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:

• 

  I love this suv!!!!!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jingle - June 23 - 10:16 am

  This is my first Honda and SUV, and I would buy it all over again in a second! There is nothing about this vehicle that I dont like. I bought the LX 2WD model about 1 month ago, and let me tell you, even though it is the base model, Honda proved that they still care about my comfort, and most of all mine and my childrens safety! When I bought it, I did not like how the door locks worked, I would have to push my unlock button to get my kids out of the back seat. But , My husband read the manual, and found that this can be changed. I have 5 different options of how I want my doors to lock, and 3 options for unlock! HOW COOL IS THAT!!! Buy This car, you wont be sorry! I LOVE IT !!

• 

  Amazing car! Better than Prius - 2006 Honda Civic
  By SF - June 23 - 7:53 am

  I am very impressed with this car! The 06 HCH is far superior to the 05 model. In fact it is far superior to the 05 Prius. The 06 Civic Hybrids build quality is very high with a near luxury car feel. The road handling is stable with excellent steering and control. The 06 HCH is quite stable in high winds and truck turbulence. Far more stable than the Prius, as road tested. Road noise is very quiet and the interior feels roomy for a compact car. Quieter than my previous Audi A4 and 05.HCH. The Styling is forward looking and truly ergonomic. The seats are very comfortable (Im 59"). The GPS nav system is great and performs accurately. MPG actually as advertised! Wow.

• 

  Very happy with this car after 18 months - 2003 Honda Accord
  By john - June 23 - 2:56 am

  After 29000 miles my Accord drives like new. I have not had one service problem. I love everything about it.

• 

  Civic Si on steroids - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By speedbird - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Most of the problems I had were really my fault (like trying to roll down the window when it was frozen) My biggest complains are a couple of noises from the engine that the Honda dealer says not to worry about. The clutch sometimes slips and makes a griding noise. The clutch is kind of hard to press. I keep getting check engine light, dealer says everything is ok. So far the only money I have put in the car is for oil changes and I have 51000 miles. The interior looks like a 1980s Honda Accord, but its built strong. Forget about the 2 seats in the back. Dont buy it if you are more than 6 feet tall. Its a Honda, but its not indestructible.

• 

  The Energizer Bunny - 1993 Honda Civic
  By rolande23 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought at 122,000 miles now at 174,000 miles! With regualar care this car will last forever. The only indication of age are blemishes on the body. The handling is great, Ive dug into corners and beaten-up the shocks on dirt roads and it feels remarkable strong and resiliant. The 5spd transmission makes up for the 102hp engine. The interior is comfortable but dated with its slider controls all of which still work beautifully. With the exception of the chrome detailing on the exterior the body is subtle attractive yet . This car definitely grows on you.

• 

  Bad Tranny - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By 99 Odyssey owner - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Ibought this van brand new,this van has tranny problem on most 99 models, put Honda Corp will not admit it, they replace all the 2000,2001,2002 tranny for free and extended their warrenty to 100,000 miles but not the 99 models,if you still have this van and under warranty, bring it back to dealer for a tranny check. I have my tranny replaced at 70,000 miles. whoever own the 99 models, have your tranny check or buy extended warranty.

• 

  My review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian Ruderick - June 22 - 6:30 pm

  When I shopped Prices Ford,Chevy,Toyota All said They could not beat the price.When I test drove it, the Ridgeline felt like a car, excellent handeling comfort and styling were all I needed.Besides a few minor problems except for the peeling paint on the rear bumper that they say they are going to fix,I love this truck,yeah I said it TRUCK to all of the naysayers from Ford,Chevy,& GMC, it is the truck of the future soooo catch up fellas!

• 

  Enjoying my cute lil Honda Civic Coupe! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kristen from MS - June 22 - 5:53 pm

  I just traded my 2006 Honda Civic SI coupe in for something that was cheaper, less to insure, and something I didnt have to put premium gas in. So I decided to get a new Coupe LX civic. I got it in an automatic, I was getting a little tired of driving a stick anyways. Very nice for the price. I got mine at less than invoice price, thanks to my helpful Honda dealership. Love the tan interior, although I think it will get dirty fast. Only thing I dont like is when I put the car in park my door unlocks itself. I mean what if I was shopping and someone came up and mugged me as soon as I parked? Just dont think its a great feature, since I would think most people who buy this car are female.

• 

  2007 honda fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sophie - June 22 - 12:23 pm

  This little car has lots of interior room. Gets great gas mileage. But I am giving it a poor review. The paddles that are position behind the steering wheel (used for standard transmission) will engage if you are driving in automatic at lets say 70 miles per hour. I accidentally tapped it when I used the turn signal and the car down shifted and went into standard mode. The car immedialty slowed while the engine reved up. I was terrified! It goes back into automatic after a few seconds but that long enough to cause an accident.

• 

  Worst car I have ever owned - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Zach Hill - June 22 - 3:09 am

  This vehicle, my 3rd new car and my 7th car overall, has required more preventative maintenance and more repair than all my other vehicles combined. I have had to had the transmission rebuilt every 65k miles. This vehicle is not modified (minus rims, which were only added 8k miles ago) nor ever been taken to a track or ridden hard but the transmission has utterly failed multiple times. The paint (which is covered by warranty) peeled off the car within 65k miles as well, requiring a piece-meal repair job resulting in a vehicle which is now multiple shades of blue. The interior, which is this soft-touch foam/plastic combo, cuts easily from any impact leaving scars all over the interior and the pseudo-suede used on the seats and arm rests easily gunks up in high-humidity resulting in a filthy-even-when-clean appearance. The performance leaves much to be desired, as there is ZERO clutch-feel and the throttle is unresponsive and "mushy". The steering does respond well with wider tires, but the stock tires sizes were appalling. Moderate acceleration resulted in a burn-out in first and second didnt have the power to pull you from a stop. The tires themselves, even after twice-a-year alignments, never lasted longer than 30k miles per set (typically 22k) because of Hondas drastic negative camber recommendations for rear-wheel alignment.