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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  Will not buy at end of lease - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By sftwr-dude - February 15 - 12:51 am

  We leased this vehicle with the intention of buying at the end of the lease but have had quite a few problems with it. First, the shaking at 35 mph, which Honda originally said would be fixed with a software update. The shutter persisted and we found that the torque converter was going bad. That was replaced under warranty. The brakes make a loud creaking sound, but Honda says thats normal. That sounds has been getting louder and louder. Now the power steering seems to be slacking off. Turning the wheel has become increasingly harder. We will return this upon lease completion and maybe switch to a Sienna. Its too bad because we like Honda.

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  zoom - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tivo - February 14 - 1:08 pm

  Ive the manual 5-spd, v. different driving- functioning than the automatic. Like a racing car. The control is magnificent, zip-zip here, there, everywhere - zoom, juice to spare, just downshift. Driving is easy, shifting smooth, cruise control great luxury. Cant imagine what more expensive autos are like! This athletic lean machine is for the tight human athletic lean machine who travels light, Slim. Extra poundage - not.

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  Quirky - 2004 Honda Element
  By nc3e - February 11 - 4:16 pm

  I still cant say that I like the way the Element looks. Its ugly, and it hasnt really grown on me yet. However, it has more interior space than I expected. Rear seat passengers have tons of space and 2 cup holders, as well as 2 more for the front seat passengers. Great sound system. AWD is great in the snow! Acceleration isnt astounding, but it isnt slow. No carpeting means cleaning up spills is the best. Front pillars make big blind spots, and the "suicide doors" are a pain in a parking lot. The brakes took some getting used to for me, the pedal is a little soft and positioned strangely. Smooth and gentle steering and ride. AC began squeaking recently and cranks VERY slow in the cold.

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  Honda Accord EXV6 Sedan - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Honda Fan - February 10 - 9:01 pm

  Its been a great car for us. Bought the car in 2000 with 24k miles. It has 153,000 now. V6 is fun to drive. Feels like a sports car. Only trouble is intake manifold clogging causing check engine light to keep coming on. There has been Honda service bulletins on this. Front tires seem to wear fast. Michelins are expensive to replace. Plan on keeping this car till it is to expensive to fix. I heard 1998-2002 Honda Accords had problems with their transmissions. Weve had good luck here.

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  Compare price & needs to price & wants - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Tammii - February 10 - 11:15 am

  We traded in a F150 for 2 fits, so of course the gas mileage is better. Its a good car, floor mats, cruise control, tinted windows, ipod connection all thrown in by dealer. Price wise is good. We pay the same payments for two fits as we did for the F150. Gas mileage good in the beginning, but dropped off majorly after 6 months of driving,in both cars. Tires are an issue. Almost as if they are out of balance, but after taking it to dealer, I was told the tires just need to warm up. Never heard of such a thing. Getting a second opinion on that one. Good car. Depends on what you want and how much you want to spend.

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  Love my Civic in sunny weather - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Des Moines - February 10 - 10:07 am

  Ive had this car over 2 years. Love to drive it except during the winter. It pretty much leaves me stranded - cant navigate the snow and has poor traction - even with snow tires. If there is more than 1 inch snow predicted, I stay home or drive our truck.

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  My Honda Civic 2002 Ex (Automatic) - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Raj - February 10 - 5:45 am

  I love my 2002 Honda Civic Ex. I bought this car about 1 year back and already have put 9000 miles on it. Currently the odometer reads 67000 miles. This is a small beautiful car with a wonderful gas millage. With an automatic transmission I get about 25-26 miles/gallon in the city and 32-35 miles/gallon on the highways. Other than the usual regular scheduled maintenance I the car requires nothing and runs perfectly fine. I changed the battery this winter. The only complain with this car is its poor factory installed audio/speaker system.

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  snow handling - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vinny - February 9 - 6:57 pm

  I purchased a certified 2007 honda fit with 19,000 miles.I was very pleased with this car till it snowed. The dealer had put on 4 new tires--whatever they were they are horrible....maybe the car is just too light.I thought my vw jetta was bad in the snow but the fit is ridiculous. I cant get out of my driveway even after Ive shoveled it out.I got stuck on a level alleyway pulling out to a level street! After the road was plowed the remaining snow was throwing me all around even though the larger car in front of me was ripping right along.Now Im scared to venture out with even the lightest snowfall.I ll have to do more research next car purchase time.

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  Average SUV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By iampilot - February 9 - 5:57 pm

  I have bought the pilot two months back and I have added ~2300 miles so far. Overall, the ride is comfortable with minimal road noise. It can handle snow quite comfortably even on a 2WD. I initially experienced the truck pulling to right and took it to the dealer. He told me that he observed the problem too and rotated the tires and adjusted the tire pressure! I dont have a lot of complaints about this now. My biggest complaint is the mileage. I am averaging 16 in city and maybe 21 on the highway which is far less compared with other SUVs in its class for a 2WD. Overall nothing out of the box, average SUV for 30K.

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  So far so good but dreading future - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Gibran - February 8 - 11:38 am

  Bought the van from first owners a few years ago after our first kid and before the 2nd. Didnt realize the van had problems. Check engine light went on after 2 days. Called the seller and they pretended they dont know about it. There was a recall on the problem but they never took it in. Long story short it is the cat converter thing. It has been 15,000 miles since we have been driving on that check engine light so far it is just a light. The transmission slips when I back it in on our uphill driveway but no major transmission problems yet. Awesome space I use it to haul stuff around all the time after the 3rd seat fall flat include 8 ft dry walls !! : )