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:

• 

  Satisfies My CRaVing! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MYCRAVING - March 29 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased the vehicle after my 02 Toyota RAV4 transmission and computer expired (not what youd expect from a Toyota but corporate did fix the problem for free). However, not trusting a rebuilt transmission, I immediately went to test drive the 2007 CRV having admired the redesign immensely. LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!! Although Im not getting the same fuel efficiency I did on my RAV, this car is above and beyond in class and style. I did purchase the roof rack, spoiler, moonroof visor and foglights to add a bit more excitement to the exterior, and I dont regret it. For the money, this vehicle carries lots of near-luxury styling! The more I drive it, the more I love it. You will too!

• 

  Are you sure its not an Acura? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mcitv08 - March 29 - 11:46 am

  The 2009 Honda Accords interior quality, fit and finish can be easily confused with that of an Acura. The overall design of the new Accord Coupe is very stunning, sexy, elegant and aggressive. Performance of the inline 4 cylinder 2.4 I-Vtec motor produces 190 hp transported through a smooth 5 speed automatic delivering more than enough power to commute around town. One downfall is the EPA rating 21 city 31 highway. We had always expected better than that from Honda. Overall, it is an excellent vehicle, very reliable, and of course its a Honda so the vehicle always keeps its value

• 

  New Honda Civic Owner - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bbeningh - March 28 - 10:36 am

  I absolutely LOVE my new Civic! I have been on the market for a new car for a few months now and the consensus from friends, family, and co-workers has been that Hondas are the way to go. Going from a Nissan Sentra to a Honda Civic Coupe, I am overwhelmed by all of the great features that Honda has to offer, including their outstanding sales and service teams. I know that I made the right choice and that I will be a Honda driver for a long time to come.

• 

  A Great, Fun and Dependable Car - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By davekissoon - March 28 - 2:00 am

  To anyone that is thinking about buying this car, dont hesistate. It is excellent. Its fast and sturdy and most importantly dependable. Will never break down and so far (after 43000 miles) Ive only had to change the tires. Fuel consumption is a bit high for a four cylinder (19 mph average) and the tank is small. This can prove frustrating as I have to fill it up every 4 days or so. Nevertheless, if I had to choose whether or not to get this car again, I would jump on the opportunity to get it again. I have test driven many sport cars (350Z, G35) and they are not much different in performance from this,

• 

  Honda s2003 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By rrrrrr - March 28 - 2:00 am

  its the best sports car!

• 

  Love my 05 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert B. Owens - March 27 - 7:53 pm

  As a salesman who puts close to 50,000 miles per year on a vehicle I want something I can depend on and the 05 Odyssey fills the bill. It is very powerful, yet gets good gas mileage ( 21-25 mpg depending on conditions) comfortable and fun to drive. It just has the feel of a solid well built car that can haul 4 golfers, their clubs and luggage with ease. A very important aspect for me is the resale value which is 2nd to none in its class. When the time comes I will buy another one.

• 

  Hybrid still works well after 9 years - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ray - March 27 - 12:40 pm

  I bought this car new in April 2007. As of April 2016 it still runs well. I followed maintenance minder, taking car to dealer (Pohanka in Maryland) for service every time maintenance was required. The dealer never tried to recommend excessive maintenance. Sometimes it would go 10K between oil changes. IMA light came on just before 80k. Dealer re-programmed it per TSB. IMA light came on again just before 100k. Found speed sensor in hybrid system was bad. Repair cost $1250. Geico Mechanical Breakdown covered $1000 of that. Had to have drivers window serviced once for $100. First set of tires lasted 90k. Based on recent dealer inspection the original brakes are still fine, probably due to regenerative braking system reducing wear on regular brakes. Original 12V battery replaced at 7 years. Paint and interior have held up well, using weather-tech mats helped. Considering initial purchase price, maintenance, and repairs this has been the least expensive and most reliable car I have owned. When new I could get over 55mpg regularly. At 9 years old I can still get over 50mpg in similar driving. My IMA battery still works well, but seems to have lost some of its original capacity. Should you buy an older used Civic Hybrid such as this one, make sure you are ready to shell out $3500 to replace the IMA battery at any time. Allowing for that, this should be a very satisfying used car.

• 

  My first Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By First Honda - March 27 - 11:13 am

  This is the first Honda I have owned. I purchased the VP. It had all the safety features I was looking for in a car. Features that came standard and not optional as in most american cars.

• 

  excellent car - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By vtecfox - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I have now had two Preludes, a 1997 and 1999 5-speed. I love them both and love driving them. I have never had any problems and would recommend them to anyone.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Zoomy6 - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 92 Prelude Si with 4-wheel steering from a friend four years ago when it had 85,000 miles on it. Since then, Ive put another 35,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. It is extremely fun to drive and is quick enough to beat or keep up with newer cars with much more horsepower. I recently bought a new car and will be very sad to see the Prelude go. Its been great to me and I highly recommend that anyone who wants a fast, fun to drive car and is on a tight budget to buy one. The four wheel steering also adds a whole new dimension to this car.