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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  Off-Road Review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By autophotographer1 - January 6 - 10:12 am

  I photograph vehicles for a living and I drive all sorts of different types of vehicles. I have to say, this was the most fun I have ever had driving an SUV off road for my pictures. I took a Chevy Avalanche in the same area I took this Honda CR-V. I had a hard time getting the Chevy Avalanche to climb this solid 45° slope for pictures, however this little CR-V took the slope like it was NOTHING! Im a fan of large trucks and SUVs but guess what. Those larger trucks and SUVs are not going to make it through tight trails behind woods like this little fox can. Its more comfortable than it looks and has a lot more room than portrayed.

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  Aweful Fuel Economy- 25 MPG average - 2009 Honda Civic
  By rich6139 - January 6 - 9:40 am

  Purchased Honda Civic LX sedan in September 2009. EPA mileage estimates were 25-36 MPG. I have had Honda Civics for the past 14 years and have averaged 36 MPG. This car has had awful fuel economy. My main reason for purchasing a Civic was for fuel economy. Contacted dealership- "nothing they can do" contacted Honda USA case manager- "cant make any promises they can do anything about it". 22-25 MPG is what I am getting with this car, not the average of 36 MPG on my previous Civics. If it cannot be corrected, I will have to get rid of the car.

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  Timing belt problem - 1993 Honda Accord
  By doubtfulowner - January 5 - 9:49 pm

  My dad gave me his 1993 Accord a year ago - 79,000 miles and well-maintained. It had a new timing belt put in at 40,000 miles as preventative maintenance. My daughter had the car at college where the timing belt just blew at 81,000 miles and as a result, the car now needs $4000 worth of engine work. The car is clean and still relatively low mileage, but this seems to be a serious design flaw -- a (relatively common) breakdown that causes total engine failure.

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  Accord SE - Should have lasted longer ( - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aliceBettyAnna - January 5 - 6:11 pm

  At 86,000 miles the transmission went on my 4 cylinder What a major disappointment. Could have gotten it fixed but it seemed to much $ to put into a ten year old car. Really sad and mad to see that Honda Accords have documented transmission problems. It was fun and reliable until then. Too mad at Honda to buy another one. Went Nissan Altima this time and am loving it.

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  Not so sure about Hondas anymore - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pam - January 5 - 11:56 am

  My husband and I have had several Hondas - some new, some used. In 2003, we decided to buy a new Pilot. All was fine until last year when the air conditioner went out - very costly. Today we found out there is a problem with a rod and the whole engine will have to be torn apart - extremely costly. I am not at all happy with this vehicle that only has 70,000 miles on it and has had all service and oil changes done. My husband always takes great care of our cars. I will re-think another new Honda purchase in the future.

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  Not impressed - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - January 5 - 11:08 am

  I used to own a 94 accord that never had any problems other than rust (289,000 miles), so when I bought my newish car I only looked at Hondas. Mistake. The cars quality is not very good. The cable for opening the gas tank broke recently so I have to open the gas tank door through the trunk $200 to fix). Car has a strange overheating problem that the dealer cannot diagnose, not good soundproofing in car, engine is loud, The warranty on these cars in crap, does not get that great of gas mileage, maybe 25-35. This car is boring to drive, especially in an automatic. However the car handles nicely in upstate NY snow and I feel safe in it. I think Honda is riding on their laurels...

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  Everybody Knows Somebody... - 1995 Honda Passport
  By MzRevolutionary - January 4 - 6:27 pm

  ...That loves a Honda! My mom got this car for me as my first car and I still have it 6 years later. Honestly the thing wont die! Love hate relationship. Engine is 100% and only the body is starting to go some. Had to replace a window motor and have replaced the timing belt. Other than that not one problem. Recently began squealing in extreme cold but only minor issue. This vehicle will run through whatever! I can honestly say Ive put this car through more hell than the devil could bring and she is still going super strong. Would HIGHLY recommend if considering to purchase one. Only minor maintenance, rarely if every repairs and Im at 200,000 miles. Wish I could keep mine longer :- /

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  Beautifully Used - 2004 Honda Element
  By coachbarnes11 - January 3 - 8:33 pm

  This is the 7th Honda I have owned. I was curious about the Element when they first came out and was glad to finally purchase a used one with a manual "yeah!" and 100k on it. Of course it has been flawless since I have owned it. So many possible ways to use this vehicle. As a competitive triathlete I am looking forward to this summer and using it for fun weekends. I am going to keep up on the maintenance and do a big service here in the spring (plugs, fluids, etc.). As long as I take care of it, the E should go another 100k for me easy. The skylight is way cool! Stereo is more than adequate and iPod friendly. I might even go camping with my son and sleep on the seats that make beds!

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  Great Minivan - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By DaveA - January 3 - 7:21 pm

  Yeah, its a minivan. But...if what you want is solid reliability and flexibility, then the Odyssey delivers. I have had mine since new in late 1999 and it has only been to the shop once over 130,000 miles for a timing belt. Thats it. I have used Mobil 1 and been careful to keep up with the maintenance, which is very little other than fluids, battery, plugs and brake pads. I am going to buy another Odyssey if my 10 year old one ever decides to conk out.

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  Good Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By redone - January 3 - 12:44 pm

  This has been a great car, got it in 1997 for my sixteenth birthday. It had around 40000 miles. Now thirteen years later and with 265000 its still running strong. Ive maintained it pretty well. Any car though as time passes has to have things replaced. Have put in a few radiators, window motors, stereo system, one clutch and clutch system, oil sending pump, etc... The clearcoat has peeled off on the roof and in a few other areas. Going to repaint it soon. No rust though in Alabama. I did buy a weekend sports car, an s2000. I commute to work in the accord and look forward to it everyday. Sometimes I think about upgrading to a new one but I grew up in this car and cant bear to see it go.