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:

• 

  2002 CRV-EX a solid winner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By carfool2000 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The new CRV has real pep - transmission seems to get the most out of the engine, including acceleration at highyway speed. Stable too, supposedly because of 500 lbs of steel strengthening the frame. Moonroof is also quite welcome. Nice to have "options" standard. Car not seduce you with design or style; it wins you over with sheer practical appeal. Dash is very easy to use. Wonderful for hauling from flat floor to great fold-down seats without removing headrests. The walk-thru is super. Only wrinkle is that I seem to get 19mpg around town... highway is more like 23 at best. The car also needs a deadpedal to rest the left foot. But its an easy car to live with.

• 

  Honda EX Coupe - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Linda Clay - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Over the last 13 years, Ive owned four new and three used Civics. Ive had no maintenance problems with my new Civics. Theyre awesome cars and dirt cheap for the excellent quality that you get. They are classy inside and out. I cant find a comparable vehicle. Ive compared the Civic to the Celica and the Eclipse, both of which look great but cost thousands more and dont have the extras that the Civic EX comes equipped with (power everything, sunroof). Thats why I keep buying them!

• 

  A great car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rick - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Simply the best car Ive ever owned. When I buy another car it will be an Accord.

• 

  Blue flash - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ron - May 13 - 9:40 am

  This is the first Honda Ive owned. What a great car! I had to wait month before they could find 6 seed manual in blue. It was worth the wait! The car is a real head turner. Fit and finish are a1. Performance is outstanding, more like a sports car than a coupe. I thought about a mustang gt but went with Honda because of gas prices reputation. Im not disappointed.

• 

  Honda Civic 2007 = Lemon - 2007 Honda Civic
  By renlann - May 13 - 8:30 am

  I bought my Honda NEW in January 2007. Over the last several months, my car has been in the shop several times, and I have missed four days of work due to the vehicle being incapacitated by mechanical failures. The list of failed parts is long: 1. Sun Visor split apart 2. Battery #1 3. Battery #2 4. Battery #3 5. Air compressor relay 6. High road force on tires 7. Air condenser (mysterious road pebble) 8. Tensioner bolt 9. Tensioner belt 10. Water pump 11. Water pump pulley 11. Rear suspension arm 12. Air condenser (another mysterious road pebble). Thats 12 failures too many.

• 

  Honda S2000 Roadster - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Elaine - May 13 - 2:20 am

  I recently purchased this car,and have found this car to be very outstanding in not only performance but style and comfort also. I receive many compliments on this car and would refer this make to any one looking for an inexpensive sports car that handles like a dream.

• 

  i LOVE my Honda Fit Sport!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Matt - May 12 - 7:40 pm

  When the first Fits started hitting the road I was happy to see Honda start selling this smaller, Japanese-city styling car in America. I am a single male with a dog and I dont need these huge gas guzzling cars that everyone is driving! The fits looks great, inside there is much more room than it looks, from the drivers seat you would think you were driving an Acura. Top quality materials everywhere, instrument cluster with big, bright easy to see instrumentation, great stereo with cool blue illuminated face, plays my mp3 player, lots of storage space, lots of Glass for a big view out, great leather wrapped steering wheel. And the automatic has paddle shifters on the steering wheel!

• 

  Excellent van with few flaws - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BamaFlum - May 12 - 2:54 pm

  Excellent value for the money. We bought to accomodate our two kids and after the purchase found out we were having a third! Fit and finish are superb. The engine is responsive and has lots of pep. Fuel economy is very poor (in the SUV range). One recall problem (tranny) fixed without any problems and our dealer was very professional about it(we never had any problems with the tranny). Van has lots of room and the rear storage area is cavernous. Auto doors can pinch little fingers, but we have learned to live with the quarks others have mentioned. Great van for a family.

• 

  Love it so far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dmg - May 12 - 2:46 pm

  Had been looking for a new car for quite awhile. Would have prefered an Altima. Tried out the Passat as well. Drove them all on Highway where I usually do most of my driving. The Accord is quie and responsive. I average around 31 mpg. One big advantage over the Passat is that Accord uses regular gas. The 5 speed is a dream to shift, tight and smooth. Ergonomics are well thought out. Car is quite a bit noisier over concrete pavement. This is probably a function of the tires they chose, Michelin Energy MXV4. The Bridgestone Turanza used on the coupe are a better performing and quieter tire.

• 

  POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS & BATTERY - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Sumner - May 12 - 11:23 am

  BEWARE. Very poor design of positive battery cable connection. Instead of an adequate battery post clamp, it has a copper wire braid instead. This makes it EXTREMELY vulnerable to corrosion if battery leaks. Corrosion eats through copper wire braid and connection to starter is terminated. Car will not start. Fix includes replacement of the entire positive battery cable wire harness. Dealer priced new wire harness at $800 plus labor. Bought new battery and our mechanic rewired new cable to starter because the corrosion traveled down the cable to the starter. Battery should last more than 3-4 years. Googled to find numerous people have had this same problem on other models and years. Registered problem with NHTSA government agency for possible recall since it could result in serious injury or worse. Honda denied having had problem reported.