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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  Good car, bad seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By good car bad seats - July 25 - 12:50 pm

  The car does what it said it would do, the 4 cyl Is slow on passing but good at hwy speeds. The worst thing is the driver seat for me, it is a killer on our back if you have any type of back issues.

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  One of my favorites! - 2007 Honda Element
  By jharris09 - July 23 - 2:05 pm

  The element lacks in features such as auto headlights, USB, power seats, sunroof, etc. The gas mileage is less than you would expect from a Honda. In all honesty I could care less about that. I absolutely love this car. Even those who give this thing lower ratings rarely cite any real material issues such as engine or transmission issues. The stereo is great for a factory set up. This is absolutely one of my favorite purchases.

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  Honda Odyssey Disappoints - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rfg - July 23 - 10:33 am

  I recently had a third child and my husband and I decided to take the plunge and get a mini-van. Since we have had an excellent experience with my 10 year old Accord we decided Honda would be the way to go for the Mini-Van. We purchased a used Odyssey with 50,000 miles. It was fully loaded and fully serviced from day one by the Honda dealer. After one month the air conditioning broke. $2000 to fix at the dealer. I just took it to the dealer because the power sliding door wasnt working. $400 to fix. When it was there they noticed the power steering wasnt working properly. $600 to replace the pump. All told I have now spent $3000 on repairs on this bastion of reliability.

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  I call my 2005 red Element "Flame" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Adrian in Dallas - July 22 - 11:43 am

  The only color I wanted when I saw it in the Honda Element palette selection was what they call "Rallye Red." Its a beautiful, clear, bright red thats a knockout. The drab orange and the even more drab olive color that you see all over are not for me. (This review is sounding like a "Click & Clack" radio show where the first question they ask those with car problems is "What color is it?") IN ANY EVENT: This car is the best thing Ive ever owned. I was born in Detroit and just turned 65, so thats saying something! Its solid as the brick it looks like, actually FUN to drive, has great head room and is E-Z to get in to and out of. I ordered it with every bell & whistle Honda offered.

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  Needs bigger gas tank/better tires - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By roadhog - July 21 - 8:41 pm

  Nice vehicle, second Honda, poor quality tires, small gas tank, otherwise a good vehicle. Tires made 30K, NOT GOOD. 22-32 mpg comfortable ride.

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  Glad that I leased it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Vernon - July 21 - 3:16 pm

  I leased the 2007 Odyssey EX-L due to the transmission issues that Ive read in forums. Van was quiet for the first year, but on the 2 and 3rd year, I hear creaking noise when moving from a stopped position. Dealer fixed with silicon lubricant on doors, but it returned after 6 months. Steering pump reservoir had to be replaced, paid out of pocket as it was out of warranty. TMPS light up occasionally, steering wheel vibrations at 110-115 km/h. Honda says road force balancing, but no guarantee. Even with my snow tires its the same. No transmission issues but was part of the recall for two sw updates on the transmission. Brake rotors were warped at 30k, replaced with after market.

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  212k, still going, but not cheap - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Racerxmachv3000 - July 21 - 1:54 pm

  I bought the car new to commute 80 miles a day. Overall its been a good car, but over the course of the last year, Ive spend at least the value of the car in repairs to keep it on the road. Its needed a new manifold (cracked at 70k), radiator, shocks, springs, bushings, end links, manual transmission, on top of the maintenance items like brakes and tires. Ive also had a recurring problem with the spark plug coils that blow fairly regularly, however my mechanic has been able to replace this under his warranty. The motor still runs like new or close to it so Ive continued pouring into the car since I have a hard time justifying a new car with such a long commute.

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  Review - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By D Bell - July 21 - 11:34 am

  Agree with others in saying that overall this small SUV (that feels and is pretty roomy) was very dependable and easy to drive. Mileage was typical - 21 - 26 mpg around town. It had enough engine power. Had it less than a year due to being rear ended by a heavy commercial truck that didnt brake, it just hit. CR-V was totaled. Bad thing, yes. Good thing, we lived. Not much you can say after that...Glad to be here. I have friends who own CR-Vs from 2005 through 2009 and they all love their particular year models. One friend has two CR-Vs in the family, a 2008 and 2009.

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  Honda needs to pick up the quality - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bob L. - July 20 - 7:30 am

  Had a 2000, and a 2005 CR-V. This one is not as good as the 2005. Paint job is the pits. Got black abd between finger nail scratches and small stone chips it needs cover waxing continuously. Road noise is slightly better. Mileage is OK. Tire wear is unacceptable. Power is a joke. When is Honda going to wake up and put a V6 in this vehicle? Interior materials scratch easily. Not durable at all. You took away the big cup holders in front.Dealer added options are non- negotiable pricewise. Far too expensive to make the vehicle look better. Its time to look much closer at the competitors models

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  Brake problems? - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JD - July 19 - 7:47 pm

  I have 20,000 original miles on this vehicle. I have been back to the dealer once to change pads and have rotors cut, once to "remove oxygen" from my brake fluid and a third time to be told that it was my imagination I was stepping on a pedal that felt like a marshmallow. (I almost hit a car in front of me on the way to the dealer). Ear splitting noise, poor brakes, tires are wearing ,sun visor split in half. Trading in the car for a Chevy this week. My first and last Honda.