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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  One quality built and reliable CUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By MHadden - December 21 - 11:03 am

  We now have over 33,000 miles on our CR-V in 22 months time and dont have a single rattle or creak (Japan built). Only a speaker has been replaced under warranty. Although the 2.4L I4 is pathetically weak, it still has decent pep around town and on the highway, especially when the rpms are high. The AWD is decent, though the traction control will kick in before the AWD does. Weve only rotated the tires and changed the required fluids. Ride is firm, but both the wife and I like it. Weve managed to get 25mpg over the course of ownership. Its still a great reliable vehicle for the price and feels much more upscale than a comparable RAV4.

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  Only Complaint: TIRES! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Satisfied enough - December 18 - 12:10 pm

  I was pretty upset when I had to change the tires at 20,000 miles. Pretty sure its an alignment problem but Im selling it tonight so it doesnt matter anymore! Seats are comfy to me. I like sitting up higher in this car. The power outlet is WAY inconvenient though. I have to trade out my Sirius and iPhone charger all the time and its a bit of a hazard having to bend all the way down to trade them. And the other charger is all the way in the stinkin back...so no use unless I have a system! And the gas mileage drops considerably when it gets cold outside...other than that, it has been great! Oh and the brakes are really noisy if its been raining outside. Sometimes a little scary!

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  Better than my old accord in every way - 2004 Honda Accord
  By whittvanessa - December 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my second honda accord. My first was a 2001 4 dr 4 cyl. My complaints about that car were limited. Inadequate brakes and not enough power with the auto trans. This new honda takes care of all my gripes. The performance is very good for a 28k car. The nav/cd/xm stereo is very user friendly and down right fun to play with. My only complaint about this car is that the stiff underpinnings bring out the rattles in the interior trim.

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  Perfect? No, but awfully good! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By volsfan0911 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Incredible value, motor & tranny rock. Economy oriented Michelins are LOUD on grooved concrete, etc. Bumps transmitted clearly through seat - want soft, cushy ride? Camrys your car. XM will transform your roadtripping experience. Tire size could be bigger w/ more aggressive rubber. Stealership accessories a ripoff. Overall - love it. My third Accord (nough said).

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  Civic Fog Lamps - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jfmrtn - December 18 - 12:46 am

  Recently purchased a 2006 EX Civic with the Optional Fog Lamps. Ive had the car for five months about 6500 miles and drive local highways in Dallas/Fort Worth. Both Fog Lamps have been shattered and are no longer functional. DO NOT buy this option. Replacement cost is $125.00 EACH. These lamps dont hold up to routine driving conditions. The glass lenses cannot be replaced and So far Honda nor the dealership wont do anything.

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  Great until trans went - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Annie - December 17 - 6:43 pm

  We are the original owners of the Accord SE. Its been remarkably reliable for ten years. After 85k, the trans needs to be replaced. I dont want to put the $ in it but dont want to buy a new car either. Its disappointing to have the transmission go. We have meticulously maintained this car.

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  Should learn from CRV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By H Huang - December 16 - 2:38 am

  I purchase the EX because I dont like the leather in the EX-L trim. It is a big disappointment that the Pilot EX doesnt come with a moon roof like the CRV EX does. Pilot is much bigger than the CRV, yet its features doesnt match up the CRV. The style is fine to me, although I do wish its front nose a little bit lower, so it wont look so boxy, and it may help the fuel economy too. The acceleration and the fuel mileage when starting is terrible. The car is just unnecessarily too heavy and the 250 horse power is a shame for Honda, considering a much smaller ACCORD, or Pilots other rivals such as Highlander. You can feel the road when driving. However, it is smooth and pleasant.

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  Good lil hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By salderson - December 16 - 1:50 am

  Im more of the high HP kind of guy but was looking to get as far away as possible from my WRX. So going to a hybrid was quite the step down in the motor dep. I must say Im really impressed in this lil EZ-go car! The power is less then seat pounding but other then that I love it. The inside is well made and theres plenty of storage space. The ride is fairly good. Im looking to up-grade the sound deading abilities... I drive from Houston, TX to Lincoln, NE quite a bit in a given year. I have had this car for about 6-7 months now and Im trying to pick it apart its quite hard to find anything to nit pick. Just keep in mind this IS a hybrid. The tech is pretty new to the market.

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  Impressive for a small car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Roger - December 15 - 4:27 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda preceded by an 06 Accord and 07 Ridgeline. The Civic is impressive for an economy car and is inexpensive enough that I dont feel guilty about it being my daily driver. When I feel to drive a big, quiet, comfortable vehicle with a V8 Ill just take my 09 Silverado out for a spin.

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  Great car, but... - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By rjs666 - December 15 - 2:03 pm

  Traded my 2006 Lexus RX 400h hybrid for this 2010 Crosstour, and getting same 23 MPG milage. Wife has 2003 Accord, so all the controls are the same. Comfortable ride, with minor back pain on long trips. Good room for driver and 4 passengers. Noisey but good pickup when entering highway. Fit and finish has some problems, as does "trunk" space. Blind spots, especially out rear window problematic.