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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  simple, and wonderful because of it - 2010 Honda Fit
  By eldaino2 - May 7 - 7:00 pm

  I had a 2007 and traded it to buy a 2009 GTi. The Gti was reliable and a very fun car to own . But its achilles heel was ultimately its high cost to maintain, and the GTi was good at emptying my wallet. Premium was all it was ever fed, and with gas the way it is, 60 dollar tanks were regular. i picked this up for a great price (brand new, in 2011) and it has proven to be a far improved car than its predecessor. I was afraid of loosing my Gtis highspeed stability, and overall feeling of solidity, but the fit, given the difference in weight and how tall it is, makes a good case for itself. it may be slower, but its tossability makes it more fun to drive. And now my wallet is more full :)

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  update ........30.000 mi - 2009 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - May 6 - 2:26 pm

  Have now driven 30.000 miles with it and it still drives as new.Also got a average of 41 mpg and sometimes 45 mpg,not bad for a gas car!! Just get 43 psi in your tires and i added some body panels under the car,helps to. The only thing i dont like about this car is the automatic transmission,shifts to much when i dont want it to,see they solved it on the new model,with a stronger torq converter.Its something i can live with,not a reason to sell it with these gas prices!

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  Its a tank - 1999 Honda Accord
  By joe5hunter - May 5 - 10:55 am

  I love this car its a tank it has taken abuse that any normal car would have crapped out and given up lol. I got this from my older brother who got it from my dad we have put 160,000 miles on this car and it runs!!!!! and runs good this thing could tell one hell of a story... I would recommend this car to anyone i love my honda it has never broken down or crapped out on me gas milage is great has original motor and trans we kept up on oil changes fluid changes and have had no problems normal wear and tear stuff but nothing major was replaced.

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  Fit is still the best B-segment car (but for how long) - 2011 Honda Fit
  By mhadden1 - May 5 - 10:47 am

  This thing is a blast to drive, has respectable mpgs (above EPA estimates), and has more space than anyone could guess from the outside. Although the materials in the cabin are decent, it wont take you long to see they are relatively cheap. Youll also notice the "small" things that you may be use to are not present (heated mirrors, adjustable intermittent wipers). Small gripes, but noticeable. The manual trans shifts smoothly, but a 6th gear is needed to bring the rpms at 60mph below 3k. The Fit is still nice, but other cars are catching up to it (material quality and options, not to mention lower priced). The question is whether or not they will match Hondas long-term reliability...

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  Disappointed - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondafam3 - May 4 - 8:27 pm

  This is a follow-up to my initial review. I now have 3,500 miles on my coupe and experienced the oil burning issue that Ive noted in the comments of others re the VCM engine. My car burned a quart in 3,500 miles. Took it to the dealer. They called Honda and Honda said that up to 1 quart of oil usage per 1,000 miles is within an acceptable range. This is my 4th Honda. The first 3 never experienced this problem. Had Honda disclosed to me that I should expect the VCM engine to use a quart of oil every 3,500 miles I wouldnt have bought the car. The dealer offered no solution other than for me to call Honda and repeat their effort. Im not optimistic and am very unhappy with my purchase.

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  Honda Ya SOLD me.....Again - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By billbert - April 30 - 7:33 pm

  Traded my 10 civic exl navi for 11 LX 4WD ..Our 20th honda since 19804..Great bang for the buck (lease)..Does it all well so far.. Looking forward to miles of smiles.. getting 17 -20 so far..guessing to 25 on trips...Nice comfortable supportive seats.. 8 pass ..quiet for a suv/truck.600 a year less to insure than civic...wife loves it and has no problem wheeling it around..exact same length width as out 06 shorty caravan... nicely optioned /bult and quality for 359 month 3yr/36k lease... have had 2 burbs/ 4 runner/blazer..my guts feeling is this will top em all..will tow 4500 lb s too!!! IMO looks great in white also..I dont think I d swap my brother for his Platinum Sequoia at 55k for value

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  2010 Honda Civic DX model has potential - 2010 Honda Civic
  By elmarco - April 25 - 5:06 pm

  The 2010 Honda Civic DX model with manual 5 speed and DOHC engine is fun to drive. This is the cheaper version of the Civic Si. My previous car was a 2001 Ford Mustang, and this Civic gets much better gas mileage. In my opinion, the Civic coupe is stylish, but this car is far from perfect. Ive had suspension problems with this car from day one. Ive been to a couple of different Honda dealers in Dallas, and I got jacked around every time I went there. The clutch feels a little rough sometimes, an honest work-out helps. Honda OE shocks, struts, and springs are low quality lots of squeaks and rattles This car has potential, but I am really disappointed with Honda customer service.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By mstiltner - April 24 - 6:20 pm

  Leased this Honda in Sept. 2010 for 36 months. Just need to commute back and forth to work and one vacation a year. I have owned Hondas in the past and I am disappointed with this Accord. The ride quality and road noise are HORRIBLE! I expected more from Honda and now Im stuck with a 36 month mistake.

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  Honda needs to address severe wind noise in their 2011 CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By newsandiegan - April 24 - 3:52 pm

  This is my first Honda, that I love in general. I took my first Pacific Coastal Highway trip and the mileage was not as promised, but the car rode nicely. Except, that on the freeways the windows wind noise is severe. I test drove it around the dealership and never on the freeway at 70 miles, my mistake. However, I do want Honda to know as dealership says it is a design problem and cannot be fixed. I sent my first payment to Honda Financing this month, in pain, as I am not entirely happy about this severe wind noise that ruins the conversation with your passengers. Lets do something as a group and make Honda aware of this and request a fix. Honda knows better than to ignore this problem.

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  Good Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By roadie64 - April 22 - 8:48 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Honda Pilot it was used but certified .....so it is 3 years old its a really nice comfortable vehicle YES the problems with the rear windows down is annoying but whats more annoying is The audio system is EXTREMLY POOR Thats my biggest beef with it . I mean its getting to be nice weather out, You hear a GREAT SONG you wanna put the windows down open the moonroof and CRANK UP THE TUNES its like WTF ?????? YOU CANT HEAR THE SONG !!!! is there like a child proof selection here ????????You turn it up all the way its like damn !!!!!!! ok I am done venting now but other then that good smooth ride !