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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  Loved my 91 Civic LX - 1991 Honda Civic
  By janderson5 - January 28 - 12:26 am

  Grandma bought this $1900 car as a present for my 16th b-day (Oct 04). Had 107k on it. 2 prev owners, last was teen girl also. I was really hard on it 1st 2yr, it was my 1st & I drove it rough & changed the oil about every 6-7k. Then I got smart changed oil every 3k & the tranny fluid every 15k. After HS, took car to GU & made 9.5 trips over Snoq Pass b/t Seattle & Spokane, fair amount of weight in it too. On last trip to Sea, oil light came on 60mi outside Spo, stopped at local repair shop, no eng knocking, so said it was faulty light, light went on and off rest way, then in mid of pass, it died. Oil pump went, blowing the cam shaft. That car was my baby, and when it died, I cried for days.

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  A decent car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By The Dude - January 27 - 3:16 pm

  Not a bad little car. My commute is 100 mi/day, and I bought it for commuting and hauling. Im familiar with Hondas, so when the 5-spd failed I wasnt surprised. Gets 40-43 MPG consistently. Like the hatch and fold-down seats to haul ladders, furniture, trees, tools, wood, etc. Theres a lot of cheapness inside, but not the hollow cheap you get with GM or Ford. Handling isnt great, but not terrible. I dont know why ppl race these so much when its only a commuter at best.

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  Very Reliable! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Gene - January 26 - 8:28 pm

  Never in shop for any type issue in 2 1/2 years. As empty nesters have never had a need to use third row seating. Plenty of cargo space with seats in the down position. Has adequate acceleration for entering busy highways.

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  Middle of the Road Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DMM - January 26 - 4:32 pm

  The car runs alright overall. Maintenance is medium level. Braking and road noise is fairly high, not something I expected from Honda. Also, either the front or rear brake needs replacement every year. At 71,000 miles, the oxygen sensor failed, costing 300 dollars at the dealership to repair. This seems a common failure in Honda cars.

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  Not typical, but annoying as... heck - 2009 Honda Fit
  By cdninsw - January 26 - 11:14 am

  First off, big Honda fan. Just got bad car. 2 months old took it in for "ting" in motor. Service found loose exhaust valve on #4 cyl, broken exhst valve spring on #3 cyl, Vtec system not working (dead solenoid), passngr side motor mount installed backwards. 17 days in shop, top half of motor was replaced (cylinder heads, valve train & solendiod), motor mount re-installed. Lot of issues for new car. Told Honda we wanted "out", corporate said no, its fixed. It goes in this week for spazdic rear wiper (rear swipes randomly when front wiper on and rear wiper OFF). Had lots of Hondas, these issues arent typical. This may be the best running Fit on the road right now but will trade in ASAP.

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  Reliable, but LOUD - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By gpzman - January 25 - 6:08 pm

  Have about 15K on the CRV now. Plenty of power, smooth shifting and very high reliability. My only compliant is that the road noise in this vehicle is almost unbearable. I cant speak on the cell phone (even with headset) and the stereo has to be so loud to overcome the noise. Honda needs to address this issue. I think as American cars improve, they will be really hurt Honda by increasing cabin comfort. Just took 800 mile road trip only got 23.5 MPG-disappointing.

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  Happy Customer - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By RamyaS - January 25 - 5:54 pm

  My husband wanted to buy a Rav4/V6. But I liked the CRV & we bought an 08EX AWD. After 45,000 miles in 2 years, my hubby likes the CRV, a lot. We live in San Francisco, we have driven to the Grand Canyon, Seattle, Yosemite & many ski trips to Lake Tahoe. Lots of space for my dog, gear, friends & my hubby. The power is more than adequate. On long climbing hills, the engine RPM is steady and the VTEC kicks in to keep a steady speed. We drove through a bad snow storm in Lake Tahoe and I could feel the AWD kicking in many times to keep the vehicle steady & safe. The only problem are the stock tires, they are very NOISY. Looking forward to many more trips in the CRV.

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  RELIABLE - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Just me..... - January 25 - 3:31 am

  This car is reliable and gets good gas mileage for a 6. Stereo display went out - it is covered on warranty past the normal warranty of the car. Call Honda and see if you are covered. Catalytic are also covered after a special extended time also. They are known to fail. Seats get uncomfortable on long drives. Honda stands up for their errors. Unlike a lot of domestic vehicles.

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  Its ok - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By david - January 24 - 9:30 pm

  Bought the CRV. Wife wanted it. We got the 4cyl 2wd with a sunroof, black on tan cloth. Got such a good deal on it new. She is 5ft 6in or so, and its perfect size for her. Iam 6ft 5in, and cant stand to drive it, its too small for me. We have had it for almost 2 years, and put almost 10,000 miles on it. The motor is loud, it sounds like the motor in my 150,000 mile old cavalier. The air bag light flashes about every two weeks, but the dealership cant find a code of it. When its below freezing, it seems the battery is weak, as the motor spins slow on start up, but has never failed to start. If your under 6ft, it be a good choice for you, I love the black exterior on light tan interior color

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  door locks - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By rlc - January 22 - 4:20 pm

  Have had numerous problems with the locks on the doors. First it was on the rear cargo door. Had to be fixed 4 times, i had the car for 3 months. Now a year later and the lock on the rear driverside door is loose. when you drive the interior lights flash and a red car lights up on the console. Not safe when you are driving around children. This is my first honda, ive always owned a chevy. not thinking ill buy another one.