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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  A Family Hauler - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By P33B - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Odyssey new in April 2000. Had a 92 Chrysler minivan previously which was the most unreliable vehicle ever. Have 4 kids and needed something large. Now has 113,000 miles, extremely reliable (routine maintenance only) except for transmission. Replaced transmission last year at 105,000 miles. Honda split the cost based on extended warranty for transmission. Sliding doors stick in wet weather. 16-18 MPG city, 22-25 MPG highway at 70-75 MPH. Reasonable for a heavy vehicle. Still solid with no squeaks or rattles. Dont use to too often anymore but it runs great. Own three other Hondas and Odyssey has been just as reliable.

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  Eyes catching car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Edward - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Always drive 6 cylinder cars, first time with 4 cylinders vehicle and I am happy with the performance and most importantly, the gas mileage. I have seen so far none 2011 Accord on the street of Atlanta metro (of course there are some but I havent seen yet) the tail lights are very well designed, much more classy than the 2010. Love it!

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  Ownage! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Angry Gook - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new off the lot. Lots of modifications done to it. If your settings are right, this car can overtake idiots on the roads around corners. I had modified the suspension to give it superior handling, way better than stock, readjust the throttle cable, replace the intake and headers to give it a more smooth flow, lighten it, added kits for aerodynamic stability at high speeds and this is no stock vehicle. With all of my experimentation had me driving just about 470 miles with half a gallon of gas left in the tank. Less weight = quicker acceleration = less fuel usage.

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  2003 Accord 2.4L LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By michael - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used in 2007 with 50k miles and I am now at nearly 150k with no major mechanical problems. Only work thats been done on this car is oil and transmission fluid, brakes, tires, timing belt as scheduled for mileage. Id like to trade for something more fun to drive or better-looking every now and then but being that I drive alot for work, I cant find anything better for the price range and practicality. Its a little slow off the line but i would not say its underpowered. Transmission took to making a whirring sound just after 100k miles, which worried me as some have mentioned problems there. Since I was past warranty I just crossed my fingers and kept driving, still ok 50k later

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  2010 Honda Accord EX - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Todd - November 5 - 2:00 am

  As is my want, I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my new Honda Accord. I was somewhat concerned about some of the reviews on this site (and others) dealing with road noise, seat comfort, and premature brake ware. To date I have put 11K miles on the car. I have used the car for a couple of longer (6 to 8 hour) trips, and can say that I found the seat to be comfortable (I am 6 tall, 230 lbs.). Nor has the road noise been bothersome to me. Regarding the brakes, no problems so far. I like the Accord, and though only a four cylinder, it seems to have plenty of acceleration for me and is a pleasure to drive. Nice car, overall.

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  Yep you guessed it - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Michael - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bad Transmission. I was luckier than most. I made it to 150,000 before the dreaded check engine light came on. Other than the transmission and possum in my air intake, the car has been a great commuter. Where is the recall on this, Honda?

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  Good car for the money - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Roger - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car with 24 miles on it. Its been a good car. Youre not going to blow anyone away off the line with the 1.8L engine, but you will get great gas mileage. I average around 39 mpg year round. Higher in the summer, lower in the winter. Nothing has broken yet, but it shouldnt on a three year old car. I do my own tires, own oil changes, and own repairs. The car is well designed and seems to be well built. I do have some issues with the paint. Honda did a poor job painting the car and I noticed several areas where theres some blob under the clear coat. Like dirt or dust got on the car.

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  Super reliable fun CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mimic - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my CR-V, drive more than average, never have had any major problems just regular expected maintenance. Hondas are just built like rocks, this is my third and not my last!

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  Almost bought one... - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By WesK - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Honda, please take this engine/drivetrain and put it into a Fit! Having owned a Del Sol in a previous life, I know that a 2 seater car is not practical for me. The CRZ is a very traffic friendly vehicle. Like the Del Sol, when pushed it is surprisingly entertaining, but easy to keep under 100mph. It is balanced, handles well, and is much more solid feeling than the Del Sol. I got 40mpg on the test drive with mostly hills and traffic... Its not quite as fun to drive as a Mini Cooper, but it is so much more fun to drive than a Prius!

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  ok car but not great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By anna fekete - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, quick acceleration, cheap fabric interior, mileage only 24/gal- not great, very light, hard time drive in winter, tires bad after 2 years.