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:

• 

  Like a toy car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By terri - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The civic is an easy car to drive and operate, I love it. You will feel bumps, but that is the only fallback on this car. It is roomy inside and I am not short, I have a lot of head and leg room.

• 

  2003 Honda Accord Coupe Auto 4 Cyl - 2003 Honda Accord
  By swolfram - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my Accord. The 4 Cyl has just enough pep to make driving comfortable. You cant beat Honda engineering.

• 

  my honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rp5x5 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  make sure hood panel is alligned properly with side panel--noticed on many the raised hood is raised a bit too much.

• 

  Disappointed - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Skyroamer - October 15 - 3:18 pm

  This car had a manufacturing defect in the transmission. After multiple loss of all transmission fluid Honda tried to blame us for the problem. The transmission failed at 50,200 on a 50,000 warranty and Honda refused to fix it. An outside shop found a machining defect from the factory in one of the case halves of the trans. replaced half at a cost of $1800 total repair and no problems in over 100G of additional mileage. Honda never answered my letter until 4 years later. Would never buy another as a result of their bad customer attitude and lack of concern/support. Have pictures and parts as proof of defect. Honda did not care at all!!!

• 

  Dangerous Operating costs - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Chandra sekhar - October 14 - 2:21 pm

  Never buy a touring. The cost of tires will rip you. 2 touring tires cost $559+taxes+disposal etc. (Costco does not sell it ) and I have been replacing every 20,000 miles. I do drive only city, but so was when I was driving Camry which used to give between 35- 40,000 miles. Even third party warranty excludes tires. Fuel efficiency is in 14-16 mile range and long distance is 21 miles approx. Also AC broke once ($600), exact same repair for three of my friends when the car was about 50,000 miles. Stay away from touring. Buy accessories instead to make it touring without the expensive tires.

• 

  Honda forever - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kg - October 12 - 9:53 pm

  I was recently traveling at 65 miles an hour when I ran over a piece of metal on the interstate. I lost control of the car for a moment but managed to keep the van straight. Unfortunately, my back axle broke but the Honda handled it extremely well. I thought for sure we were about to have a horrific accident but the Honda managed to keep all four tires on the ground and we ended up on the shoulder of the road. God played the biggest part in keeping my family safe but thank you, Honda for Vehicle Stability Assist. I could feel the wheels fighting the urge to leave the road. The reason my husband and I chose this vehicle was safety and Im so pleased that the investment paid off.

• 

  Honda convert - 1997 Honda Civic
  By HappyHondaOwner - October 11 - 10:54 pm

  I purchased this civic at 10 y/o (in 2007) with 145,000 miles. I replaced a Ford coupe, at first I was skeptical about the transition to Honda nameplate. Very easy and fun to adjust to the civic, easy to love. The car was very clean, good engine (evrything original). The only repairs needed so far: a radiator replacement (just over $100), brake service overhaul (ouch: $400), alternator replacement (about $100). Routine servicing has included a new set of tires ($245), new battery ($55) and the usual periodic oil changes (at around 5k miles $23ea), and a autotrans flush ($85). I am currently clocked at 192k (happy) miles! Cant wait to break 200k I know it will...

• 

  So far, so good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chuckfromli - October 11 - 7:39 pm

  Picked up my CRV 10 days ago. Have about 650 miles on it, including one trip of 450 miles round trip. I have no real complaints. The vehicle appears to be very well built. The seats are not the best though. I have the leather. They are OK, but I wouldnt really recommend this vehicle for long trips. Maybe mine will get more comfortable as they get broken in. Also the leather has a very plastic look and feel to it. What can you expect, I guess, when you are only paying 26K for a new vehicle fully loaded, especially when that vehicle has AWD. I have been averaging about 19 mpg in suburban driving, and got around 26-27 mpg on my highway trip, and that was mostly around 70-80 mph. Power is fine.

• 

  Comparison to 98 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By countrycommuter - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Since I love my 98 CRV, I convinced my husband to trade in his 99 V6 Camry for the 2002 CRV! Since I drive both of them, I can point out the improvements/nonimprovements with 2002; Power! My husband is very satisfied with the 4-cyl 2002 CRV. Believe it or not, thats about it! Many other features have been changed in 2002 but not for the better. The Bridgestone tires that came with it are TERRIBLE during cornering on wet roads. We took them off at 7200 miles and put my used Michelins on them. Much better (but noisier). I have a tendency to overstear on the 2002 - I like the stearing on the 98 better.

• 

  Too truck-like - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Louielouie - October 9 - 5:12 pm

  Just returned from a 3500 mile trip. At real world Interstate speeds (75-76 mph) I was able to squeeze out 21.5 mpg. A bit low but this is a big box! Suspension is a bit too stiff and with a truck type tire and stiffer steering than our previous two vehicles (07 Pacifica & 02 Highlander) you never feel like youre part of the vehicle. Bucket seats are firm but comfortable. Plenty of cubby holes and storage compartments but interior trim materials are hard to the touch and unattractive. Sound system is just OK. 02 Highlander sound system has better features. Glad we leased. Engine Mgmt. system works well. No discernible sensation when system shuts down or turns on cylinders.