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 car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By tee - April 12 - 2:08 am

  It is a great little car. Drives well, fast, good gas mileage. Only thing I need to mention is a side miller came off from its frame on the right side 2 weeks after purchase but dealer fixed it with no charge. Highly recommended!

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  By far the best car i ever owned - 2007 Honda Accord
  By donecc - April 11 - 9:05 pm

  Car has 70,000 miles and has operated perfectly with only regular scheduled maintenance. I have driven for forty years and never, never owned a car like this. Car gets 31 on interstate and 20 driving in NYC. Replacement tires after 65,000 miles and brakes at 60,000 miles. Four cylinder engine is quick for maneuvering through new york city traffic.

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  Satisfy with CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Thrifty Buyer - April 11 - 2:01 am

  I brought this car with 62,000 mi. Of course, the dealer offered an extended warranty which I refused. Its a Honda right? So,forget it. About six months later engine light was on, and the mechanic said it was the throttle body. Really? Never replaced one of these. I took the car to the dealer to confirm but, Honda corp ageed to replace the part. Honda paid for the part ($800), and I paid for labor. The AC compressor went out at 90,000 mi. My mechanic told me there is a problem with the compressor on these cars (depending on where the part came from) Again, Honda split the cost. Overall, I love my car. I have over 102,000, and have only replaced the brake pads. Love Honda.

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  Best truck on the road for the money - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By booboo - April 11 - 1:14 am

  Driven 7000 miles in 2 months, no problems, snow, desert, excellent drive, handles, tight corners on calif. Highway 1 no problem. Owned Mercedes, beamers, Honda beats them all for the money 22.9 highway mpg. For 4x4 too.

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  I love Hondas - 2007 Honda Civic
  By MilesMom - April 10 - 11:11 am

  I love Hondas. This is my fourth one and the CRX I owned had 213,000 miles on it when I upgraded to a new Honda and it was still going strong. I love the design of the 2007 Honda 2 dr coupe. I have had no big problems with it. The rear seat belt ripped and it was replaced at no charge last year. Most recent service was on 4/9/10 at Commonwealth Motors. I would recommend this dealer for service. The express service was done quickly and professionally. The service technician that wrote up the order was friendly and took the time to explain options to me. Waiting area was large and comfortable. Convenient location right off 495.

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  Wish I Could Keep It - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Brenda Eiland - April 10 - 12:50 am

  The only reason I am buying a new car, and turning the beloved 97 LX wagon over to a relative, is that my leg can no longer handle any clutch and the car has a standard transmission. Otherwise, Id pay what it took to restore! The windows are slow, and some plastic pieces broke (holding visor and rear cargo space cover). Hubcaps paint peeled but new ones werent expensive. Has had good mechanical attention. Timing belt replacement at recommended mileage was difficult per an excellent mechanic who said he wont do it after the next 100,000 miles. Had 2 axle boots replaced, but the originals might have been weakened by being hit in the side by 2 big deer almost simultaneously. Tough car.

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  Good First Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Shannon - April 9 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my Honda as my first car. I am the second owner and it hasnt given me many problems. I have one problem however, my car will idle very high sometimes especially when its hot!! Im not quite sure why but thats the only problem i have had other then regular repairs (tires, brakes, rotors, etc.)

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  Great commuter car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By theron - April 9 - 12:16 pm

  Besides looking like grandmas car, this is one dependable vehicle. No major problems in 13 years - new brakes, rotors, tires, 3 new mufflers, and 1 new tailpipe. My friends beg me to sell it to them for commuting. Avg 27 mpg. No sports car but re-li-a-ble. Ive had 2 Chrysler vans since 03 for my wife and am about to find a 3rd. Switching to a Honda van due to the reliability of this car and the junk from Chrysler!

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  honda settles class action on brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bckrd1 - April 8 - 11:25 am

  Hi, so far I have not had any of these issues except for the rear deck rattle which Honda took care of under warranty but I have under 10,000 miles and have not had any brake issues yet.

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  Terrible tire quality - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mike - April 7 - 11:38 am

  I have been well pleased with my CR-V. It get better gas mileage than I expected and it has ample room for a small SUV. The one downfall is the tires. It came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 tires. At 17.000 miles they are worn out. I went to the tire dealer and was told there is no warranty on that tire. I went to the Honda dealer and was told by the service manager that they sell cars and are not in the tire business. A few minutes later he offered to sell me new tires, to which I reminded him that they are not in the tire business. I think it is a shame that a manufacturer sells a car for $24000, but, cuts corners on quality by using CHEAP tires