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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  1998 LX 5 speeds 400650 miles still Running Strong - 1998 Honda Accord
  By RollTidE - October 1 - 10:51 am

  3 years 50,000 miles ,daily driving ,bought for 1500, spent around $1100 three years (catalytic converter ,CV joints,Clutch,breaks, etc ) .A/c still cold ,heat perfect,still runs between excellent and good. Only problem cant figure out motor oil and gear oil leaks .will drive it till half million miles (500,000). Wish Honda Motor Co help me out about this oil leaks , i will keep it forever.

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  Very unsatisfied - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Highly Unsatisfied - September 30 - 10:40 pm

  I have been disappointed with this car since I bought it. The interior is poor quality and has a low comfort level. The inside door panels scratch easily. The seats and headrests are very uncomfortable. The a/c vents are too close to the steering wheel and my hands freeze. The road noise is awful. It sounds like the windows are down or there is a gap somewhere. However, there are a few things I do like about the car and they are listed in the "favorites" box.

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  Awesome - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ally - September 30 - 10:06 pm

  After much research we decided to move from a CR-V to a Pilot. It is awsome. Rides like a car! We have had other SUVs and non have the ride of the Pilot.

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  Best Van around for family of 4 - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Great Van - September 30 - 8:22 pm

  Wish they still built vans this size - Mazda finally made one with the Mazda5. Ours has 228k miles with only two problems in its history - brake master cylinder and radiator (plastic cap cracked - replaced with all metal double row HD model). Towed a pop-up camper, delivers 26+ mpg, comfortable, bullet proof reliability

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  Big Suprise In A Small Package - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Spindoctor - September 30 - 6:43 pm

  Took ownership on 9-24-07. The Honda CR-V is a joy to drive. Tested 10-12 other vehicles. It has a smooth, quiet ride and for a 4-cylinder the car has surprising pickup. My first impression of the car was when I opened and shut the door. Solid. No vibrations and no hollow sound. Sounded just like the doors on a Lexus-RX 350. Second impression was when I went for a test drive When the salesman drove the car up for us I thought he turned off the motor Much to my surprise the car was running when I got into it. Nimble and smooth was my experience while driving the vehicle. With Hondas reliability, resale value and the cars gas mileage I dont think I could have made a better choice.

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  A pleasant surprise - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Peter Gorshe - September 30 - 3:46 pm

  I have driven Hondas for many years because of their quality and reliability. Yet the 2008 was even better than I thought it would be. I especially like the performance, stability and comfort. I find the criticism of the dashboard controls to be unfounded. The controls are convenient and they make sense. The car is very responsive and drives well in all road conditions. I was able to get 33 MPG on a recent trip. Interior is very roomy and comfortable. All displays are very easy to read. The only negative is that it doesnt have an outside temperature reading, which I really miss. A great car and a great value.

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  On a smaller side of things - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Igor - September 30 - 2:00 pm

  I ordered this car in light blue color as my wife wanted and in about 2 months we got call to get it. As we looked for her new car and decided to go with subcompact for her relatively long daily commute our options were Nissan Versa or Sentra, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. We test drove all of them and overall impression was that Fit was better. It came with the higher price but we went for it anyway, never were sorry. Plenty of space (drove a really tall friend with his bike inside), baby in car seat has all the view, nice touch and feel. We did go to dealership recently to fix loose panel under dashboard to stop the rattle. Seems fuel gauge is not accurate.

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  Hybrid 2005 - 2005 Honda Civic
  By beebee - September 30 - 11:12 am

  Like everything about the car. Gets great gas mileage, about 37 mpg combined. Its a nice alternative to the Prius which has a weird display in the middle of the car. Wish the seats were softer but can always get a little cushion. I am very very happy with this car.

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  "Red Bull" among 21K pocket rockets - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Krishna - September 30 - 9:56 am

  I call it the RedBull because this car gives you wings. Learn how to shift through the smooth but precise 6 gates and this car rewards you with fun no other 21K car offers. And the exhaust is just right..Intrusive sometimes but pump up the volume on the stereo.. Not recommended for families expecting kids or with babies. Suspension is bit too tight and jarring most of the time unless roads are silky smooth.Rewards the driver but passengers with weak stomachs might have issues. Cross-shopped with the GTI. GTI is a better car if you want a well-rounded family car. This one is strictly for drivers and maybe occasional passengers. Lack of torque shows with a full load of passengers & ac.

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  What you would expect! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By me - September 30 - 1:30 am

  Very nice, capable and competent sedan. Excellent fit/finish. Had for a few weeks and the Honda quality has been quite prevalent. The 3 L V6 is very zippy and makes this vehicle extremely nimble. Not like a big-clunky sedan. Handles more like a sports-sedan (not high-performance but fairly tight). Have been averaging about 24.5 mpg on regular fuel (mostly highway). The automatic shifts smoothly and is a nice compliment to the whole package. The 17" alloy wheels give the vehicle a nice steering, handling feel and look. No blind spots in all sight-vision views & lines (like some pillared sedans). The graphite pearl coat exterior paint looks very rich. Thought this was a better car than Camry.