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:

• 

  Great car can be better - 2013 Honda Civic
  By specialist4 - April 25 - 12:52 pm

  Honda did a great job on this Civic. They fixed the inadequatcies that Consumer Reports pointed out. Fit and quality excellent. For those that feel the ride noisy, upgrade to the EX. The noise is from the cheaper tires on the LX. This is true with all the Honda line up. Blue tooth works great, navi and radio excellent. Good ride quality, 36-38 MPG HW at 65-75 mph. Overall 29-31 mpg, even with my wife driving...she only know to accelerate or brake..nothing inbetween. 4 wheel disc brakes stop the car very quickly compare to disc/drum combo. Ive heard some complaints about the seats, I find them very comfortable. The Hyundi elantra has 2 big blind spots, Honda does not.

• 

  THIS THING IS AWESOME THERE ARE NO BETTER CARS FOR THE MONEY! PERIOD! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jeffsmith888 - April 24 - 8:22 pm

  I have never been in a car that was so extraordinarily good at everything, and with an affordable price. I can not use words in my vocabulary to accurately describe how awesome this car is. These cars are very hard to find with manual transmissions. Keep on looking, and when you find one, DO NOT HESITATE! and buy it. SOMEONE ELSE WILL FIND IT FIRST AND BUY IT BEFORE YOU!. I can guarantee you will not be dissapointed. AT ALL... (I bought this car for $7200 from a dealer. my dad thought i was a [non-permissible content removed] for spending this much on my first car.. until he got a chance to drive it. He offered to trade me his 2006 accord v6 4 door because he loved the 6 speed manual that much.

• 

  Really glad I purchased this! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By aurora86 - April 21 - 7:03 pm

  I really enjoy this car. Its definitely saved me on gas with the econ feature. My old Elantra 01 would use up a full tank a week to get to work, with my Civic using econ I use 1/2 a tank a week. Only thing with econ is it drives a little slow going up hills and such, but that should be obvious because thats how it works. You cant hit the gas and take off, but Im fine with that! I drove it in the horrible road conditions from our last snow storm and while it was very bumpy from the poor plowing, I may have slid once or twice, where as other cars I watched were all over the road. Some of the blind spots could take a while to adjust to.

• 

  Honda Civic 2013 EX-L - 2013 Honda Civic
  By mcuyafx - April 20 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had the car for over a month now so I think I can write a fair review. I considered the Corolla, the Mazda 3, and Nissan Sentra and while I liked the colors available in all of those, I felt more comfortable driving a Civic. My old 2003 Civic was great and this is awesome! Bluetooth, spacious room for a 55 male. The car is just fun to drive and gives great MPG. Its quiet and climate control is great. I didnt like the wheels at first but I love the sporty look on them now. Trunk space is limited but spacious enough for groceries, sporting equipment, and the crap I carry around. Dealer wanted to sell me multiple warranties, my response.."Its a Honda!" I know it will start in the a.m.

• 

  Base Model Pilot Still a Lovable Vehicle - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By jmdrbp1 - April 17 - 4:55 am

  I purchase my 2013 Pilot LX having some regrets for not getting the 4wd model and a sun roof. I have since changed my mind. I like the spacious interior, solid ride and more than adequate pick up on the highway or when I need it. The seat adjustment gives me a high ride and excellent visibility. Spacious cargo space with the seats down. I love my Pilot.

• 

  Best small car you can buy. - 2013 Honda Fit
  By dqdave - April 13 - 8:51 pm

  1) High quality. 2) Comfortable ride. 3) Fun to drive. 4) Practical. 5) Good gas mileage. 6) Excelent road feel.

• 

  Has done good for us - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By cdavenport - April 12 - 2:53 pm

  Bought this van at an auction, didnt know it had a transi issue. $2200 later with the recommended upgraded rebuild kit & it has been great since. Getting the van at a discount made the transi rebuild isue to tolerate. Cannot imagine buying & financing at full price and having a transmission go. We love it. Had it for over a year. Now at 190k.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By chris352 - April 10 - 4:00 pm

  This is the second Pilot I have purchased. This is the best vehicle I have owned. It is reliable, safe, great in the snow and multifunctional.

• 

  Excellent choice and still enjoy driving it. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By pmm21 - April 8 - 11:44 am

  Great alternitive to a minivan and it has 4wd (on demand AWD I guess). The only issue was the cheap tires that came with it lasted only 28k miles. It is very comfortable and can tow my 20 ft boat pretty well. Love the SUV rugged look even though its more of a soccer mom crossover. We have had great lck with this vehicle and plan on keeping it forever.

• 

  2.5 years, 67k and running strong - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - April 6 - 10:05 pm

  I have had this CR V since fall of 2010 and have logged 67,000 miles on it without a repair. Had to replace the Continental Tires @22k and the dealer split the cost with me. I about to replace the rear brakes and tires and cannot complain. My daughters both have 2011 CR Vs and with small children they love the cars because of the safety and reliability.