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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  Solid car with significant shortcomings - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CZ - March 17 - 9:58 am

  I have purchased this car a certified used car from a dealership in Brooklyn, NY with 27k miles on it. Overall it is a very good car with excellent driving characteristics. Handling and power are great. Interior ergonomics and style is very simple and elegant. Almost Teutonic, perfect for my taste. Fit and finish is also among the positive features.The dealership concealed the fact that the torque converter was previously replaced under recall, it seems it wasnt installed properly and is the main cause behind mediocre mileage (15 mpg city). The cars transmission is also of inferior quality, it hesitates and jerks when engaging 2nd and 3rd gear. Quality of shifting decreases with temperature

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  Noisy, squeaky - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Alisande - March 16 - 12:21 pm

  I owned a 1980 Civic that was one of the best cars Ive ever had. My new Civic is a disappointment. After only 1000 miles, I have rattles and squeaks in two places in the dash and the drivers side window. The road noise is fatiguing on long trips. I dont think Honda is making them like they used to. I dont even feel honest selling this car to someone so Ill keep it a couple years then trade it in for a Kia Forte, the car I should have bought instead.

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  Wasnt worth the hype - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By taveling man - March 16 - 11:17 am

  Bought it because it was a Honda. At least they covered the transmission the first time it went out at 70,000 miles even though it was properly maintained, better than GM or Ford would do! But, between the sticky rear door, front brakes every 20K and timing belt (why have one not a chain) the money spent is like a Chrysler. Higher resale was a joke because if I had bought a Chrysler for 3,000 cheaper I could have taken advantage of the Cash for clunkers and ended up ahead.

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  Nice Van, Pricey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By D F - March 16 - 9:55 am

  Bought new in 09 well under invoice. Van is comfortable, easy to drive, gets decent hwy mpg. Comfortable seating, plenty of room.

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  My Best Friend - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ALEX - March 15 - 9:49 pm

  Ive bought my civic last year when it had 77K miles. So far I have driven 10K miles and no problems at all. Although the car is not flashy or fast, it is very reliable and can take your from point A to point B with low gas usage. The handling is very nice and this car will look very nice with some sporty rims or a spoiler. I am planning on keeping it until I finish college, and then buying a newer civic! :)

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  Overall very good - details missing - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 15 - 2:19 pm

  The car rides well and with a powerful V6 its about as powerful as a FWD can get. Rides well and the interior is comfortable but - suspension is poor and you feel all the bumps. I think the added weight on the EXL model causes this. Also - dumb items like the digital compass broke in Mos #2 and both keys are finicky with opening doors reminds you this is a Honda and not a more expensive car. Overall - sometimes if feels like luxury and other times is feels like its being forced and is oh- so-close.

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  So far so good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jackie - March 14 - 11:36 pm

  I traded in my 07 mustang gt for a 09 cr-v. So this review is from one end of the spectrum to the other. Totally not what i was looking for but after a problem ridden mustang i was looking for reliability and affordability at the pump. I dont get as much mpg as what i would have hoped, about 18.5 but Ive been trying to watch my lead food. Total cost of ownership has been great. I had read road noise was a problem for some people, but the dronr i had with the stang must have made my ears numb to it cause it doesnt bother me at all. Performance is a bummer but again, going from 300 hp to160ish would be. But Overall i am not at all disappointed in making the switch!

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  great car for a guy to commute. - 2003 Honda Insight
  By crazyjake1982 - March 14 - 6:24 pm

  I bought this car new in march of 2003 and I have put 130,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable and rugged. I drive 52 miles one way to work and I get an honest 60 miles per gallon on every tank full. It is not good on snow being so low, and its performance on ice was terrible with the original tires, I soon bought snow tires and that was well worth the money. I love this car.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By matt - March 13 - 9:27 pm

  The Accord is a great car, but the brakes are its Achilles heel. I just replaced them all around - the backs wore first. Other than that - the car is great. I get 35 mpg on the hwy.

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  Cheap materials spell disaster - 2008 Honda Fit
  By dmbcyg - March 12 - 5:29 pm

  Last week in spite of my asking all the questions and doing all my homework, I ended up with a used, certified fit I thought was in excellent condition. I saw the Carfax and all. Now I have both front doors molding coming loose, my front drivers door inside is falling apart and the front driver and passenger side windows fog up for no apparent reason. My brakes are grabbing and it shakes, rattles and shimmers at 75 mph. The dealer I purchased it from where slow answering my calls so we had to stay up on it. Finally, someone called to check up on how we liked it ( no one acknowledged my first call). My husband took it back and we have a nice loaner. If I had the money I would go with corolla