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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  THIRD TIME AROUND - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TIM - October 23 - 1:43 am

  This is our third Honda, first CR-V. Peace of mind=Hondas in the garage. Bought this model only because the SE trim level. We looked at everything on the market at all levels and always came back to the CR-V. We did not want 300 horsepower, hugh monthly payments, bad resale, status symbol etc. The CR-V works great. It has everything we need and more. Most important it has Honda engineering and build quality. Well worth the time to look at this before you buy.

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  2008 honda flickering lights - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rocky - October 23 - 12:00 am

  My 2008 honda accord ex headlights flicker approximately every 30 seconds when the A/C is on. They flicker at idle and while driving. This is a major safety issue and its against the law to have flickering lights on a four wheel vehicle. Honda says this is normal for the vehicle. This is unacceptable and should be recalled.

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  Massive corrosion on our NEW CRV 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By tandori - October 22 - 4:33 pm

  We have less than 1,600 miles on this 4 month old car. We have hardly driven it. We took it in to the dealership due to a thumping noise in the brakes. When the car was jacked up, there was MASSIVE corrosion and rust underneath. The dealership is trying to blame this on us even though we have hardly driven the car and have kept it under carport with a concrete floor. We have not mistreated this car in ANY way.

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  Toyota Lost! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dan - October 22 - 2:40 pm

  Ive been a Toyota fan for a while, but when I was in the market for a coupe, I was not impressed with Toyota (scion). Everything I wanted was an upgrade on the scion and by the time I got what I wanted, the civic had it, (and then some) at a better price then the scion. I am very happy with the civic. I traded in my corolla for the civic. My wife drives a 2004 acura TL and she always asks me to trade with her, I tell her no, its mine!

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  Steady On - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Old Guy - October 22 - 12:03 pm

  Zero problems after 4.5 months. Very useful storage space. Acceptable boat towing capability except for frequent shifts at highway speeds. Transmission is very smooth, and acceleration is quite good considering the tiny engine. Disappointing highway gas mileage to date has only been approximately 20 mpg. Climate control and audio systems are excellent. People comfort in the first two rows is very good. Third row is folded down for additional storage, and will never be used. Handling is okay. Brakes are easy to modulate, but panic stops require more pressure than any of my other recent vehicles. A very satisfactory but not a spectacular vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle, not just a van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By TJ/SLC - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan sets the standard that Toyota had to copy from to introduce its new Sienna. While we got an EX with 10" DVD player, it has been great for the 1-2 hour trips that we have taken. It has superb reliability and has only needed oil changes every 5000 miles. Thats all we have done to it! Must get the black plastic rug protector for behind the third seat as milk or leaking meat can leave stains without it. Has great pickup even when fully loaded with 7 passengers. No 2003 van comes close to the standard set by Honda. By the way, we also have a 2003 Accord and love it as well. We are truly a Honda family. Wish I had done this years ago.

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  Very pleased with my first Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By AGPhoto - October 21 - 8:56 pm

  I picked my Civic up after having an engine blowout on my SVT Focus. I needed a commuter car, and went shopping. I was impressed visually overall with the car, and fell in love with the interior. Went for a test drive, and was pretty much sold. There are very few things I dont like about the car, the biggest one shouldnt even be an issue because its the reason the Si exists ( which is what I wanted, but couldnt afford at the time ). My other complaint is the legroom is just a bit short for me, another inch or two and itd be perfect. ( Im 63" ). Headroom is in short supply as well because of the sunroof. However, overall, Im very very pleased.

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  Poor quality of new Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jack - October 21 - 7:23 pm

  We have driven the 06 Civic EX for about 1500 miles; half in city, the other half on Interstate highway. We have encountered several items that indicate poor quality control in this car. 1) The car is not level (right side 1/4-1/2 inch higher than the left). Dealer fixed it by adjusting left front strut, but problem returned in a week. Dealer will try to fix again when take car in for item #2. 2) Driver side front door not aligned--goes to dealers body shop later in week for adjustment. 3) Interior trim loose on passenger side.

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  Family fun - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By EM - October 21 - 6:46 pm

  We have been driving this van for two weeks now, up from a 2004 Honda CRV. It is very roomy inside, the base model has all I want, the ride is very comfortable. The amount of cargo room is impressive because the floor is very low (the spare tire is under the middle seats) I tried the 2006 Sienna: downshifting from 5th to 4th was very noticeable, not on the Sienna. Other than that, they are very similar. Note: the van can accomodate only three child seats: two in the middle row, one at the center of the third row -- read my problem with hooks below. With a child seat in the third row, you cannot lower the widest portion (60%) of the third row, only the narrowest (40%).

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  I love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sheyna - October 21 - 9:30 am

  I just bought a 2007 CR-V in November. So far Im completely in love. It looks great and drives even better. There are so many Wow factors on the 2007 model. Im not a big fan of the shelf in the back but at least it can be taken out and if I ever need it, its there. Other than that, it feels like a high end car for the most part