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:

• 

  A/C - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kenny - September 3 - 2:09 pm

  My a/c compressor just went out on me a few days ago and the car has under 58,000 miles. I was informed by the dealership where I purchased my vehicle from that the repairs will not be covered by Honda since I did not purchased the extended warranty. I was very upset and dissappointed. This is my 5th Honda vehicles and everyone in my family has a Honda vehicle. I called the corporate office and they said that Im out of luck since I did not listen to the dealership when they were trying to offer and sell me the extended warranty. I told them I will never ever by Honda car again and they replied back and said "Its your decision and unfortunately this problem is not caused by Honda!"

• 

  A Reasonable but Not Exciting Used Car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By emeyer - September 3 - 12:16 pm

  This review concerns the 5 speed manual LX 4 cylinder model. Driving: The manual shift has always provided a little annoying hesitation coming out of first gear. I like the extra power of the manual transmission for passing. Interior displays are easy and logical. Not an exciting car to drive--but okay. Reliability: This car is now 10 years old and I have had some difficulty with the usual suspects for older cars: brakes and exhaust have been replaced. I have also replaced the starter (strangley). Otherwise the power features continue to work fine. Average amount of repair/maintenance Id say. Overall I am reasonably happy with the car.

• 

  Shattered my expectations. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Odindusk - September 3 - 8:16 am

  This car has an incredible fun factor when driving it. Its zippy without feeling "weak" and steering is very nice. I bought the "Storm Silver Metallic" which I think complements the body design the best (goes great with the alloy wheels on the Sport trim). The interior is ridiculously roomy for what you think it would have for space. Im 62" and my there is something like 6" clearance above me still. The instrumentation is very sharp. The lighting/color/font scheme is very attractive and something I wouldnt expect in a sub-$20K car. Paddle shifters add another dimension to the enjoyability of the ride.

• 

  Love the Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Andy - September 3 - 7:24 am

  The Ridgeline is my second Honda vehicle after having driven american cars for the past twenty-five years. This truck rides and feels like a luxury car yet handles like a sports car and possesses all attributes of a 1/2-ton pick-up truck.One test-drive and youll be hooked! Trust me on that. Build quality is number 1 along with reliability and performance. Fuel economy is not what it should be for a 6-cylinder yet lets not forget that this vehicle is in fact a truck and not a Civic.

• 

  Young Love - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bsparks - September 2 - 10:56 pm

  I have only owned my 2007 CR-V for 500 miles so this is still a very young affair. However, it has been everything I hoped for and more. Very quite ride, excellent MPG, good view. I had heard folks talk about blind spot (s) but I think the view from windows and/or mirrors is great.

• 

  Mostly great, but one concern - 2005 Honda Civic
  By hybridia - September 2 - 7:40 pm

  Ive owned my 05 civic hybrid for about three months now, and for the most part, I love it. Very comfy, great console layout, roomy. The mileage isnt what was advertised, but Im still averaging 39mph, which is great. The one issue I have is parking on hills. If the car is facing downhill, reversing up the hill to park is very tricky at first (I discovered this the hard way). Ive found I have to use the emergency brake and rev up until the car gets out of Auto Stop, and only then does the car have the power to back up. Other than that and less pickup than Id like (plus, the addition of a sun/moonroof would be nice, but thats minor), its a solid car.

• 

  Why is my gas mileage so low? - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By miamigirl - September 2 - 6:40 pm

  I have been extremely happy with my new CRV, however, I am disapointed with my actual gas mileage. I purchased the CRV over the Pilot because I believed I would receive better gas mileage. I only average about 21.4! If I would have known that I would have bought the bigger SUV.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Rick - September 2 - 3:50 pm

  Originally looking at the RAV4. I decided to go with the CRV. Its actually faster off the start than the RAV, and has 11 HP less. The engine is also quieter than the RAV. Ive had this vehicle only a week, and can tell Ill have it for a long time. The SE was also a couple grand less that the RAV. Someone wrote that this vehicle had a noisy engine at higher speeds. This egine is quiet at higher speeds. Nothing bad to say about this vehicle. You cant have everything, but what I have I like.

• 

  Very solid - no problems here - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Brock Angelo - September 2 - 10:48 am

  I have owned a 91 Honda Civic, a 92 Honda Civic and now a 2000 Odyssey. I was skeptical about our electric doors - pretty solid except in the winter - they will be a bit sticky if you keep it outside. Otherwise, this has been very solid and we have had no repairs and no problems starting or running. Took a 5000 mile cross country trip right after we bought it. Did great without a single snag.

• 

  Reliable Honda - not the best design - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Brock Angelo - September 2 - 10:40 am

  What can I say? We are a Honda family. We have found them to be very reliable, and this was no exception. Over the course of two years that I drove the car (inherited it from my wife) we spent an average of $62 per month, including all oil changes and servicing. Not bad when you consider what a normal car payment would be. The reliability of the engine is great, the starter on these is bad. They will often times not start on particularly hot and humid days. But give it five minutes and it will turn right over. A problem with the main relay on the starter. Also, I never liked the side mounted door handles, and the cup holders are a false sense of security - youd be better off not using them.