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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  Good but could be better - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By car8641 - September 7 - 12:46 pm

  Overall a pretty good SUV. Smooth driving and decent gas mileage. Im averaging 26.5 miles. Seats are uncomfortable for long-distance driving.

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  Running strong - 1997 Honda Accord
  By yixter - September 6 - 9:09 pm

  Bought this car in 03 with 68k now it is 183k and still going strong, about 80% of the miles are highway and I still got 31/32mpg overall according to the cars odometer. I carefully rated this car in the listed categories and wont say anything more. I had to replace a failed starter, front cv joints, changed the exhaust system and the tires 2 times, battery and a pair of front brake pads once, that is all. I recently bought a 09 accord new instead of trade in my 97 for $1000 I decided to keep it.

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  Shoulda listened - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Dao82 - September 6 - 8:30 pm

  I cant wait to get rid of this car. This car is so loud maybe because the engine is underpowered. Road noise is horrible. The controls are confusing and the seats are uncomfortable and cramped. It does have nimble response just dont drive off the road trying to adjust the radio. The reviews are correct. I think no one wants to admit they bought a bad car. I am going back to Toyota.

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  Love the car, hate the noise - 2007 Honda Fit
  By WallabysDad - September 4 - 11:33 am

  When I test drove the Fit, I listened for road noise/cabin noise because I drive quite a bit. I should have driven the car longer. The cabin noise is simply overwhelming at times. I will consider other tires to see if this helps, but the noise is so loud, it makes the car feel cheap and tinny. Dont get me wrong: I love this car - I just cant stand the amount of road noise I hear. And my wife doesnt like the stereo playing at full blast in order to drown it out!

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  overrated! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By fbakir - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The strong points of this van are capable handling and excellent braking. From there on its all down hill. The ride is firm bordering on harsh. Build quality is so so. The middle seats are easy to form into a bench seat or to remove. Good design and comfortable seats. There is alot of road noise transfer into the interior at highway speeds. Also plenty of tire sound slapping uneven pavement joints. A/C system is poor in comparison to my old Toyota Sienna. The air intake for recycling the cooled air is poorly placed next to the drivers right leg. Wonderful feeling if you have arthritic knees! Would not buy another one.

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  I love my Honda Accord!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sgh2b - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. Not only is it a beautiful car (dark blue with gray interior), but it drives very well and is very dependable! My dad bought it as a graduation present for me to take to college and use for the next 5 or 6 years, and I can see myself driving it and still loving it for that time at least! I highly recommend Honda Accords.

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  A little disappointed - 1995 Honda Accord
  By ( - September 4 - 6:09 am

  I bought this used Honda Accord, 3 years ago for my daughter. I paid $5K for it and had expected it to go for her thru college. It started out with some overheating problems and replacing the radiator. Not so bad, but 3 years later more over heating. This time the engine was bad. I decided to put a new (used) engine in her because it is a Honda. In 3 years I have pumped ~ 5K into a a 5K car. Im not too thrilled. Ive always had luck with Honda in the past, but I expected more. I thought this would just be a gas and go car for me and my daughter. In 3 years it has not worked out that way. There is always a risk buying a used car. You dont know how well the prev. owner cared for it.

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  So-So CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HondaFan - September 3 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my V new in 07. Its been a good car with its versatility, roominess and comfortable on trips and great road manners. But it has had some problems engine replaced, drive pulley replaced, constant high pitched squeal with AC on at low fan speed (found TSB for- lets see if dealer will honor), and several squeaks and rattles. Ive owned other Hondas, including a V, which is still in the family w/ 189K miles, but I dont think this one will last as long. Im def. looking to trade it in already. Im not saying people shouldnt buy the CR-V, but I would advise not to expect the same longevity as previous Honda models.

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  Excellent Car but still needs Improment - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ch Tong - September 3 - 6:40 am

  I found no problem with this vehicle except some minor things that bother me a little: -The battery drain so quick, after only half hour listen to the radio, I could not start the engine. -You can not let the two back windows down while driving, very noisy. -Ceiling vibration causes annoying noise. -Fuel economy is right at 23MPG. This may be is the NORM.

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  Nice and driveable but disappointing mpg - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Ade Solarin - September 2 - 11:01 pm

  I bought this car used with 12,500miles on it and I have enjoyed driving it. With full options, it is a nice smooth ride with comfortable seats, and the ladies love it! I have not had cause to visit the repair shop. Just the regular oil change and servicing. Low running costs. The sound system is very good. My main problem with the car has been the fuel consumption. The best mpg I have ever measured on this car is 5miles per liter (18.9mpg). My worst was 230miles on a full 17.1 gallon tank! Traffic is bad in my area but I still expect better. On rough tarmac, the road noise is very audible. All in all, its the best car Ive owned to date and I used to drive a C220 Benz.