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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  Very Good Minivan -- Expected Better - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jsoto - June 22 - 6:10 pm

  Despite disliking minivans as a segment, we fell in love with the features and performance of the Ody Touring when we test drove one. But, we expected better reliability and engineering from Honda after we had had the care for a while. The PAX system is terrible. On our 3rd set with 45K miles. Harsh ride with vibrations. Honda gives run-around when investigating replacing with conventional tires. Gas mileage in our hilly area is 12-13MPG. On the highway, we can occasionally exceed 20MPG. Maintenance costs at dealer are higher than for our Nissan Pathfinder SUV with many more things going wrong over the first 4 years of ownership. Poor and outdated car navigation system.

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  Honda Milage - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By John - June 22 - 4:36 pm

  i have owed my 2006 cr-v from new. I use it as a taxi for airport transfers and regularly get 47 mpg from the 2.4 diesel engine. I can recommend this car to all.

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  Works great! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By excowdoc - June 22 - 11:20 am

  I have over 100,000 miles on the stick shift Civic and very little problems. The best mileage I got was 52 highway with the wind at my back. Consistently gets in the 40s except in very cold weather. The gear shift is its weakest point with occasional difficulties getting into reverse and the mechanics say is just the way this transmission is. I plan on running it into the ground because of the great mileage.

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  Beware -rear brake problem - 2008 Honda Accord
  By concerned coonsumer - June 21 - 3:20 pm

  I have happily bought and driven Hondas for over 30 years--until now. My 2008 EX-L V6, with mostly highway miles totaling 28,500 recently needed new rear brakes at a cost of nearly $360. The front brakes are fine. They tell me that this is normal wear...yet asked if I may have driven with the parking brake on or "ridden"the brakes....I dont believe it! I called Honda to articulate my concerns, and I have seen many other similar complaints on the web! This needs to be investigated....Since the car was the new model, I suspect that as time goes on, this flaw will become more apparent...

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  My first Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Joedallas - June 21 - 8:56 am

  Have this LX-P for 2 weeks now. Drives OK. I compared with Camry and end up bought Accord mainly due to the body style. I have read reviews on Edmunds; most are true to my experience. My LX-P is 4 cylinder so the pick-up is slower and quite noisy. The radio controls are OK after you learned them.

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  A 30K toy and worth every penny. - 2003 Honda S2000
  By koshiro - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Its been correctly quoted as the poor mans Ferrari 360 Spider. Captivating engine scream, wind in your hair, and begs for more spirited driving. (Resulting in a high insurrance rating). You must decide first that a 2 seater is practical enough for you. After that, this is the best 30K gift you can give your self. Noise, vibration, and harshness is actually better than my old Corolla. Harsh bumps only occur over very poorly maintained roads. I spoiled my self silly on this one. Im the happiest kid alive. The quality of life is measured by how many times the soul has been deeply stirred - Sichiro Honda

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  Too Expensive once you add what you want - 2003 Honda Element
  By part - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I looked at buying an Element, I drove a CRV, a Rav4, and an Element. At first glance the Element looks to be a bargin. Its layout is very flexible, the rear opening is what all SUVs should have, not those stupid side opening doors the CRV or Rav4 have. When you start adding the option you want the price climbs quickly. Considering that most people are paying over MSRP for a Element it is no longer a bargin. Remote locks are extra, you got to be kidding, an arm rest for the passenger non existant.

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  I love Lucy - 2001 Honda Civic
  By SLPE - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My cars name is Lucy. It is an easy drive, handles well, has lots of room and gets great gas mileage. Does not have any problems (that I know about) and Ill happily drive Lucy for the next 10 years.

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  AC Condenser Problem - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JCromer - June 20 - 11:03 am

  We have driven our new 2008 civic only 3700 miles. We love the car and great gas mileage and have always thought highly of Honda. This has now changed as do to the design flaw to protect the AC condenser. Small rocks on the road will damage the condenser and it is on covered under warranty.

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  Cant beat the Honda Engine - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Dwayne N. - June 20 - 2:12 am

  Im so in love with my Honda Accord, Ive been driving it for 2 years since 2007 that I bought at 106000, now its only 126000. Never any engine problem before, only once the check light appeared (Sparkplugs replacement). Im pretty sure that my accord will last at least 10 more years even if I would try to break it. The only problem with it for now is the AC, it blows no cool air :( I dont know what is exactly wrong with it. Hopefully I get it done soon.