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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  Rough Rider - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Kolef88 - May 1 - 8:17 pm

  I really like this car because it is inexpensive to buy and operate, and it never breaks down. However, the ride is very rough. Fortunately I have a short commute to work, but it is tiresome to travel long distances because of the pounding you take from road anomalies. Fair amount of road noise as well. The car handles well on straight highways but feels precarious on curves.

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  All right at first - 2003 Honda Civic
  By zach - May 1 - 2:38 pm

  This car was all right at first, just a little vibration due to a loose motor mount. The transmission went out 5 months later and its broken beyond repair is what I was told. Itll total 3 grand for a new one and I need to shell out cash for worn left and right bushings, a leaky cv boot, and a new motor mount. Dont bother buying unless you can get it from dealer under warranty.

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  nice seats - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lmkwin - May 1 - 11:30 am

  This car has the best seats in the class. The ride is a little too firm compared to the camry. If they could put the accord seats into the camry then you would have the perfect car, imho. It has its share of rattles. Its performance is excellent. could use lighted controls on the wheel and the paint is very thin. Think that I will be switching back to the camry shortly. The seats are all that is holding me back. Overall a nice car for the younger crowd. Middle age may want more refinements.

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  Not That Impressed - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Darryl - April 30 - 3:40 am

  This was my first time ever buying (leasing) a import vehicle and so far I have not been that impressed. The Performance is good and it is fun to drive. Driving it in the snow is like a dream. It also tows my medium sized tent trailer very well but that is where the good stuff ends. I find the front seats are not comfortable on long drives and my back ends up very sore. My truck has been to two different dealerships a total of 7 times for tailgate issues and the problem is still not fixed correctly. After a year, the driver door seal wore out and had to be replaced. The paint is very soft and scratches very easily so I do not recommend a dark color (mine is a dark red).

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  Civic- reliable, good mpg, bland styling - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civic mania - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Civic for nearly a year and this car runs like it is still brand new. The manual is much more fun to drive than the automatic, and of course, could use a bit more pick up. But how can I complain when I average 34-36 MPGs in the Washington, D.C. area? I opted for the silver coupe with side air bags, security system (insurance discounts on both), fog lights, spoiler, 6-spoke wheels, and sunroof visor(not neccessary). This car was great in the snow with the OEM tires. Did not get stuck once. Overall when you buy a Honda you know what youre getting a reliable, practical car at a decent price.

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  Second Look after 3000 miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By guenther - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Second review after having the car for 7 months. The interior dial lights look like your headlights are on when ignition key is in. The cars suspension seems to provide a very bumpy ride. The moving arm rest between bucket seat seems useless and dangerous. The two door coupe for my wife and I was a poor choice, not easy to place anything in the rear seat.

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  Surprising - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Pete - April 29 - 7:30 am

  Was about to sign the papers on a Civic EX Sedan and then spied this. A much better choice and tons more fun. It takes a little used getting to going from an F150 to this, but I dont feel unsafe when trucks or SUVs gang up on me on the freeways. This has been out in Europe since 2001, so I wasnt afraid to buy its first year run in the United States.

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  CVT Transmission - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ron - April 29 - 5:40 am

  Owned my Honda from brand new in 2005. Gas mileage about 41 combined city/highway. I have about 80,000 miles on it. I have had problems with my CVT from the start. At 20,000 I had my fluid changed because of a grunting noise at start off. Fifteen thousands miles later the Honda replaced the clutch because of chattering they called it. It seemed to start back grunting at about 50,000. Then on an oil change they detected a motor support broken and replaced it. The grunting seemed to go away but came back soon afterward. Cant seem to get this grunting noise to go away. Has anyone ever heard or had this problem with their CVT transmission? This problems really irritates me!!!

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  My Honda 2006 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Majordad - April 28 - 8:46 pm

  My Honda VP 2006 Accord was purchased new. I was disappointed in the gas mileage and the quality. Before, I had a Honda Accord DX 1991-2006, this Accord was built solid. But, 2006 has noticeable road noise, doesnt turn as well. Its like Honda wanted to save money by building lighter and cheaper car. Overall 7.5.

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  2008 Odyssey EX-L - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Doca - April 28 - 6:48 pm

  Got a screaming deal on the Odyssey EX- L 2008 for only $26,388. I have to admit that I was not that excited when my wife wanted to get a van but now I am a convert. Roomy, functional, and surprisingly agile, which is the reason why I picked the Odyssey over the Sienna. Nice fit and finish, power delivery is smooth across the range (no kick down , comfortable ride even in the third row!! My only beef with it is that the gas mileage stinks in city driving. No other issue so far after over 9000 miles. Improve the gas mileage rating and its a true winner. Very happy with purchase.