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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  I <3 my Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Lit Teacher - August 2 - 1:33 pm

  For the price of this car, you cant find a better deal. We looked at Mazda 3 and Toyota Yaris when shopping, and the Honda Fit offered more for less, including the priceless reputation of reliability associated with Hondas. I was looking for an economical 4-door hatchback with plenty of room for me and my 3-yr-old, and the Fit fits the bill! Tons of interior space and between 28 and 35 mpg for me so far (no road trips yet). Also, I found the driver seat/positioning to be quite comfortable after simply adjusting the telescopic/tilt steering wheel - this coming from a female with chronic lower back pain.

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  Good value but a few faults - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve - August 2 - 10:59 am

  This Honda Accord showed that the Honda line came a long way. The standard features in the car are what you would expect from a luxury car. This vehicle takes the bumps well and has tight handling. Pick-up is adequate. The seats are supportive and comfortable and leg room is not an issue. Trunk room is decent, and the stereo system is A+ considering its standard. The heated seats are also a plus. The biggest negative about the car is its weight. Its way to light and you can easily feel the smallest breeze when driving above 65 MPH.

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda Insight
  By WJS - August 2 - 8:16 am

  Consistent 40 mpg in the city. Leaving the econ button on helps dramatically with mileage. A/C is cold cold cold. When you put the back seats down there is a lot of room. Only real issue is that its not very torquey, imagine that, and its somewhat sensitive to road contour. Handles well otherwise though. Brakes are great.

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  Love My Ody! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By shadowfax5113 - August 2 - 7:46 am

  We bought our 2000 Odyssey in 2004 with 93,000 miles. We just replaced the original transmission with a nicely rebuilt one. I love this van! Drives nicely, looks great, gets good mileage (avg. 21 mpg) for a van. For the wear and tear we have put on it, 3 kids, 6 dogs, numerous road trips, it has performed admirably.

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  Objective review - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - August 1 - 3:15 pm

  Not as peppy as I expected Fuel economy 22 city. Fell short of my expectation for a Honda Great leather interior, good build quality by far compared to peers. Good cargo space. Suspension bumpy at times

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  Best car ever made? - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Mike Nelson - August 1 - 1:43 pm

  If a better all around vehicle has ever been made that is accessible to the average person, tell me about it, ok? I cant remember what the mileage was when purchased, but it was over 200,000 and I wasnt the least bit concerned about it. We had just had some typical Iowa winter weather when I road tested its 4x4 capabilities and bought it then and there. I eventually put in a new radiator, went through the clutch system entirely and had the suspension system bushings replaced. I have put well over the used purchase price into this vehicle without a single regret. With 240,000 miles and nearly 20 years old, it is a trusted daily driver.

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  This car is awesome! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By herb - July 31 - 7:11 pm

  This car is absolutely awesome! I love both the interior and exterior looks. It is wonderful to drive and quick. The build quality is evident as has been the case for Honda for many years. I traded in a terribly unreliable Cadillac cts for this auto, and do not miss the Cadillac at all! Also, the seats and climate control system are excellent. Beautiful car! I look forward to driving it every time!

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  Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan_Man - July 30 - 8:34 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 2001 and it now has 98,500 miles. Has been in for service only once since new for uneven idling and turned out to be a loose connector. No transmission problems as other have stated, I even tow. Side doors do stick, but all you need to do is spray the seals with Teflon spray.

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  2nd CR-V and Proud Owner - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Aaron - July 30 - 2:52 pm

  Purchased our 2010 EX-L in June, traded up our 2007 LX and NO regrets what so ever ! Cant wait to see what Honda has in mind for the 2011. No I am not traded my 10 up yet. Just seeing if what they are going to do to improve this years model !

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  Reliable little car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Indrek_S - July 30 - 7:01 am

  Extremely reliable car you will not notice you have it. Service once a year (around 160 USD) and that´s it. I had some problems at the beginning. One electric motor position sensor was faulty (common problem for 2007 built cars. after changing under warranty, no problems). Also drivers window was running out of rail. Warranty covered it (new rails). this is also common for Civics. And third trip to dealer was due to dead battery (covered under warranty). All those faults occur first couple of months and 70,000 km later no problems at all. Every time I visited dealer with those problems they gave me replacement Hybrid until my car was there. So good customer service overall.