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 little car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By seamonster1 - April 6 - 12:48 pm

  We love our little fit. Feels and drives like a Honda. Takes off and stops quick. With both backseats laid flat, plenty of room in the back. Our golden retriever does laps in the back. we test drove the Fiesta and the Fit was so much more car for the money.

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  Miss my Honda! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By got2bekylee - April 6 - 9:02 am

  I was so sad when i had to get rid of my Honda. The only downside is my A/C didnt work when i got it in 08. Which didnt bother me too much. I only got rid of it because i had a baby and needed something a little bigger and cooler for the summer. I would still have it if i could afford to insure multiple cars. It ran better than my 03 Saturn and my 99 Kia. The gas mileage is also a huge plus with this car. It would be a great first car or just something for work and/or school. I would highly recommend this little old car.

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  Very impressed, and happy with my 2012 Civic ! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By merickson88 - April 5 - 9:24 pm

  I am impressed with the new 2012 Civic...still under two years old I have already put on over 50,000 miles with 0 problems..smartest buy Ive made yet and its my second Honda and will never buy anything else ! I avg 32 city and 33 to 39 on the highway depending on how I drive. Excellent gas mileage and comfortable car. Love the navigation, stereo and sound, leather interior which is nice and durable ! I just love my Honda and cant wait to drive it, its a remarkable car ! I plan on trying to get as many miles out of it as I can !

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  "Swimming" - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By confused47 - April 4 - 11:59 am

  My 2012 Odyssey is only 6 months old. A month ago I noticed water (puddle) in the rear cargo floor well.I was told this doesnt happen to the Odyssey only in the Honda civic. So after a week without my van I was told it was the rear seam sealer was missing and this is how the water was getting in. Well now Im just waiting for the next rain storm. If I wanted a van with a pool I would have ordered one. Also there have been 2 recalls. Is this Van going to last at lest 10 years? I always had a Ford and my Ford Van lasted 10 years. Im not saying dont buy the Odyssey because it is a good ,comfortable van, just buyer be aware.

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  Very poor mileage - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mnr11 - April 3 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2011 and per the reviews, city mileage is 21 and 28 on the highways. The actual mileage in my experience is 18 to 18.5 in the city and 21 to 22 highway. I am extremely disappointed and this is my may concern.. all maintenance is up to date.

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  current pilot owners trading up -look at alternatives - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By mic14 - April 2 - 8:39 pm

  Purchased 2.5 yrs ago and is a major dissappointment. Also own 2003 (which we love). If trading up from that, you will be very dissappointed. + smoother transmission v. 2003. road noise better Neg.: recall problems - inferior paint resulting in rust - is happening to ours. Also serious recall on missing airbag harness screws. Other issues: terrible mileage, transmission problems - stranded us on a road trip & not covered by warranty, door hinges mis-aligned so door wouldnt close properly, undersized brakes - rotors warped at 10,000 miles, poor location of shifter (knock into neutral with knee) reduced center console space/clausterphobic, cheap materials, stain prone seats/cant get out

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  Faithful Honda owner..a little rattled. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ajhall - April 2 - 2:29 pm

  This is my second Accord, also the first car I have ever bought without researching. My thoughts were "its an Accord. Im safe". Currently have 80k miles on it. The car has been great, plenty of fun to drive and ample room although the trunk is a little small. What youve read about transmission issues are true. Mine is going in the shop this week for a rebuild around 3k in price. Honda has seem to correct the issue in later models and has been known to split the tranny rebuild with you since losing a class action suit, but its a little shameful to have to do on a car so young. Im going to keep it 300k+ miles. Not my last Accord, but research each car individually before buying.

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  Lemon? - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By awolowa - April 1 - 12:40 pm

  We got this car in 2008 and were the second owners only. It looked in amazing shape with only 100 000km. However, aside from the amazing craftsmanship, the thing would break every 2 to 3 months for the last 4 years. It was always something, and it often ended costing close to $1000 every time. And every time, I thought "this is probably the last time", but no. So finally, we had to scrap this money pit. Not many people complain about this car, but I guess we had a lemon, or at least, it became one in our hands.

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  Perfect 2nd vehicle/Commuter Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By 20034runner - April 1 - 9:00 am

  My primary vehicle is a 4 door 4x4 pickup and my 5 day/week commute is a 57 mile round trip. I needed a commuter car. I bought my 05 Si (EP3) in March of 2010 w/ a documented 70k miles of near-perfect maintenance 3 years later and 40k more miles, I have no complaints. Happily uses 87 octane and and with my VERY heavy foot, it still gets no less than 27 mpg of mixed driving (30-31 on a highway trip.) Ive found it likes Pennzoil Synthetic blend oil the best for both performance and MPGs. Completed the 100k service, new iridium plugs, coolant flush and serpentine belt (no timing belt to replace in these) and I easily expect another 100k on this car. Love the cargo room too!

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  Best mini van out there - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mooger1 - March 31 - 8:40 pm

  Bought this van in July 2006. We had some issues with this van, front wheel bearings, power steering pump, twice, all repaired or replaced by Honda. We now have 112,000 on this van and it runs like new. I just replaced the timing belt, and plan on using it another hundred thousand mies. This has been the very best vehicle I have ever owned