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:

• 

  Interior issues - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By wadehampton - October 3 - 8:47 pm

  Overall I really like this truck. It rides smooth and handles great. The storage space is remarkable. The trunk is excellent to travel with. The inside storage space is great. I have however had some interior issues. These include a drivers seat squeak, leaking wind shield, CD stuck in the player, squeaking back glass, and a dash rattle that honda cannot find or fix. I really want these problems to be corrected and if or when they are this would be the perfect vehicle for my family.

• 

  A "Me Too" Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By surferboi - October 3 - 2:38 pm

  Add me to the long list of people who have experienced transmission failure. My check engine and traction control lights came on last week while I was on the highway to the airport. I figured Id take it in when I got back. Transmission started slipping and died less than 50 miles later, just this morning on the way back from a short trip to the airport. 135K miles on the car and it has been running like a champ. And now I get online and see that Im not the only one. I was always a little suspect about the speed at which they were making these models. Now I guess we are seeing the effect.

• 

  Love it! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By case9488 - October 2 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had my CR-Z for over a month now and I still get excited every day to drive it. The handling is excellent and I feel safe, though the sport mode can certainly pick up the pace. The gas mileage is good but the great build, comfortable seats, and awesome technology make that just a bonus. Of course the only downfall is not having a backseat anymore, but there is plenty of trunk space.

• 

  great car, comfortable, best gas mileage - 2011 Honda Insight
  By jml16 - October 2 - 11:38 am

  We get 41 MPG in the city & up to 48 on the HWY. we dont find road noise to be excessive. we have had the car approx 7 months. the dealer is terrific. the mechanics are local & loyal. at least 1 has been there over 20 years. Only issue is people that are heavy & tall cannot ride easily.

• 

  Its just OK. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By inmassandri - October 1 - 4:54 pm

  I bought my silver LX-S sedan in June 10 with about 8k miles and a clean Carfax for less than $15k, which I thought was a great deal. I was coming out of a very big car (Dodge Magnum) and was considering this Civic model, as well as the Mazda3 hatchback. This is my 9th Honda or Acura product and I was expecting great things. I drive a lot...and 15 months later, this car now has 50k miles. Im not as happy with it as I thought Id be...mostly because I should have opted for a slightly larger car (like an Accord, Fusion, or Malibu). The reliability, however, has been perfect.

• 

  yankeefan56 - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - September 30 - 12:32 pm

  a month with it and we still love it..still has that "new car smell"...as i said before we liked the rogue,but honda gave us a better deal and we are happy we chose the crv

• 

  Nice ride...love the manual! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pmm21 - September 30 - 9:15 am

  I wish they would offer more manual transmission....I settled with the LX model and am very pleased. I would prefer alloy wheels and that would be about it. 2012 model has UBS port for my iPOD! It is a little slow in acceleration from first to second gear but other than that it performs great and feels sporty. Its no speed racer butI am okay with that since it is a 4 cyl Accord. Get a Mustang or coupe V6 if you are looking for performance. I love Honda quality and it rides smooth. The road noise doesnt seem to be an issue for me but I test drove a used 2009 LX-P that was really noisey. Best deal out there for leases...looked at Fusion, Altima, and VW Jetta...Honda won in my book!

• 

  Another rave review - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By noflash1 - September 29 - 4:13 pm

  The ride is very smooth and the van feels so solid, it really feels like you are driving an Acura. We got the EXL to get a ton of goodies and nothing too frivilous. I cant consider $2k for nav when I need it once a year and can buy an aftermarket for $200. And I dont want my kids watching DVDs the second they get in the car. The EXL has tons of great features my favorite being the CD Library -- itll record about 400 songs from your CDs to a hard drive. The safety is top notch, great crash test, large rear view camera is very comforting. Weve been averaging 24 mpg in mild weather -- no A/C. Its the only minivan you can fit 2 carseat and a Granni in the middle row. :)

• 

  Awesome Vehicle - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By daytonjohn - September 29 - 9:15 am

  The new Honda Odyssey is absolutely fantastic to own and drive. We had owned the 1999 Odyssey and drove it for 9-years, loving it. The new Odyssey is improved in every way. The ride is very comfortable even on long trips. The way the middle seats can be adjusted, including sliding outward toward each door is very innovative and allows for up to three child seats side-by-side if needed. We also have a 2011 Buick Enclave which has been excellent, but I enjoy the features and overall driving characteristics better in the Honda.

• 

  Great commuting car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By sthakker - September 28 - 8:59 am

  I purchased this car in July. I have been using this car since then. I am having 2500 miles on it. Cars interior and exterior design is great. So I like driving this car. Before I was using 99 Nissan Altima. My new civic is 30 % economical then previous car. I usually commute to work using my new civic. In city and highway (mix) I usually get 34.4 mpg. Its perfect car for commuting to work