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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  02 CRV still going strong - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Walker - November 25 - 1:31 pm

  I got it brand new in 2002. First new car I ever bought. Ive had it now for 14 years. Here are the repairs I have done: 1) A/C system was completely replaced under warranty after 2 years. 2) Throttle body was replaced under warranty in year 4. 3) Passenger side door actuator (lock mechanism) failed. Replaced all 4. 4) Struts replaced at 70,000 miles 5) A/C compressor replaced in 2015 Other than that it has just been batteries, tires and brake pads. The A/C systems in these vehicles can be problematic. The door actuators were a cheap design and tend to fail but are relatively cheap to replace. The engine, transmission, electrical system, AWD system, and audio are absolutely bullet proof in my experience. The paint finish still looks like new. The seats could be more comfortable but the material has held up well. When it is just me in the CRV the engine has a fair amount of pep. When you load it up with people and stuff - not so much. But it does get a consistent 25 MPG in mixed driving so Im not complaining. Very easy to park and great visibility all around. The stereo system is reliable but the sound is pretty crummy by modern standards. It is extremely versitile. It serves just as well as a daily commuter as it does a grocery hauler. Currently Ive got about 125,000 miles on it and it runs like a swiss watch. The only real complaint has been the A/C system. Other than that, its been a very reliable and economical vehicle. I should be able to get 250,000 miles out of it if I continue to take care of it. Highly recommended.

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  The red car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By tom palenchar - November 25 - 1:03 pm

  This is a very reliable car for us. The performance is quite good and the gas mileage is excellent, especially considering the current price of gas

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  Check 1st - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By SpikeBlondBoy - November 25 - 4:40 am

  Off the bat, I was told great Sound, wrong - I traded great sound for this. Seats dont go up high enough and over all, Its really kinda basic compared to what I have bought in the past. Its is for sale and has 2800 miles on it. Cant even buy thing to deck-it-out so its plain. I only suggest that you really check it out - in my opinion, opinion Only.

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  All in all, I love my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dessiree - November 25 - 4:23 am

  I test drove a used 2006 CR-V right before I drove the new 2008 and theres so many differences. The 08 much more roomy, comfortable, efficient, just all around better. Theres been many improvements. I do have to say that aside from the fuel efficiency this is the best car Ive ever owned. Its going to be the perfect car when my family starts to expand.

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  Best buy ever - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JAPEREZ - November 25 - 1:43 am

  I just bought this 08 Accord and I love this car. I had an 03 Civic and I am glad that I updated to the Accord. The features on this thing is excellent (nav, XM, mp3, dvd, bluetooth and great sound system) so dont test drive this car unless you want to buy it because you will fall in love.

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  MPG not as good as they say!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - November 25 - 1:33 am

  I leased my 2007 Honda Civic almost one year ago and I am very disappointed with the MPG on this car. I am averaging about 20 and that to me is ridiculous. I bought this car because of the great fuel efficiency it was supposed to have and it has not met my expectations. I was told that it would average around 28 city and highway combined. I have not seen 24 or higher yet. Of course they told me that the engine needs to be worked in and then I will get better gas mileage but after 6000 miles I have seen anything yet. I also saw someone else on a discussion board say they recommend 10-15k before you see better gas mileage. My lease will be up before then. I am very disappointed in Honda.

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  Reliable Economy Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By jkwcivil - November 24 - 10:42 pm

  My father-in-law purchased this car for my wife while we were still dating. That was about 6 years ago when it had approximately 40,000 miles. The car now has over 155,000 and is still running strong. We have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and do the other maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer. The car has proven to be a hassel free daily driver and I expect that will continue well into the future.

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  Great car; no regrets so far - 2006 Honda Accord
  By bluecoat4 - November 24 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my 06 Accord SE for about 3 weeks. Overall Im very pleased with the car. The 4 cyclinder for the most part provides enough power. Youll notice a little sluggishness with the AC running. I love the interior. The look is clean and well thought out. The dash illumination is crisp and clear. No gaudy color combinations or cluttering displays. The ride is a little stiff, but smooth and responsive. You may notice a little road noise, however, I didnt feel it was as pronouced as I was lead to believe. Complaints.. glove box doesnt appear to line up with its surroundings, trunk feels extremely cheap. If youre looking at a basic 4 cyl EX check out the SE, youll save a little money.

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  Great Car-INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE BOX !! - 2008 Honda Element
  By rondor - November 24 - 6:43 pm

  Love this car. It is fun to drive and the gas mileage is way better than my Buick SUV. It feels bigger than it really is. The leg room in the rear is unreal. You have to really see and get inside this vehile to appreciate it. The composite black panels are easy to clean and cheap to replace. No dings or scratches.

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  Very satisfying purchase - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Anna - November 24 - 6:53 am

  I wanted a vehicle that gets very good mileage, but did not want a boring sedan. This vehicle holds a lot of cargo and is a good camping vehicle for me (I can even sleep in the flattened back area). I got the manual transmission, which is very smooth and has improved mileage. The car is fun to drive and has many safety features and feels secure on the highway.