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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  Awsome car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Janella Astorga - September 29 - 5:57 am

  I loved it! i bought the car when i was 18 which was 4 years ago. i had no problems with it whatsoever!! my only complaint was the space, front seat and backseat were too small but then again i am 58 and Ive had a kid since then. Was great on gas and i live about 30 minutes away from town i would fill up about once a week if not less. i absolutely never had a problem. i loved it. I no longer have it because it was totaled in an accident.

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  Great to lease ! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Mike Tuley - September 28 - 8:46 am

  We leased this Civic because it was a true ZERO down w/ low nimbly payments. I would not buy a vehicle that the manufacturer has confidence in for only 3 years or 36,000 miles. Hyundai, Kia, Buick, and others have a 5 year or 50,000 bumper to bumper warranty. Honda needs to step up. Problem with the car: cheap tires that wore out in 24,000 miles...not at all what a lease customer hopes for.

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  Its ok, but needs much improvement - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By its ok - September 28 - 5:00 am

  So I have about 8k miles on this cr-v. It is ok so far but is begging for improvement. First off the gas mileage is no where near advertised unless you are going to drive pure interstate which I rarely do. My driving is 65% highway (at 65mph-70mpg) and Ive been averaging 20 mpg. I did drive this car pure city before and got approx 18mpg. Next is the engine. Do not even think about passing someone with this SUV. The engine is very underpowered, its almost like this car is begging for a v6. However, the engine is very smooth, and very quiet below 75mph. Ride wise this is a firm ride, Honda could have made the suspension a little softer. Finally THE ROAD NOISE! On the Highway it is very loud.

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  Silver Pearl Paint Blotchy - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By poocat - September 28 - 2:30 am

  We looked at both the Odyssey and the Sienna and decided on the Honda because we liked the looks of the front end and the interior better. Even though we like this van for its handling and performance, there are lots of quality issues that we thought we would not see in a Honda product. From plastic parts not fitting properly, glove boxes not aligned to the deformed rear side window seal. The van we purchased was in silver pearl. The other day when it was parked in the sun I noticed that the whole side of the van was covered in dark blotches when viewed at an angle. When I turned the van around it was the same thing on the other side but not as bad. The dealer said this was normal. ??

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  Good car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By wrdrennan - September 27 - 6:24 pm

  I picked the Honda Accord for reliability and safety. The 2001 Accord offers good, but not great mileage. The ride is reasonably smooth and the EX offers 6-CD changer, certainly a plus. Handling on the vehicle is acceptable, but a bit of a dissapointment. Stopping distances seem a little long to me, especially if the anti-locks kick in. Turning isnt as smooth as Id like either. The exterior, as with Hondas offers no excitment, but one cannot complain about top safety ratings and few-- in fact no mechanical problems at 65000 miles.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Average Driver - September 27 - 4:46 pm

  With all the Honda Odysseys good points; like features, build quality, resale value,etc. They are quickly forgotten when gas consumption is lousy. This van gets barely over 15 mpg/city. This is dissapointing for a current vehicle.

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  2.4L Sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By springman - September 27 - 9:52 am

  Picked up a 2.4L Sport yesterday. My 6th Honda although I have had many other brands. For once you now get floor mats at n.e.c! No one cries more then Honda when you try to negotiate. Go in and hit them hard and mention you shopped VW. That gets them real active. I got mine for 23,471 with wheel locks. Then they came up with a zero down lease- they pay taxes and tags- great. Car is impressive. Seats now are comfortable and the Sport has the spoiler and dual exhaust and 4 more hp. The engine is smooth as silk. The Insight was coarse compared to this. Finally the road noise is subdued. You do hear a whoosh noise when driving though. Im getting 34-36 mpg highway. Honda has improved!

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  Clear Coat Peeling All Over Car, Cheap Interior - 2007 Honda Civic
  By hbegland@yahoo.com - September 26 - 9:05 pm

  I bought my Si new in Figi Blue, and about 1 year ago the clear coat began peeling in sheets. Honda will only pay 25% of an estimated $6K paint job to make this situation right. The car only has 55K miles on it, and I always took very good care of it. This is unacceptable that a car known for its longevity looks like a clunker at just over 9 years old. Honda knew there was a paint defect as they extended the paint warranty, but because I contacted them outside of this window they will do nothing to fix it. Also, the visors have both cracked, the luggage hooks are broken, and the seals are starting to peel up. I will never buy another Honda again, and I will certainly tell anyone I talk to that they shouldnt either.

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  satisfied - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bsanders88 - September 26 - 10:16 am

  Bought with 9k miles and now have 25k. Car has been nothing but reliable. People still think it is brand new. Honda service was great on 2nd gear recall issue.

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  From Jeep to Honda.... - 2003 Honda Element
  By EVS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First time Honda owner. I really enjoy the fun-to-drive, eye turning quality. Not as dependable as my Jeep in terms of comfort and pick-up. MPG performs poorly when the car is fully loaded (only got 250 miles on one tank with full car, 3 people, and luggage on roof). Otherwise, a fun ride. Great for soccer moms or people with pets. Ideal for local travel and short trips to the hardware store.