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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  Great ride - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By DaveCT - July 1 - 9:37 pm

  Bought the 09 in September and now have 21000 miles on it. Of course, all highway driving and I am averaging 26.2 mpg. I do watch the mpg gauge but average about 63-66 mph on my 39 mile commute (ea way). Lots of storage room when I drive to/from my kids colleges. Added a Thule kayak rack - busted my knuckles but works well. Great fit and finish. No problems other than brake grinding noise which turned out to be small stone that got caught up in brakes - just shook it out. Downsides: Fabric stains easily. No middle console, just cheapo holder between front seats which wastes space. These are awfully minor points and I love the CR-V, will def buy another when I hit about 130K or so.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - July 1 - 11:11 am

  I have owned this SUV for six and a half years. The car is very reliable. Besides the normal maintenance (oil, brakes, batter), the car has needed new rear shocks ($450 at 66K miles) and two new engine mounts ($650 at 68K miles). The shocks were blown because we overloaded the car on a long trip, but the engine mounts are a common problem for Odysseys and Pilots. We love the car because it is powerful and does the job.

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  Love this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By alyson - June 30 - 8:52 pm

  Bought this 2008 Honda EX for my daughter used and I have to say that I am very happy with it. It rides nice, great fuel economy and is really fun to drive. It has fantastic pick-up for a 4 cyl. vehicle. The only 2 complaints I have are that the seats could be a bit more comfortable and the factory radio sounds very "tinny" and we will replace that. Im hoping she gets many good and reliable years of driving out of it!

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Todd T - June 30 - 10:37 am

  Went from a truck to the fit during the gas hike. With fuel prices back down, I am still very happy with the car! It is small, still spacious on the inside. We drove across country with our two Young children without issue. The ability to configure the seats provides many options in storage and cargo that you cannot get in other small vehicles.

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  Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By logan.baranowski - June 30 - 2:34 am

  This is my first car ever! I love it. Has some transmission problems but it still drives, so no problems. It is 12 years old and I drove it 80 mph on the freeway and she got 33 mpg and that was with my bike rack. Bought from my dads coworker. Got a great deal $5000 and it is still worth $4000 after two years. I recommend this to all.

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  Just a suggestion - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Madame Butterfly - June 30 - 12:46 am

  I love my car but I had a friend get me front license plate made and I cannot put on the front of my car. I see that most of these Hondas do not have a place to put a front license tag.

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  Good, except for transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By FLDriver - June 29 - 5:34 pm

  Transmission problems! Transmission replaced at 110,000 miles and again at 165,000 miles. I have done the regularly scheduled maintenance on this car. I dont think its my driving style either. For example, I usually get at least 60,000 miles from a set of tires (on third set). Honda replaced first transmission for me without any charge (or any explanation). Second one cost me $2k. Family has owned hondas since 1981. I have enjoyed owning this one for 9 years. Not sure if I will buy another Accord. I have not seen shining reviews of the 07 - 09 models.

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  Back at Home in an Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By House of 4 - June 28 - 2:02 pm

  After having had a 2005 Odyssey, followed by a 2007 Odyssey, we decided to try a Ford Expedition EL. While the Expedition was a nice vehicle, it was not as functional as the Odyssey had been. With 4 young children, the Odyssey was hands down the better vehicle for us. We learned by experience that the big SUVs arent always better. We waited to see photos of the 2011 Odyssey but were not impressed. Since we were familiar with the 2010 Odyssey style and features, we decided to take advantage of the last model year reliability and good incentives. Are we ever excited to be back in our Odyssey! Its an EX-L with RES, dark cherry pearl color. We feel like we are back at home!

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  Honda is the best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By brian - June 27 - 10:23 pm

  I own 2002 accord and I love it. This 2006 model is great too. I am finding the fuel economy close to the 2.3l in the 2002 if I dont drive it hard. But its nice to have that extra Hp from the V6 when you need it on demand. I am very impressed with it. I am not sure why it did not come with side moldings, that would prevent a lot of door dings from other parked cars . But overall I am very pleased with this used car with only 42,000 km on it.

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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Daniel - June 27 - 3:36 pm

  Ive really enjoyed this car. It is very reliable. At first, I probably didnt take the best care of it, but it really hasnt given me a lot of problems. Other than routine maintenance and accidents, I can only think of a couple minor things that have broken. It really is worth paying a little more for a Honda because youll have to pay so little on maintenance.