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:

• 

  Elementary SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By Marco Minardo - August 9 - 10:53 pm

  Bought used with 30K miles. This Honda is an extremely thirsty little SUV. In town I never got better than 20 mpg, 25 mpg on the interstate at 75/78 mph without AC was achievable with Super Unleaded Fuel, otherwise 23 mpg was more the norm for such an underpowered 4 cyl. engine that otherwise is very smooth and torquey at the bottom. The transmission gearing was poor as well, shifting hard and constantly between 4th and 5th back and forth at highway speeds. The no carpet floor would be a great idea if it were rubber and not that hard slippery plastic. Horrible with bugs and rocks on the windshield as well as wind noise. Worst Honda I ever owned in terms of poor performance and fuel economy.

• 

  Served Us Well - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Served us well - August 9 - 7:22 pm

  We bought the van new and after about 13 months noticed a noise in the transmission. The local dealer where we purchased the van replaced the transmission without a problem under warranty. We now have 158,000 miles and no problems. The van has served us well despite the minor issues stated in other posts such as sticky sliding doors in cold, wet weather and very hot weather. A light coating of silicone on the weatherstripping has always helped. The only other issue we have had is the remote headphones for the entertainment system stopped working at about 125,000 miles. Other than these issues we have been pleased with the van.

• 

  Good little car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Seattle Dan - August 8 - 2:24 pm

  Had this for over a year now. We bought this car after testing driving Toyota corolla, huyndai elantra etc. Weve been getting about 29 mpg combined.

• 

  5th honda and ready for my 6th - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 2manyhondas - August 7 - 6:38 pm

  I got the V6 this time and am amazed that a 3.0 L performs this well. Its a little sluggish in the handling dept but I was not expecting an S2000. I thought the brakes were extremely touchy until I changed them to a different compound. In fact, the only real complaint I have is that this car is very difficult to drive smoothly. Touch the accelerator too hard and it launches, whipping heads back. Breathe on the brake pedal and heads are lurching forward. And the steering has little feel to it, its too easy. I get 29 - 31 mpg on the hwy and about 25 in the city which, from reading other reviews, is pretty good. I have never had a lick of problem with this car and am very satisfied.

• 

  Time for a change - 2010 Honda Civic
  By goldenrule55 - August 6 - 4:20 pm

  Also have a 2006 civic ex bought used three years ago. Happy with it so just traded our other car for a new 2010 ex. Now we have to civics, on the new models they did away with the sound pads in the engine and trunk so now you see bare metal. In 4 years the two cars are almost identical, the new one has a usb connector on the radio and new steering wheel, otherwise cant tell them apart. Also if you have a brand new one make sure you check closely specially on the roof for paint defects that you can see through the clear coat (Google it) my 06 also had them and now they look like sore spots. Took it back to the dealer body shop so that there will be a record for future claims.

• 

  New used Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By NewHondaGuy - August 6 - 3:35 pm

  I am new to Hondas, but bought this 07 off-lease due to gas mileage and reported reliability. Like the looks. Like the handling. Some interior materials seem cheap. I am concerned about the durability of the paint. I can see lots of chips apparently from ice removal. Also chips due to stone damage. Too early to report on actual gas mileage. Really, this 07 seemed like a new car-quite clean. Never saw a plastic dip stick before. Better be careful parking it as one cannot see the nose from the drivers seat. Happy with purchase so far. Hope to give an update after we have had this car for a while.

• 

  Great purchasing experience - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Bob Simonds - August 6 - 11:52 am

  As for the Honda Fit now that I have it its great I travel about 160 miles a day and have filed up twice since picking up my car I am averaging 33.7 MPG. The Fit is fun to drive and I expect having the car for a long time.

• 

  Two years of ownership - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By zheka - August 6 - 9:22 am

  Its been almost two years since I got the 08 CR-V LX AWD. I now have 34k miles on it. Two trips to the dealer, one for minor rattles, another for rusty/fused brakes (parked at the airport for 2 weeks). Tires are about to be replaced, brakes are at 40%, handles well in the rain and snow. Average fuel economy (measured for the full tank) has been around 22, with the worst of 19 in the city driving and best of 27 on highway. Sometimes I average 30+ mpg for a 40-50 mile trip. CR-V drives very car-like and has good handling, but sometimes I wish it has a manual transmission, as automatic can be hesitant sometimes.

• 

  My accord - 1993 Honda Accord
  By henochson - August 5 - 2:40 am

  Bought this car in April of 2010. It had been owned by a couple since 1994 but had been sitting for 6mons. After a jump, the car had no issues coming back to life. The five speed manual makes the most of the zippy 2.2 L. Its way faster than my moms 01 Vtec Accord! Its ultra reliable. I with 171K I drove it 3.5 Hours at 80-90 mph and over a mountain pass no probs and averaged 37 mpg. Lets just say I drive a faster, better looking, and significantly better looking and practical prius! Acon works, but it doesnt love the heat. Sunroof is awesome. Stock stereo is actually great, an aftermarket cd deck would make it excellent.

• 

  3 Strikes - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Jim - August 4 - 5:44 pm

  The Civic drives well, but the seats are horrible. Dont expect the backup lights to illuminate anything. The front of the vehicle is too low, dont even think about getting close to a curb. Mileage isnt bad, but not as good as my previous Corolla.