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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  Been happier - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By svteresa - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The check engine light has been on since we bought the car. The dealership tried 3 times to correct it but finally said the company was aware of the problem and would advise as soon as there was a solution. We are still waiting. We have received 2 recalls on it so far for other minor things. I bought a Honda over other brands because I was looking for a trouble free car. Granted, these are fairly minor problems but I was expecting more. I would not buy another one. I have had Subarus in the past and should have stayed with them.....just didnt like the styling of the Forester.

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  Impressions - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cj567 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car drives great and gets decent gas mileage. I am getting 17 MPG in the city. The interior is very quiet and comfortable. I especially like the extra set of radio controls on the steering wheel. There are plenty of DC outlets for powering a lot of accesories i.e. CD/DVD players, etc. It has plenty of power expecially at the higher revs. My only complaint is that it does not have a second row of captains chairs. This would make access to the rear seat much easier and still be able to seat 7 people. Other than this one area, I am totally satisfied with this vehicle and would definitely buy again.

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  Honda is still tops - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By crv enthusiast - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Had an older CRV when it first debuted. Was not happy with acceleration and smallness of car. Came back to it with the 2004 edition. Power was improved greatly. The EX edition basically gives you everything you need. Was able to purchase one that just came in before the dealer added all of thier extras to. Got a great deal on a rainy night.

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  good car, good price.......cant beat - 2001 Honda Accord
  By happydriver - August 28 - 3:53 pm

  I have a V6 accord, and for the price, you cant really beat the reliability, comfort and ergonomics. It is pretty spacious for its size too.

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  The Ultimate Family Truckster! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By TRC - August 27 - 8:13 pm

  Familys expanding so we traded the 4runner and debated between Sequoia/AWD Sienna/Odyssey. Sequoia is just TOO big & not practical. Didnt like runflats & styling of Sienna. Fell in love with the Odyssey and have no regrets. Its literally like flying in a first class jet. Opted for leather & rear DVD, totally worth it. Averaging 25 MPG on HW and 19 for combined city/HW. Took this on a summer vacation with rear seat folded down and had WAY more cargo room than our old SUV with plenty of seating. Overall, we really like this vehicle. MPG in city could be better, but the room and comfort is totally worth it. This ride is truly the ultimate family truckster!

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  140,000 miles and going - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By takethisandthat - August 27 - 11:33 am

  I have no mechanical problems at all with this car. The gas mileage is 26 on the hwy which should be better. The seats are very hard, had to buy a gel seat to sit on. It handles OK but in the wind it gets moved around some. Also, it is loud from road noise. My black paint is like cheap nail polish. But I am sure I will drive this over 200,000 and have no problems.

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  Great little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By hybrid fan - August 26 - 1:22 pm

  Im not an aggressive driver so I havent used the paddle shifters and theyre kind of a nuisance because they get in the way when Im turning the wheel fully around. The front scoop looks cool but is pretty low and a family member has already caught it on a curb and popped it out so now I tend to be extra careful driving over bumps, dips, etc.

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  seat comfort - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By newhondaowner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  re: review of John Miller of March 6,2002, have experienced the same problem with the drivers seat. Feet begin to go numb after driving for awhile. I am 62". Also, back aches after driving it for not that long a period

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  Solid car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bill - August 25 - 2:31 pm

  I bought new in June 2007. Great gas mileage, 26-32mpg it depends on speed, etc. I dont like that the headlights are not automatic. This is the first car that Ive owned in the last ten years that did not have auto headlights. The seats are not comfortable after a while. I have taken this car on a few road trips and my body hurts after a couple of hours. Its great for my 30 mile work commute though. I had to replace the brakes at 50k miles. I had a blowout on one of the rear tires at about 40k. I expect both of these things to happen on a car of this caliber. Its not a luxury car but is dependable and does what I need.

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  Bad Pax Tire System - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Duy - August 25 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased this van brand new without knowing that the tire system was different. All four tires unevenly wear out after 20,000 miles on it (e.g. they wear out on one edge of the tires but not the other side). I brought it to Firestone and it was said that the alignment was bad which killed the tired. I brought it to Hondas dealer and all they said was that they were not responsible and I had to pay nearly $1,500 to replay a new tire. Its sad. We have purchased 4 Honda and surely this van would be the last one. In addition, this van is not very fuel economy (e.g. 20 miles on freeway and 15 miles in the city, bad!!!. Dont purchase it if you dont want to pay more than its worth.