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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  Bad product and customer service - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TU DOAN - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This Honda Civic model is not reliable. Within 3 years, I had to replace 2 sun visors under bumper to bumper warranty. And the last sun visor broke very soon after my warranty expire. Total 3 sun visors broke under normal or lightly uses. At 42,000 miles, the engine died on free way in 07/2010. I almost got hit by a car behind me. The police had to push my car to the side to clear the traffic on the freeway. The pivot bolt broke the water bump and caused damages. Although my car was still under the Power-Train warranty but the Honda dealer keep my car for 1 week and didnt provide a free rental car. I was late and left early for work everyday. I will never buy cars made by Honda.

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  Almost perfect lil rocket - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dodolaje - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Got a very high mileage company car yes bought it 2007 model and as of today 10/6/10 it clock 1339xx miles everyone was shocked. I was shocked when my boss handed it to me. It has brake problem making noise from the driver side it was the pads replace it and voila as good as new tires go for aftermarket it last longer. Handling great, I do delivery for overflow route so I dont haul that much stuff but still fill the whole car. Only big problem was my boss did hit curb when he fell asleep on the wheel. It didnt crash it but somehow the bumper keep coming off every now and then. Plus the fender liner gone. Other than that no other complain.

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  First Time Minivan Owner - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By RS - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Odyssey in July 2010 and have really enjoyed the experience so far. The Odyssey gives us plenty of space for our 2 small sons (3 1/2 yrs & 1 1/2 yrs) with room to spare. We love the space behind the front seats which prevents the kids from kicking the backs of our chairs. We dont worry about the kids getting fussy on long trips because of the Rear DVD player. The power sliding doors are very helpful. The drivability is good, the steering is responsive, the engine has good pickup, and the ride is soft yet firm. The brakes could be improved, but are ok for a car of this size and weight. So far we love this van as the perfect way to transport our family of 4!

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  Should have stuck with 14-year old Volvo - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kshak - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My first new car purchase ever, and I couldnt be sorrier. People are amazed that one couldnt be happy with a new car, but while CR-V has great comfort, notable reliability (it should, for a 3 month old car) and impeccable safety in a crash, thats where the benefits end. Gas mileage poor poor poor! Well below stated EPA averages. Trying my best to drive like granny to eek out 18 mpg around town and 21 on highway. Acceleration on highway in a pinch seemingly takes forever to kick in, then lurches you forward blind spots the size of elephants in back. And for size of car, not that great a storage space in back. Missing the old Volvo clunker. Honda can and should do better!

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  Going to miss it - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Stacey - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I bought it in 2005 and it has been awesome ever since. We have had to clean the EGR valve, which is a common problem, but if you just blow out the passage you dont have to replace the whole valve. Aside from a few other minor problems (it was a used car) this has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have had. Very sad to get rid of it, but its time to move on to a Mini Van.

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  Check for peeling paint in the grill - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my fifth brand new Honda that I have bought. Great vehicle with one problem that Honda is aware of but wont fix-peeling paint in the grill- have had mine in service 5 times to have this problem fixed. They replace the grill piece every time. Within a few days it begins to peel again. Dealer told me I was the only one having this problem so the last time I went in to have this fixed my husband went with me. He went out on the lot to look at the cr-vs and there were at least 10 brand new cr-vs with this problem. He brought this to the service managers attention and he called Honda to see what they were going to do about this problem and they told me to take it to a body shop.

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  Not a race car and not a V8 - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By John S - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Took a few miles for the VCM to settle in but after @200 miles it seems less jerky. Im 511" and wish the seat went back a little further (leg room may become an issue on long trip)Will have to see how that works out. Moved from a 2000 Tahoe V8 and dont expect this to have the same acceleration or power. I am pleased with all else so far. Drives like an SUV. Ive owned many Hondas in the past and hope this one lives up to the reputation of my previous Hondas. It rides great and is quiet running. Goodyear tires. Lots of room. Like the fold down 3rd row seats. Ill be towing a Motorcycle trailer soon. Will see how that works out too.

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  Keeps Chugging - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Abbey - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 10 years. I finally had to have some major repairs done, to the tune of $2,500, but it has 246,000 miles. It is a reliable workhorse of a car. I would recommend buying this car, even with 200,000+ miles on it.

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  Nice overall, but could use some fixes - 2010 Honda Fit
  By brian3339 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Fit Sport automatic for a commuter car. It is fun to drive, though Ive been a bit disappointed with the gas mileage. Im averaging 29, but at least half of it is highway driving. Pros: Fun to drive Decent "pep" Good handling Fit/finish excellent Small size allows you to park just about anywhere Cons: Underpowered AC - car is a mini solar oven with all the glass and black interior. AC has to stay cranked to cool the car. Poor cup holder placement - ones between gear shift and dash useless. Ones in front of vents need closed in order to keep coffee warm while AC is on. No drivers lumbar adjustment Flimsy trunk panel covering spare - cant hold much weight.

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  Reliable But Poor Creature Comforts - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Spike710 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my EX 5 years ago and am replacing it with an Altima. Like all Hondas, it is cheap to operate, averaged 30 MPG, car looks good. But my back gets beat up in this car, so trips that exceed 30 minutes are painful, you feel every bump in the road and the road noise is so loud, you have to speak up on the phone or with passengers.