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, but very bland - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Anthony - March 5 - 9:20 pm

  I got the coupe, and Im not overly impressed. It handles really well, and the gas mileage is excellent. But for the price, the interior is very boring except from the digital speedometer. The interior looks as if it could have came from a 90s car. Not very modern. Interior also feels cheap, no seat height adjustment. But the car is reliable and handles really well. Its pretty peppy. The ride is not very smooth though, and the engine could be quieter. Id recommend the Hyundai Elantra (2007 or newer) or the new Mazda 3 over this.

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  I cant decide - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By happyhippieinmymini - March 5 - 12:57 pm

  This Mini Van was my first car. I got it when it only had 125,000 miles on it and now she has 190,000 and still running. I have had some trouble with the radiator and oil leaking. I am considering selling her for scion xA or Toyota Matrix but this car has overall been great!

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  Noisy! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By daveintown - March 5 - 1:00 am

  I bought the LX new in September 2009. I am still not used to the SUV differences from my previous Toyota Camry. I find it noisy, my #1 complaint, even though I had it undercoated, there is still a lot of road noise and there is a lot of wind noise in the windshield area. The gas mileage is also not as good as advertised. I would spend a lot more time test driving other makes next time.

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  All Kinds of Problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Terrible Car - March 3 - 12:54 pm

  This is the first Honda I have purchased on my own. My entire family owns Hondas but this will be my final Honda due to so many problems. Brakes replaced under 20000k miles rotors turned and replaced under 20000 miles and rear dash replaced. 3 out of 4 door actuators replaced. Heated mirror took 6 trips to fix after they told me I didnt have heated mirrors and I had to prove it. Brakes still squeak a lot and Honda Customer service will not do anything about it. They just say they have not had any recalls when they clearly have issues with the brakes. My parents have a pilot just had their 60k mile service replaced brakes first time and still have not turned rotors. Accord is awful.

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  Good Car w/some drawbacks - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Doug - March 1 - 8:12 pm

  Handles well. Common road noise, VCM and poor seats not a problem for me. Interior laid out very well but have to reach too far for some highly-used buttons (rear defrost and mode button). When raining, seats get wet when you open the door. Navigation, Bluetooth, voice-controls are VERY user-friendly. MPG decent. Great drive on the highway.

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  Check the oil daily - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Multiple Honda Owner - March 1 - 1:28 pm

  This is my 9th Honda over the last 28 years. It may be my last. The car is fun to drive, handles nicely, is comfortable and burns a qt of oil per 1000 miles. Honda says this is "in specs". I have never had a Honda that used oil like this before. Because I drive for a living I cannot afford to keep this car. I change oil every 5K. In other words, I add 5 qts of oil between every change. I will trade it for something other than Honda.

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  Honda Slips - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Boomer - February 28 - 11:47 pm

  This is my 5th Honda, and sad to say, I like it the least. Is it the only sedan in its price range with no outside temp or mpg display? I was shocked to learn, after purchase, that my new 08 was not as safe as my 04, the 08 only having 3 stars in the rear crash test. The engine is responsive and quick, handling good, design the best Honda ever, but I dont like the thumping noise I hear every time I hit the brakes. Honda says its normal, I say its annoying. I am looking for a different car--Legacy? Taurus? Malibu?

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  Fun But Wouldnt Choose it Again - 2009 Honda Fit
  By zippy - February 27 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this car in Jan 2009 as a commuter vehicle (60mi round trip to work each day on back roads). Car looks great, has tons of interior room - 4 good sized adults fit comfortable in this vehicle - and has fun, peppy handling. 34mpg on average. Some freakishly bad luck-1 huge ice chunk and 2 low-speed fender benders (1 front, 1 back at less than 13 mph) resulted in over $7000 damage each time. We kid that if you look at the Fit mean, the doors fall off. The impact energy may be dissipated, but youre left with rubble after what should be a minor incident. I wouldnt put a young driver in this car and Im selling as soon as its paid off.

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  alright suv - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Retired Air Force - February 26 - 3:00 am

  We bought the CRV to replace a Town and Country. My wife wanted something smaller to use for work. It is very noisy on the Houston roads, the car has 23,000 miles and the tires are already showing alot of wear. If you put the back windows down at highway speeds, there is a deafening noise that sounds like a jet is taking off in your back seat. The mileage is also not as good as we expected. Sitting in both front seats on long trips isnt all that enjoyable

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  Fun Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jackson - February 25 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this new and really love it. Love the moon roof, the CD/radio, and the seating configuration options. As a tall guy, I fit in this thing well, even with the moon roof. Towing a U- Haul type trailer on the highway I get a respectable 19mpg at 55mph. Original tires were noisy and rough, but lasted to 50K - replaced with Michelins. Replaced rear brakes at 72K. MPG have been (very) disappointing - have always beat EPA estimates on other cars. I get almost 25 going to work 7-miles away, but highway mileage is almost 22 on the cruise control. Overall average is 23.7.