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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  1994 Honda Accord EX Sedan - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Rahul K. - May 20 - 1:44 pm

  Great car when you run it on cruise. I recently bought one with 120k miles on it, very clean from inside, runs great, like the sunroof, cruise, spoiler on the back, nice handling etc. This car is not a racing car and takes time to pick up but once on the road and in D4 (auto)it runs smooth and no hiccups. I like the way the car handling, is there any room for improvement? yes! They could have made the seats a little more comfortable, lumbar support and power driver seat is a steal.Its not a luxury car but if you need a daily commuter or A to B this is the best deal.I got an avg of 27 mpg on highway with a speed of 70-80 mph and city around 24. Fabric- seats 94 held themselves really well.

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  Check that box, wont ever buy another! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccer mom - May 19 - 9:42 pm

  I really wanted a mini-van, and pushed the issue with my husband, who tried to talk me into a number of other non- mini van options. I wanted to transport our kids and friends to their activities, and room to haul the gear as well. This van is absolutely the best for function, ease of folding, & moving seats for cargo room. I like the center middle row seat, and how it stores in the floor for quick access and install. Where this van goes wrong, is the terrible gas mileage. We average approximately 16 mpg city, and even when I have some freeway mileage, it never seems to get over 19 mpg. The front windows rattle terribly. The tires are in need of replacement at only 27,800

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  I would not recommend - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Darla - May 19 - 6:38 pm

  I bought 2007 Odyssey in Dec 2009, I was very fond of Honda minivan and waited almost a year to get it, but my joy was not there for many days, the moment I bought it, i had the torque issues, but finally under warranty it was replaced for free, after that I started feeling judder and the ride was not smooth, I went and talked to the dealer and they said there is a software update, but that didnt help much, I still feel the judder and when I take it to the dealer, they are unable to figure it out. overall I am disappointed with my odyssey.

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  Still running with new parts - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Bigtaka1 - May 17 - 4:50 pm

  I bought my civic used in 2005 with 37K miles and now have 158K. I have been a stickler with scheduled maintenance and have averaged between 33 and 38 mpg. I go on long drives once a month and it does well, but the seats are uncomfortable and you feel every pebble and crack and on the road. I replaced the ignition coils at 120K, the clutch at 153K and the head gasket replaced at 155K, which was hard to diagnose as the symptoms lead you to think the issue is elsewhere (overheating and heater malfunctioning), and the dealership was clueless. Otherwise it has been good to me. I would recommend buying this car, but if the miles are high look for one with new head gasket!

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  Nice But Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By carolyn - May 16 - 3:37 pm

  I bought this 07 Odyssey New. I have had it 2.5 yrs they have rebuilt the trans once, replaced the power steering pump once and it has always had a lack of power steering. They say there is nothing wrong with it of course. It gets good gas mileage! But, the power steering is terrible. This is my first and last Honda. I have truly been disappointed with it.

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  Disapointed - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By NM467 - May 15 - 7:12 pm

  Bought this because my 2004 was a great van. The interior design is truly great, easy to live in and great for the family. The disappointment comes from the brakes(soft), transmission shutter, power locks that have a mind of their own and squeaks in the interior. The road noise is bad also and that was supposedly improved. The squeak not yet fixed, transmission reprogrammed not fixed and the locks cant be replicated when at the dealer. I have also had the drivers seat cushion replaced because of cracked leather this from a Honda with less than 17,000 miles on it. I bought this van to drive for the next ten years and at this rate I doubt It will make it to be paid off. Hondas rep is damaged!

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  2009 CR-V EX-L w/nav - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mwg - May 14 - 11:39 am

  This is not the first CR-V that I have owned. I find it very comfortable to drive. Handles well and has more than enough power. I like the interior styling but find that it is somewhat cheaply made and marks up fairly easily. Gas mileage is fairly consistent around 20-22 mpg city and 23-25 highway. Nice fun to drive vehicle. I would not recommend the navigation system. Routing is not very good and updates are very expensive (get a Garmin or Magellan instead).

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  Upgrade after failed engine - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By fg - May 14 - 5:30 am

  Upgraded to 2010 model after engine suddenly failed on 2007 with only 75K miles on it. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed but bought another one because I got dealer to pay off old loan. I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping we dont have engine problems this time around. Although the dealer worked with me in the end, I had to really fight to get them to pay off my loan with the trade- in. It was especially difficult dealing with the salesperson who sold me the 2007 van. I had to negotiate with the sales manager instead because of the salespersons unwillingness to pay off my loan and give me a good price on a new van. It was very disappointing since the 2010 is my 3rd Honda.

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  Bad decisions - 2010 Honda Fit
  By csedd - May 13 - 9:57 pm

  I bought this car just 1 week ago and am instantly regretting it. It is the loudest car I have ever owned. It gives me headaches with the constant drone of the engine and road noise. I have owned a VW diesel in the past, so this is saying something. It is fun to drive and practical, but the seats are uncomfortable, the materials inside are cheap. DO yourself a favor and pass on this car. I will be selling mine this week.

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  Bought several months ago - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Diane - May 13 - 2:42 pm

  with 2000 miles on it. Have driven for 4000 miles. Very bumpy plastic interior easy to scratch good room in the back. Big complaint is that the floor on the drivers side is cheap plastic and the rug keeps running up into the gas pedal! Put down heavier mat but doesnt help. Feel I need to merge into freeway traffic very carefully because of lack of power. OK gas mileage but the reader lies for sure. Our Matrix does as well or better and its a larger car with a better engine. Thinking about trading it in--big disappointment.