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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  VCM - needs an OFF switch - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By gman - July 27 - 9:50 am

  The VCM activates/deactivates about 150 times per 100 miles. Each time it activated I lost about 2-4 mph while on 70mph (cruise control). When it deactivates VCM – all of the cylinders kick back in and I was back up to my cruise control setting speed of 70mph. Rather annoying especially when you have vehicles in front and behind you and they are at a steady cruise speed. Down to 3 cylinders is when you hear and feel an annoying growling. Then a loss of power and you lose speed. HONDA, please put in a switch to disengage the 3 cylinder mode which I believe is the issue. The 4 cyl mode doesnt seem to be a problem. From NY to FL, I experienced the same.

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  Love This SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Linda - July 27 - 9:35 am

  I love my CR-V. Going on 10 years old now and have had no major issues with it. Have only replaced battery and tires. Thats it. Have driven in 12 inches of unploughed snow with no problem. I dont even want to trade it in and would keep it even longer but 10 years old, so its time, especially with the tax incentives on new purchases.

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  Second Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By judi - July 26 - 1:10 pm

  I had a 2007 fit and I loved the fast pickup, but the ride was not that great and the car started to shake at about 65 or 70 mph. I bought the 2009 and the ride is much better, but unfortunately, there is no pickup and a lack of passing power. I always was a Honda girl, but now looking to change. Spent all that extra money for navigation with no traffic.

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  Repairs - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fireman2 - July 25 - 8:58 pm

  2004 was great. The design of the power drivers seat controls is horrible. Every time you get out of the van your left leg pulls on the side seat console, as for now I have no control of the drivers seat. The trans blew at 80,000 cost me over 3,000. Only really good thing -- The paint was peeling off BAD, the dealer had NO ANSWER!!! Called Honda USA In Calif, gave the VIN #, right away the rep stated that my van was manu. in Alabama and the paint jobs were lousy!!! He gave me numbers and letters and told me to call any Honda dealership. REPAINTED -- THE WHOLE VAN -- FREE!!!! Also like other owners--Had to replace motor mounts at 65,000 miles.

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  02 Civic coupe 5speed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By drew Kramer - July 25 - 8:35 pm

  I bought this car right when I got my license, and I love it. I have a low paying job and that really helps me because I only fill my tank once every 3 weeks. The engine is pretty weak, and with my 5 speed I really have to rev it pretty hard to get up to highway speed. It is fun to drive, pretty nimble with good handling. The stock speaker system isnt all that bad either. I think it was a perfect first car for me.

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  Comfortable, Quick, Great MPG! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Greg - July 25 - 1:31 pm

  I replaced my 2001 Accord with the 2006 Civic looking for better MPG and handling I got what I was looking for! It was a strange looking car at the time but since then more and more cars have the bullet shaped frame.

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  Seats from Hell - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - July 25 - 12:00 pm

  Love the 2009 Honda CR-V I just bought with one glaring exception, the seats are from hell. After about a 100 mile trip they are so uncomfortable I just about traded it in with less than 500 miles total on the CR-V. Probably will not keep this vehicle much longer, cannot stand to be so miserable. Am asked "How do you like your new car?" I answer "I hate it, want to buy it!" That just about sums it up!!

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  Disappointed in first Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Rapoza - July 24 - 5:48 pm

  Purchased this Honda because it carries up to 8 people we didnt want a bigger SUV. The battery died in the first year while on a trip, had to replace it. The rear latch for the hatch has fallen off three times and I have had to screw it back on. Makes a loud noise when driving at highway speed with windows down. Now at 63,000 miles, we have a broken motor mount. None of these items are serious, but I expected more from Honda, especially for the money we paid (we purchased the top model of the Pilot). The gas mileage also isnt very good for a 6 cylinder.

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  2006 CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Todd - July 24 - 4:42 pm

  Leased the car for my wife in 2006, no brainer decision to buy out the lease at present. The car has been perfect for the wife and small child as a daily driver and well suited for extended family drives/vacations. Sight lines are excellent, functionality is superb with the exception of the hinged back gate - would prefer an overhead rear door. Peppy enough to be fun and strong enough (AWD) for Philadelphia snow. Mileage is disappointing - Accords with the same engine get much better mileage - weve yet to break the 28MPG barrier on the hwy. 6-disc player and sound system is high quality. Reclining rear seats are nice. Overall this is a high value, very functional, simple car.

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  Odyssey Excellency - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SportGears - July 24 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this van in 2004 and its still going strong at 160k miles. No problem whatsoever. We love this car... highly recommended.