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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  Had better cars - 2000 Honda Passport
  By had better cars - December 3 - 11:31 pm

  Well we bought our passport at 6 years old and it seemed to be a nice car. it was valued at $12,000 and we brought them down to $9,000. After 4 days the transmission went out. Then after 6 months the transmission was not working right again. we waited a year to get the money to get a new one. It is acting up again! the windshield wiper motors and linkage have been replaced multiple times. The car does have power when you need it. 4 wheel drive works great when transmission is working. Love to drive it.

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  Has its troubles - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Dp - December 3 - 9:25 pm

  Bought with bad rotors, breaks, bad front tires and cracked radiator, 600$ out the door to begin with. Fixed it all up and its been some what reliable. A year later, had to have the head gasket resurfaced. Mechanic said that the 96+ years have a problem with the head gasket. That cost me another 1200, recently, the car has been chugging the radiator fluid, but the lines/hoses are new and radiator is sealed up tight. Still unresolved problems with loss of radiator fluid. Ill top her off and when I park it after a drive, it will overflow or dump about 1/3 of the fluid on the street and it only happens the one time I top it off. Wish I got a Tacoma. I prob got one of a few lemon accords.

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  cheap and reliable - 1991 Honda Civic
  By malcolm - December 3 - 3:18 pm

  Everything works on it, and that includes even the tape deck! It has no optional equipment, is very stripped down, which I love. In two years, Ive replaced the exhaust system, brake calipers, and CV boot. It has almost 150,000 miles and I expect to get 150,000 more. It costs me about $42/month to insure and I spend, even with gas exceeding $2.70/gal $25/week in gas. Everyone who tells me they had one, wishes they still had it, Ive never heard anything bad about these cars. Perfect for students or commuters, and very roomy.

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  Love It! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Raleigh, NC - December 3 - 1:30 pm

  The Pilot has a great ride, smooth acceleration, and great styling inside and out. I like it better than the previous styling due to the more chiseled look that makes it feel more like a real SUV than a mini van. The sound system is great. They have tons of storage space in compartments everywhere throughout the vehicle. The ECO feature is really neat. The gas mileage is not overly impressive by the numbers, but for such a large SUV, it is pretty darn good compared to many of its competitors. Honda did a great job with this one!

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  I like this car more every day - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Allegro - December 3 - 8:23 am

  I will own this car for a long time. I like to drive and this car is a great balance of performance and economy. I purchased a new Accord in 1990 and it has 160,000 miles and it has had no issues. I intend to keep this one even longer. It is nice to get a good quality car without having to pay for countless fancy options.

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  Novelty has worn off a little - 2009 Honda Civic
  By hch2socal - December 3 - 1:02 am

  OK - so with 8500 miles, the novelty has worn off a little. Its still a great commuter, but I agree with many of the other reviews: 1) comfortable on short rides painful on anything more than 2 hours 2) horrible power on hills, especially if stopped at a stop light and you have to start on an incline (takes about 3-5 seconds to really "get going") 3) very loud on anything over 3000 rpm (aka hills). I put on aftermaket wheels b/c I didnt like the stock - looks great, but did subtract 3 MPG (but worth it IMO) Ive averaged 37.5 MPG over the past 3,000 miles (and that does involve crossing a 9% incline daily to work). Bottom line - great for MPG lacks power / comfort.

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  Good to buy - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By youngho yang - December 2 - 9:04 pm

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  Built like a fine Swiss watch - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Lacy - December 2 - 4:54 pm

  Had "Hissy" for 10 months. Best car Ive ever had in 40 years. Shes built like a fine Swiss watch. Wanted to buy American, but since I had major problems with Saturn when they came out (sorry Saturn), I promised myself to buy the best car regardless of country. All of the reviewers were correct in their evaluations of the Fit- - a truly superb 5 door sub-compact hatchback. Try as I may, nothing but superlatives can describe our "Hissy." Averaging 40-42 MPG in mostly small town driving (after discounting the onboard 44-47 MPG sensor by 10%). Comfortable, responsive, great stereo, still original engine oil at 4500 miles, just a great little car. Thanks, "Hissy," love ya.

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  The Civic of 02 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Trevor - December 2 - 6:53 am

  This is my second Civic after buying a used 96 Civic a few years ago. I bought the 2002 Civic EX in Black. The drive is very smooth and theyve worked on the wind noise problem. When going over bumps and problems in the road, there the car adjusts to the road conditions making it better to drive. Besides comfort and drive, the best part of this car is the fuel economy. For a college student, this car is perfect because you put in a tank of gas and its going to last you 320miles ++.

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  Stupid 2nd Row Seat - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mikebyuom - December 2 - 1:16 am

  At first, I liked my CR-V, but as time went by, I dont like it anymore. Poor gas mileage and the noise from the engine is so annoying every time I accelerate. By the way, who designed the 2nd row seat? I thought they are folded and flat like the other SUVs, but they are not. They just tumbles and should be hung by a hook. I cant deliver a long item like a bookshelf, etc. The exterior design is so boring. It was O.K. first, but now it seems like its just too plain. Seems like have seen it before somewhere.