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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  Great car but needs improvements - 2011 Honda Civic
  By paulrevere - September 7 - 10:03 am

  I just bought this to replace a 2006 Civic. The new body style is sharper, interior dash looks more advanced especially with the iMid display, love the mpg display. The car rides very good with smooth steering, however, the road noise can be high on roads with rough surfaces. The glove box and console storage compartment are smaller. I dont have near as much space to store things as I did in the 2006. Also, I dont have anywhere I can comfortable place my elbows (except in my lap) when driving. They have reduced the height of the center console storage box and pushed it further back. The door armrest is lower and further back as well. (cont)

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  Transmisson - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bhastings - September 4 - 12:09 pm

  We bought this 2002 Honda Odyssey it look good they said it skips between 2 and 3 gears but now it is so bad you cannot drive it. Do not buy.

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  I thought Hondas were supposed to be reliable... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By melanierose10 - September 4 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 2004 Honda used at 120,000 miles. It had several problems that were very expensive to fix. It was very unreliable. It broke down several times randomly - the PCM went out twice, and the EVAP solenoid needed to be replaced. Those were the most costly repairs but it seemed like once one problem was fixed the check engine light would come back on for another reason. Also, a lot of electrical problems that I never had diagnosed, the interior lights never worked and the electric locks didnt either. Other than that, however, my Honda was really fun to drive, and very fast, with lots of amenities, but I would not recommend based on reliability. Drove it to 160,000 miles then sold it.

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  At 15,000+ miles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chuckfromli - September 3 - 7:31 am

  Just had it in to Honda for a recall regarding a transmission upgrade. Also had my third oil change and tire rotation at this time. No problems with the vehicle at all. Gas mileage varies a lot though. It can get 26-27 MPG on highway if the road is level. That will drop to 22-24 if there are hills. Around the crowded suburbs I average about 21 MPG. The leather seats are cheap, no doubt. It seems only the drivers seat is actually leather. And there is a lot of wind noise if you open just one of the front windows on the highway. You need to crack open one of the rear windows too. But this is true in many cars and vans these days it seems.

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  Never Again! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By defenderman - September 1 - 1:27 am

  Ive owned 17 cars in 30 years so Ive driven a few. This is my 5th Honda and my last. Im going elsewhere. Noisy, gutless, rattles. The brakes were fixed and reimbursed. OEM tires made it 28k miles. Cheap. Glovebox rattles. Cheap. Seats are uncomfortable and thin. Cheap. Cross members under parcel shelf in trunk rattle. Cheap. 5-speed AT pretty much gives up at 55 for power. Pull out to pass in the mountains and the best you get from there is 3rd gear so you may as well be dragging a log behind your car. Looks great. Mileage is okay. The noise! My word the noise! I cant wait to dump this car. 38k miles and its the worst car Ive owned, and I had a 73 Pinto Wagon!

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  I HATE IT!!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By mreich1 - August 31 - 12:27 am

  This is my fourth Honda in less than 10 years and second accord, so that should tell you how much I have like Honda in the past. Well, they really blew it on this car. I truly hate this car. I hate it so much, that when my lease was up on my Pilot, I replaced it with a Toyata, because Honda obviously does not care. This car is way underpowered. You hit the gas, and almost nothing happens. Goes from 0-60 in about 10 seconds. Try going up the hills in San Francisco. You will stall unless you are in first gear. This car should be offered only in a six cylinder. I think I want my 1979 Dodge Colt back. And gas mileage is terrible, of course it should get 25 mpg, it barely has an engine

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  10 years and 130K miles still strong (with caveats) - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By ruckerz - August 30 - 10:11 pm

  Bought this car new and still purrs like a puppy ten years later. Things to keep an eye out on [1] Automatic transmissions, dont forget to change that oil regularly. [2] I had to replace the radiator at around 90,000 miles. It developed a crack in the cheap plastic casing in the front right below the fill port. [3] Lube that rear differential regularly. Youll definitely need to change it if you notice that tight turns at low (5 mph) speeds causes a humming from the rear. [4] ADJUST VALVE CLEARANCES early and regularly! The cylinder heads on the first generation CRVs are soft aluminum and the valve seats can recede into the head cooking your valves and a very costly repair

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  very reliable car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tabbies - August 30 - 7:59 pm

  This car has only a couple of problems very worn brakes and tires at 52k, the leather could be made better, but every thing else is either perfect or ok. The power is great, the headlights look awesome, and the fuel economy said 24, 34 in the handbook but now its like 21, 30. Id blame the worn tires though. I have the sunroof a spoiler and black paint. During hot weather its a real surprise when you go from 85F to about 104F. The fastest Ive ever gone in it was 120mph.

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  Tell it like it is. - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By will_drive - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  Ive owned a 6 speed CR-Z for the past 11 months, I still look forward to getting behind the wheel. Lets be honest if you consider the 6 speed then mileage is not the only thing on your mind. Its all about the drive, the windier the road the better, any time at the wheel listening to a great sound system is a joy, long trips become more enjoyable. What this car delivers on is very solid crisp road handling, head turning good looks, maneuverability in tight spaces, Honda quality, great fit and finish, very conservative fuel consumption, and its just plain fun to drive.

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  Honda Lifer. Buy a Honda! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By luvmytwins1 - August 30 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased car new, now has 111,000mi w/no problems. It has plenty of room, as much if not more than a SUV & very comfortable for long travel w/plenty of leg room in front seats or back. We had twins after we bought the car & it fits both car seats w/a small amount of room for someone in the middle. When our family doubled I thought we would buy something bigger & safer but quickly found out we had already purchased the car that fits everything x2, and a safe car. Its a smooth ride & very quite w/great handling. We travel once a month to see our family about 130mi away. Ive never gotten out of this car & felt like Id been driving for 2hrs. I would only sell this car for another Honda!