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 - 1995 Honda Accord
  By steviez - August 13 - 4:38 pm

  My family has owned several Hondas and Ive had a couple also. I picked this Accord LX 2.2 automatic up as an inbetween car. Sort of a beater, but its proved to be much more than that. I got it with 170k miles on the clock and its really solid and tight. This car has no wind noise or squeeks nor rattles. Its quite amazing really. The gas mileage is also superb at well over 30mpg. While its not going to win any drag races, Its an excellent commuter and highway vehicle. Evertthing works on it and its very comfortable.

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  Love the van but Hands Free Link is the WORST! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By uniforms - August 12 - 5:02 am

  Ive owned four Honda Odysseys all Touring models. I love this 2011 version but have traded it once thinking I just had a lemon. Both 2011 Odysseys drove well, and I loved every feature. I never had a problem with using bluetooth with any previous Odysseys (last one was 2010). Till this one. First two weeks everything was fine, then the calls would go from the car to the phone and back to the car. This was intermittent at first but then has become an ongoing problem. Hands free link does confirm the problem but has yet to find a fix. I bought the car from its introduction. The 2nd one was bought this April. I use an iPhone 4. I would rather keep the iPhone than the car

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  New Odyssey is Great - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By irg - August 11 - 9:46 pm

  I had a 2008 EX model prior to this. This time, I leased the "base" model, as it was most affordable, and I didnt think Id miss the power doors and a couple of other features. I do miss them, but not that much. The overall appearance even on the LX model is nicer, more rugged appearance. Love the 17" wheels, even the LX model looks nicer than my old one. Brakes are noticeably better. I do like the controls on the old EX better. Overall though, the feeling, responsiveness of this van is a step up from the old model.

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  240K Miles and Going To Donate Soon - 1992 Honda Accord
  By jmm11 - August 11 - 2:26 pm

  I drive my wifes 1992 Honda Accord and its been a great car. The things that strike others when the ride in it is how comfortable the ride is for compared to other mid size to small sedans. The current issues I have include: Rotors, Wheel Bearings, Tie Rods..Oil Leaks Rust..Interior rips in seats..Windshield Washer Fluid Dispenser..Pretty costly repairs that arent worth it anymore..Donation Time! I also hate the timing belt...When considering these cars know that every 90K miles you have to get front of the engine removed to replace the timing belt. I think weve replaced it twice and its coming up on a third time...$$$ Original Engine, Transmission and A/C Compressor.....Amazing!

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  Really happy with our Odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By epguy - August 11 - 8:55 am

  We have had our Odyssey for 5 months now and are even more pleased than the day we picked it up. We just completed a 2900 mile road trip, in which it averaged 27.5 mpg for the entire trip. Two tanks averaged 29, but were offset by one with alot of city driving. We listened to books on tape. Had the Garmin plugged into one power outlet in the dash and a dc to ac converter in the other so back seat riders could watch a movie on a laptop, which we ran thru the cars sound system. It was hot, 98 degrees for much of the trip and the A/C had no trouble keeping the car cool. We also love the tight turning radius. Its very easy to manuver in parking lots.

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  Almost didnt Buy...Thank goodness I did - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mechwiz1 - August 11 - 12:18 am

  I will be short with this review. Les is more sometimes. I bought this car with 104000 miles on it. Dealer made me pay 9000 for it. To me it was worth every penny. The car after four months of commuting 120 miles round trip is fantastic. It now has 120,000 miles on it and i am convinced it runs nearly as good as new.

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  2011 Honda Fit - excellent for the appropriate mission - 2011 Honda Fit
  By bobg57 - August 10 - 6:14 pm

  Love it. Great long distance commuter. Rear seats fold upwards or store in the floor creating enormous amount of space. Air conditioner OK, certainly up to 95 degrees outside temp. I passed through Needles when it was 109, comfortable enough. No electrical problems. Coming up on 10,000 miles with 30% oil life left. Trust the engineers, not your SuperLube down the street. Gas mileage is fantastic, without air conditioning I drove 457 miles on one tank at 42.9 MPG at 65MPH on mountainous roads. More usual fuel average is 35. Dont buy this vehicle as a street racer, why people get this thing with a paddle shifter is beyond me and a total waste of money. Note: I drive by myself 95% of the time.

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  Reliable, fast, great handling - 2008 Honda Civic
  By smoothcivic - August 10 - 3:25 pm

  Purchased used in 2010 with 8,000km. Now has 43,000km. Feels like it hasnt aged a single bit. No problems, extremely fast on highways and local roads, easy to zip between cars and get thru traffic easily. Independent suspension makes cornering easy. Ride is slightly bumpy, compared to full size sedans. Drove 10 hours straight from Toronto to Queens, averaging 90mph all the way, and the car gave no problems. Was a very fun drive winding along the mountains at high speed. Fuel efficiency decreases substantially at higher speeds. Sad to see others writing poor comments, they must have received the bad apples, because otherwise the car follows the tradition for exceptional quality for me.

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  I love my C-rv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By linzee09 - August 10 - 9:02 am

  I love this car its cute and small its all I need. Gets great gas mileage. I brough mine with 143,000 and it has 154,000 on it no problems. These cars will run forever IF you maintence them. If your buying one make sure they have had a vavle adjustment or run away from it. The vavles need adjusted every 30k dont go buy the book!!!!! This car is very nosiy and bumpy but guess what its a honda not a lexus. Its also very underpowered but it doesnt borther me to much im not racing it so it doesnt matter. Its a great car I love it.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2008 Honda Accord
  By stadem06 - August 9 - 9:03 pm

  I have been a loyal Honda owner for many years, always drove the Civic. In 2008 I fell in love with the new Accord Coupe and traded in my 1 yr old Civic to step up. That was a mistake. I just had to replace my rear brakes, my 4th pair in 3 years. I had to get the engine worked on because it would make a rattling sound every morning when I would start the car. The center console "Leather" is coming apart & the leather seats look stained from my clothes. Overall I am very disappointed.