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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  Satisfied 8 Year Ownership - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Argentum - January 17 - 11:24 am

  This is my 3rd and final review for this outstanding vehicle which I bought new and will be trading in soon with over 120000 miles. If you are reading this review, you are likely looking to buy a used CRV. I can honestly say that it still has a new car look and feel. The only repairs for malfunctions ever done were for A\C and brakes. All else was for preventative maintenance. I think buying a used CRV is a roll of the dice, but if you get one that has been properly maintained, you will not be sorry.

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  Love this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave - January 17 - 10:58 am

  I had the heated seat feature installed without the leather - great idea. I also worked the rear view mirror with glare repellent and direction in the deal as well - great idea too. With tinted windows and the rear wing, I find this car every bit as classy as models 3 times the cost. High end tires have helped tremendously - Honda sells them new with a really bad tire.

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  Great little car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By world traveller - January 17 - 6:47 am

  Ive driven this car on four different regions of the world, in North America, in Africa, in Europe, and now in the Middle East. Its done very well in European snow, in African desert and washboard dirt roads. Its little 4 banger and AWD have done fine in loose sand. Its been rock solid reliable, with regular oil changes and air filter replacements. The radiator died in 2007, but no other problems. Its acceleration leaves a little to be desired, especially up a hill. However, its been perfect for this world traveling family. The added ground clearance and AWD have been perfect for a family that never knows what kinds of roads well find at our next home.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By hondalover15 - January 16 - 10:39 pm

  I love my Honda Pilot! Its reliable,comfortable,economical,the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Never, ever a moments trouble with this SUV. Its my 3rd Honda. I wont drive anything else. I expect a lot from my vehicle & this SUV delivers and more. Such a smooth ride, great for interstate driving. Handles well on snow and ice.

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  Excllent SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By debijo - January 16 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Honda Pilot! It is a great SUV and very reliable. I have 140,000 miles without any problems! Except for the mpgs, I am spoiled driving my SUV. The only problem I can say I have with it is that I dont want to drive anything else now! I would and do personally recommend this vehicle to anyone, from two people to 5 adults and 3 children.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jay - January 16 - 2:48 pm

  I traded in my S2000 for this car. I know its slower but cant tell from driving it. This car feels faster than it is. Its as much fun to drive as the S2000 was. I considered other cars but owned many Hondas in the past and havent been disappointed by my decision to take this over WRX and MS3. I commute 82 miles round trip each day and enjoy every minute of it.

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  Tire Problems?? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mike - January 16 - 12:52 pm

  For starters, you dont buy a Honda for a comfortable ride. Hondas are purchased for reliability and gas mileage - GOT IT! I have owned a Honda for 25 years and currently own 5 Civics. I purchased a 2009 Civic EX-L in 8/09. After 7000 mls, had to put 2 tires on the rear & get 4 wheel alignment. At 14500 mls had to put 2 tires on rear & get 4 wheel alignment. The car seems to be eating more tread than gas. With that said, my dealership has not charged for the problem, but has not yet offered a fix. Well see if this becomes an issue when we reach 36000 and the warranty runs out. Also, Honda engineers, why did you place the e- brake so close to your knee? Confidant Honda will fix the issue.

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  A Very Big little Car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By midrum - January 14 - 11:24 pm

  I bought the Fit based on the reviews (many of them raves) in the car mags. It was a tough step down from my 280 h.p. SUV to this slick looking little econobox. The test drive was good enough. Although it didnt really tell me much other than the Fit didnt have any pick up compared to what I was used to. It did feel solid though and it was very quiet with a really good a/c unit. Over the past few months it has proven to be super solid, often feeling like a much bigger car. But when it gets to 5K RPM it s a whole new thing. Its really fast and agile. Super fun to drive and always self assured. The paddle shifters add to the feeling of connectedness. Plus a killer stereo to boot.

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  Never Again - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed - January 13 - 9:59 pm

  Ive owned three Honda Accords - the oldest accord I owned was a wagon and was by far the best one. The 94 honda coupe and 2002 SE both had transmission problems once 90k + miles were reached. I thought the 94 was just a lemon, but how could I buy a lemon twice from a Honda Dealer? The Honda was nice while it lasted, but that is the problem - they didnt last. I will be trading my Honda for a Toyota, and will not be purchasing anymore Hondas. As another poster mentioned, Honda has lost their "quality" in workmanship.

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  Winter Performance - 2008 Honda Civic
  By palmdove - January 13 - 8:13 pm

  I have been very happy with my 2008 Civic since I purchased it last fall. It was slightly used as it was the demo car at the dealership. I only started to have a problem when the snow and cold weather arrived last winter. I found that the design of the wheel wells does not leave room to clear away built up snow and ice. I find it gathers there and makes turning difficult at times. It is very hard to clear it away as the area is so tight. On other cars its easy to just tap it away with your foot etc. Ive discovered the only real way of clearing it is with a high pressure hose. I do find this a bit of a design flaw and maybe could be improved!