car. I use cruise control whenever I can to improve my gas mileage. Visibility is very good in this model. My car seats four adults very comfortably. I wouldnt suggest a fifth person on a long trip because there isnt a head rest for the middle passenger. This car is excellent for road trips and has plenty of storage space and a table! It handles well on and off paved roads (I have 2WD).

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  Honda Fit 2008 - 2008 Honda Fit
  By kgsull - February 9 - 8:45 am

  Even though Im not crazy about the looks, I do enjoy driving the car...for me its comfortable, accelerates well, and gets very good mileage. Recently the battery wouldnt start, and after reading other forums regarding this issue, I see that there are many, many people with even more mileage and less that have had either the same problem (battery not charging), or battery dieing within less than 2 years! That is why I gave it a low reliability rating. The battery is not replaceable either (no one seems to make a similar size so one is stuck with the poor quality battery).