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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  bullet proof and drives like one too - 2003 Honda S2000
  By sd - August 26 - 9:26 am

  Had car now driven in every road condition the tcs is awesome you can spin the car in a tight circle or slide into a parking spot. You really have to learn to drive the short box tranny I rarely use 6th gear. I keep it at 4500 rpm at all times you will forget about the sorry low end power. Vtec is to be used with gas pedal completely engaged and completely engage it again when you hit 9250 to shift it has enough power then. No need for mods Honda did good on this one. I owned a 2003 mustang cobra and I like the s2000 a whole lot more.

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  No way 34 mpg -- more like 38 - 42 mpg! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Dennis - August 26 - 6:57 am

  Get the 5 spd stick - short throws it shifts like butter! As good as if not better than my Civic si which I sold to my son. I have driven 4200 miles. The car is beyond excellent! Combined street/highway the lowest mileage. With the a/c on is 37 mpg. One caveat. Drive the speed limit. No fast starts. Shift to the higher gear. You can easily be in 5th gear at 40 miles per hour. If you drive meticulously. I guarantee 39 - and I have many time average 41-42 mpg. I have owned the Accord, my wife has a Civic, my two sons each have a Civic si. But for excellent mileage. You cannot beat the Honda fit. Excellent build/ride/reliability. The car rocks. And I paid little over $14k tax included!

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  Car that last - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mr.Yang - August 26 - 2:00 am

  parents bought me this car when it had 110k miles. Now it has over 190K. Everything is working great like the first day i bought it.

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  GOOD RELIABLE CAR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lionking - August 26 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A VERY RELIABLE AND CAPAPLE CAR FOR BOTH CITY AND OFF-ROAD USE. QUITE AND POWER ADEQUATE FOR ITS CLASS SIZE.

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  It works. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By pbruijn - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Unless you have some type of phobia about being on the road in a small vehicle alongside all these SUVs, this is the car for you. It has great gas mileage,is affordable, reliable, and fun to drive. The only complaint I have is the ill designed rubber front spoiler flap which has come off in both our Civics.

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  Maybe I got a bad one. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ed - August 25 - 3:59 pm

  Overrated but ok for a tiny car.

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  More SUV than truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - August 25 - 1:15 pm

  Replaced Nissan Frontier with the Honda Ridgeline July 2007. Has many great features plus the reliability of a Honda. I dont require a true pick up most of the time so its payload capacity is fine, really like an SUV in most respects. Gas mileage on hwy is a little disappointing for a V-6 engine, currently about 20 mpg. Honda made a mistake by not using one of their more powerful Acura V-6s, as this vehicle doesnt have the power or torque required for towing or climbing hills. We travel from FL to NC mountains on a regular basis and it works hard to climb the hills. If I required a truck to tow anything, I would not have purchased the Ridgeline.

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sadgal - August 25 - 12:46 pm

  I purchased the CRV LX for the sole purpose of traveling. Unfortunately the seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever encountered. In just a four hour trip, I thought I was going to die. I am sadly disappointed in the seats Honda has put in this car. I would not buy another.

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  Worst new car to the date - 2007 Honda Accord
  By dimasin - August 25 - 9:35 am

  We bought Honda after having small intermittent problems with our Saab 9- 5. Oh boy we were wrong about this "value" jump! I just trusted to BS reviews of majority of people who drove Fords and GM in the past. Although some can say Saab is another GM product, it was quite impressive for something based on Opel chassis. Anyhow, here is a short list of Honda quality problems: 1) Rattle in both front door attributable to TSB in Feb 2008 Service News Article, 2) Shaking, scraping and pulsating front brakes (fixed under warranty - warped front rotors), 3) Tires out balance (fixed under warranty), flat-spotting is something I will have to live with on this car, 4) Scratched cheap plastic panels.

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  Great car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - August 25 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car after much research. I test drove the Chevy Equinox and there was no comparison. I wanted a 4 cyl so I didnt even look at the RAV 4s. We have a 2006 Pilot and 1997 Accord so I knew how reliable the Hondas are. I love this car. Fun to drive, plenty of room. I opted for the ex and glad I did. The seats are beautiful and comfortable. I like the fact that the console fold down. So far no problems. It has plenty of power for a 4 cyl and I live in the valley with many hills.