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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  Outstanding Value - 2009 Honda Fit
  By FitSport - July 16 - 10:37 pm

  Ive owned many cars in my lifetime and this is the first time Im compelled to write a review. First, I bought a used 2009 with 7200 miles on it saving almost $4k. I chose the Sport model because it has cruise control and paddle shifting-really fun. My last 500mile trip averaged 48.5 mpg @70 mph and thats with 3 adults and weekend luggage. Around town Im getting between 40-43 mpg. Wish a sunroof is available but I can get by w/o it. Highway driving is very stable. The fit and finish is a definite 10. The 2009 model is far better than previous model years. I love this car - wont win any races but at 40+ mpg you cant go wrong.

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  Great car, mileage less than advertised - 2005 Honda Accord
  By chris870 - July 16 - 9:23 pm

  This car is LOADED - only thing missing is a sunroof. Only minor complaint is that the gas mileage should be better - Im averaging 32ish, and thought Id be closer to 35-37 mpg. I have 20K miles on it so far, and it seems to be getting a little better.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By pjgallardo - July 16 - 9:05 pm

  I bought this car used by trading in a V-8 truck. The drive is awesome and smooth. Getting used to the limited vision, overall Im very happy with everything so far. The power with acceleration was a pleasant surprise.

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  Love my Fit!!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By locarbgal - July 16 - 8:54 pm

  I have only had my Fit for one week and I love it so far! I drive 21 miles one way to work and also do some marketing which requires extra driving so I needed to get rid of the old Taurus and get something with good gas mileage. The Fit so far with only 350 miles has gotten an average of 34.4 mpg which I am thrilled about! I am going on vacation next week and cant wait to see what kind of mileage I get!

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  Okay overall, transmission failing - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Mark - July 16 - 7:35 pm

  My wifes car has 112,000 miles and is starting to have some transmission problems. Windshield defroster stopped working a few years back, and some dashboard lights and radio LCD burned out. Honda usually makes reliable cars and I still stand by them, but I still expected more miles out of this car. Our family is crossing our fingers that the transmission holds up. With this economy, who has the money to buy a new car? I have had Hondas through the late 80s and 90s from the CRX to the Honda Accords and the older cars performed and lasted a little longer.

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  Excellent SUV (or Crossover) - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By James - July 16 - 7:22 pm

  Reasons why I bought it: 1) Its HONDA (Quality, Reliability) 2) Interior 3) Exterior 4) Gas Mileage (NO GOOD) 5) Spare Parts available.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Jim B. - July 16 - 6:33 pm

  I came, I saw, and I clunked. This was a CFC transaction. I couldnt be more pleased with the ride and the features. I considered a Prius, but local dealers had no inventory. My dealer threw in floormats and wheel locks. Im a big guy and pleased with the head and leg room. The displays with performance information are excellent. I am averaging 46.6 MPG, but I expect to improve as I climb the learning curve.

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  So far so good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Joel - July 16 - 6:13 pm

  I bought a CRV after reading reviews here and Consumer Reports. I have been very happy with the car since buying it. It feels very well put together and is comfortable to drive. Its not a Maserati but that wasnt what I was looking for. I just wanted basic transportation, reliability, and a price that I could afford. Im definitely happy to own this car and I expect many years of use.

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  EX AWD NAV - A Good SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By BB Joon - July 16 - 4:40 pm

  FIRST My Warning to potential buyers: Dont get caught out by "MP3 and XM Sat- radio ready" What they mean by that is "the present system is upgradable" to have these features you have to pay an extra $1700. Now about the rest of the Honda Pilot: I reasearched the available options (Toyota Seqouia, Nissan Armada, Acura MDX, Mercedes ML-350) very carefully. Came to the conclusion that Pilot was the most logical/Optimal choice. After a month of driving it, I am glad I made the choice. I would not hesitate in recommending the same to others.

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  Awesome - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By RTDjr2 - July 16 - 4:25 pm

  Used to be a Chevy guy but now only Hondas. Had a leased Ridgeline that I loved but needed to haul more climate controlled so got the new Pilot. I am a big guy 64" and 290 and I fit great in this SUV. Moves well down the road, love the Nav and the radio (XM). More room in back for the kids than the Ridgeline. Turns on a dime, average for 6 months of 18 mpg with a good mix of city/highway miles. Have 9,000 miles on it already. Love the bluetooth also. A/C is good and cold. Fit and finish are typical Honda.