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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  Stage 1 Modified 04 Civic EX 5SP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Acura Racer - August 25 - 9:50 am

  I purchased my Civic with its small 127HP 1.7L for my excessive commuting and the need for a gas economy car. After installing a cold-air intake, strut tower brace, stage 1 clutch, lightweight racing flywheel, iridium plugs, and gator belts it flies like a rocket and has an improved gas economy of 30CTY/43HWY. Although the cabin noise is very loud, it is well worth the 400-500 miles per $24 tank of gas. Plus, besides the mods I have only had to change fluids in this car and the periodic check over under the hood. The only exception was an O2 sensor. It is extremely LOW maintenance. Overall, its modern styling and economy are the best I have experienced between Honda/Acura over the years.

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  2005 Honda CR-V LX (AWD) - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By kyhonda - August 24 - 10:46 pm

  Happy with our purchase. Positives include safety features, solid build feel and handling, good ground clearance, roomy interior design. Ride is noiser, stiffer and bouncier than I realized in test drive. Mostly on highway getting 22-23 mpg. Passenger room and cargo room is ample. No deal breaking negatives, but Honda could make a good SUV great by addressing these problems: Reduce the road noise, shifter on dash is easily bumped into neutral reaching for radio, let the drivers seat slide back further, better cloth and interior color choice (black shows every bit of dirt). Stereo is not very good and hard to hear over road noise.

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  Technical/mechanical failiures - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Andres - August 24 - 7:09 pm

  I bought this car because I was told Honda was a good brand and cars were durable and also the Honda civic 2007 has a very nice look. However, Just ONE WEEK after buying the car, the radio system started to mute itself very often, so I took it to the dealer and had to leave the car for two days there. THE RADIO SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. One year after, the car was hard to start in the morning and I took to the dealer at bayridge to change the oil and also to check this "little issue" and they had to replace the battery! Last week I took the car to the dealer again because it was shaking so bad when going up on a little hill and @ 1500 RPM. Guess what? The transmission had to be replaced!!!

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  Not as good as represented :( - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By CAROLE - August 24 - 10:34 am

  Sorry to blast a vehicle that is so highly rated but mine has had recurring problems and they appear to be electrical. When I turn the lights on the dash lights go off the cruise control only works on occasion have been to Dealer 3 times to correct a bad tire pressure sensor-still not working and light still on the battery has been replaced twice in a year. All in all, this is my first and probably last Honda product because it has left me stranded 8 times in one year with a dead battery. My 14 yr old Quest never stranded me once...

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  Honda Reliability - 1996 Honda Accord
  By JW - August 23 - 8:48 pm

  Owned this car for 5 years so far, and it has been as reliable a car as I have ever owned. Repairs since 78k miles have included, new exhaust, timing belt and water pump, alternator, clutch master cylinder, several CV joints, horn malfunction, plus general maintenance. Overall this is typical for any car over a 70k mile span of time. The EX four cylinder has enough pep, but is not a performance engine. Manual transmission helps extract the most juice out of this powerplant. The interior is spartan but enjoyable. Instrument layout is intuitive and easy to use. Legroom in front is surprisingly good for tall people. I love this car. It isnt flashy, but its reliable day in and day out.

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  Honda We have a problem!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim A - August 23 - 4:13 pm

  This was my replacement for a domestic van we had owned. I think the American brands will return to the top soon if this Honda van is any indication. Van has 23k mi currently and has a series of issues. Bad fuel economy, trans problems, engine pinging. My service reps all respond to these problems like its news to me. However once you inform them of the tech serv bulletin TSB they relent. I think Honda needs to get back in the game with superior eng/ and quality. This is my 5th Honda and possibly my last. I hope Honda steps up to the plate with this warranty.

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  I love my 2009 fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By marebear2009 - August 23 - 1:48 pm

  I must say, after having my car almost a week that I love my Honda fit. We got it, because the car I had before was a 97 civic. We had a huge accident, which led us to finding a new car for me. I am an 18 year old daughter who is about to graduate out of high school as a senior and we were looking at the new and improved 09 fit. I love the way it handles as far as steering and controlling the car. Its color just screams at people. So Im sure they will see me this time. Its very peppy as far as the engine. Dont let that little 1.5 liter engine fool you. Not only that, but I am surrounded by airbags. So I feel extremely safe. I am so glad we found this car!

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  A Great Alternative - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By EJS - August 22 - 7:53 am

  We test drove a lot of SUVs-a lot. The sticker shock was, well, shocking. With this Honda, though too small to classify as an SUV, was exactly what we were looking for. The interior quality really sets it apart and was not seen anywhere in this price range. It is very roomy, drives exceptionally well, is quite nimble and gets good gas mileage. However, it is woefully underpowered. This "car/suv" is a great alternative to spending mid forties on another vehicle. And whats really nice, in five years this Honda will have the same trade in value as that 45K SUV we liked and almost bought.

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  40K Miles Review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mark Tepper - August 22 - 7:43 am

  The Honda Civic is a safe bet but gets real old real quickly. I have had no problems with it so far but the car is simply boring.

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  Honda solid - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ken04 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Solid is the best way to describe this vehicle. Lots of room, quality, safety, practicality and a good sound system. Very comfortable and high resale value. Does everything exceptionally well. Looks are, well ........ unremarkable but certainly not offensive. Honda describes it as classic SUV. This vehicle is about 4-6 " wider than most SUVs and weighs nearly two tons. As a result, it provides terrific traction in the snow. If you do all of the research and then opt for a different SUV, Ill be really surprised. In terms of the money, quality and value, I dont think you can do better. Its a terrific vehicle and priced under $30,000.