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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  I totalled my Honda, it saved my life. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By chelsb - August 19 - 7:12 am

  I was going over 100kph (60mph) in my little 2005 Honda Civic Coupe. I was drowsy and noticed I was going off the shoulder too late. I over corrected and fish tailed twice. I lost control around the turn, spun and slammed along the guard rail in my lane a couple times before making my full 360. I broke two guard rail posts and pushed it out to about 3 feet. I broke bumpers, my axle, [violative content deleted] my unibody and the whole drivers side of my car. But she kept me safe and secure the entire time, the frame taking the blow for me. I only have slight neck pain the next day. Everything mechanical even still works, engine is pristine. Thank you Honda.. I will be repurchasing, maybe a fit.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2011 Honda Insight
  By chaffstealth - August 18 - 4:10 pm

  I wanted to have a small fuel-efficient car that also fits my budget and the 2011 Honda Insight LX is just the perfect car. I narrowed down my choices to either a Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Insight. My decision to buy the Insight was because of outstanding advertised MPG. So far in the last couple of weeks I actually get to average 45 mpg mostly city driving. It is also a fun car to drive. A hybrid for $20K under is a steal! CONS: For taller people the headroom will be a challenge.

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  every year something new - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rashadr - August 17 - 9:32 pm

  i like my 2004 accord but honda really mess up the electronics that comes in the car. like my radio went out in 2008 and now i have to get key because it wont lock or aything but my key light still comes on when i press a button and i already had replace it before.And i also had to replace the transmission and it only got 103,000 miles.its a fun car to drive and it get very good gas mileage the problems on this car is just not worth it.

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  LOVED My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jval - August 17 - 2:05 pm

  My dad purchased the 2003 CR-V LX 4WD new in 2002. When I was ready to drive, he passed it down to me. I drove it for the next eight years with only a few fixes. The front/rear brakes and alternator were the most major repairs, but with good reason. I went to school in Ithaca, NY for four years and the snow/sleet/hail took its toll. For the winter beatings it went through, it held up great. I recently got in an accident and my CR-V was totaled - a Chevy truck hit my front passenger wheel. The impact hit all the right spots and my poor CR-V couldnt be repaired. It was only at 78,500 miles. Its a HUGE shame - this car had many years left in it. I miss it greatly.

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  Wish it was better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By davis262 - August 16 - 5:34 pm

  I owned this car starting at 40k miles. Seemed to be like other Honda Accords I have owned in the past (89, 98). I didnt realize at first how bad the transmission was because I was excited to have the power from the v6. Transmission was jerky from the beginning. I hated it. Worst driving experience Ive ever had. Never knew when it would accelerate. I love Honda but they lost me as a customer with this transmission. I was lucky and the car was totalled at 118k from hail damage. I know the transmission was going out soon. Also, the dash was squeaky. The 6 CD changer broke at around 80k. The dashboard clock was replaced. Not the quality I had grown to expect from Honda.

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  Hands down best large SUV for the money! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jrburnett23 - August 16 - 10:02 am

  This is my fiances car but I drive it way more than she does and it by the far the best car Ive driven. For as large as the car is, it gets great gas mileage. We have moved twice since getting this car a year ago and with both back row seats folded down you can fit an enormous amount of stuff in your car. Even a pretty big dresser! It rides very smooth and is extremely comfortable to ride in. The rear-entertainment system is a great feature to have especially if you have kids riding with you from time to time. The only thing that I would change about this car is I would turn the back seat into two captains chairs and put a big console in between them. Best car ever!

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  SEATS & CARGO Are Disappointing - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kirbyfred - August 15 - 11:52 am

  Leather seats here are a joke- look and feel like vinyl, v. lo quality "leatherette" maybe? And sides and back of seats are clearly vinyl, leather is seating area only- cheaply done. Heated seats work poorly, v. disappointing. Leather and heat in my old BMW 325 seats are far superior- - Honda blew it here, and the "leather"/heated seats are clearly not worth the extra cost for upgrade. Cargo: rear seats do not fold forward far enuff they leave 6" of dead space between front and back seat area- - my skinny road bike does not fit well in here. Would be nice if rear seats could be removed & reinserted easily.

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  Great family car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By perunest - August 14 - 9:15 pm

  I have the 4 cylinder EX leather edition. My previous car was a BMW M3 that cost more than twice as much. I bought the Accord for its reliability and the reasonable price for all the features that are inculded. I have 24,177 miles on it in 11 months and I have had no problems. Maintenance on the BMW was minimal while it was in the "free maintenance" period. After that it became very expensive, so I traded it at 50,000 miles.

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  Another Honda for the history books... - 2000 Honda Civic
  By 00siboy - August 14 - 8:31 pm

  I bought my 2000 Civic Si with 146k miles on it. A few thousand miles later had to rebuild the engine because the piston rings were cracked and lost compression. But every other component on the car works great (coupled with regular maintenance of course). Great power after rebuild, tons of fun especially in VTEC above 6k rpms!

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  Review after the first thousand miles - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By afanasya - August 14 - 6:16 pm

  We decided on Odyssey over Sienna for the following reasons: 1. higher crash ratings for the front passenger 2. usable middle seat in the second row 3. more space in the third row 4. the economy mode (3 or 4 cylinders) for the engine. No mater what they say, coming from Toyota Camry, the road noise is definitely noticeable at high way speeds. I feel more comfortable with Toyota’s power train. Odyssey’s transmission on some occasion downshifts rough. Brakes are soft. For leather interior you get maybe 30% real leather on some parts of van’s seats and “man made materials” for the rest. Still Odyssey looks like a good van so far and drives well.