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 Call Her "Olivia" :) - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By nanamcal - July 19 - 3:02 pm

  I purchased my Odyssey in 1999 w/ 29K on her. She now has 154K on the engine. She is like a trusted old friend. She even survived a flood in 2005 at 127K with water in the engine. I had to wait a month for the carpet to be cut for her back then. She survived! When the water was blown out of the engine by my Ace mechanic I was told it was one tough little engine. Timing belt change new rear shocks from all the loads she carried. Brakes last forever on this little dynamo!. I dread the day I have to give her up. Great resale value still. Would buy another in a heartbeat! They dont make them like her anymore!! Built in Japan to LAST! Hope to keep her for another 150K

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  Its Been a Great Ride! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bluebugmama - July 19 - 9:33 am

  Bought this car new and have 138K on it now. Has been a great car, very few problems. Drivers door window motor broke, and both rear brake calipers froze up around 75K, but other than that no problems. Great in the snow, comfortable, definitely not a luxury vehicle but love all the room and versatility. It handles like a little go cart...not tippy like some SUVs.

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  It is not "the one" for me! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By nova14 - July 17 - 12:39 pm

  I bought this car after owning volvos and needless to say, I wish I did NOT! It may be advertised as "the One" but it is a NONE for me. The car is just plain ugly and lacks any sort of fun to drive feel that I had from driving my volvos. It is the most boring and uneventful car out on the road today. The interior design is acceptable and the cost of service is good and those are the only nice things I can honestly say about the car. They advertise the car as holding its blue book value, but when I took it to the dealership recently to sell it back they took so much off my purchase price that it was not realistic---so dont believe the bunk about resale value--not true.

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  Irritating car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By ronn2 - July 17 - 5:40 am

  Just yesterday I finally got rid of my 2011 Civic Hybrid. I had it for 6 months and hated every minute of it. Some people are going to think Im nuts trading a Hybrid in with gas prices the way they are. But I just couldnt take that car anymore. I didnt want it in the first place but when I was at the dealership, and the salesman talking me into it, with the good deal I got, I decided to go for it. Well it made me nuts.

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  UNSATISFIED!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By marceladgomez - July 16 - 10:28 pm

  My first car was a 1996 Honda Civic with manuel transmission LOVED it I only had to replace the clutch. Well needless to say it got recked so I decided to buy another Honda but this one is a 2002 Accord. I didnt start having proplems, real problems until abour 120,000 miles and im seeing that that i pretty good compared to what ive been reading. Now the trany is slipping and they want about 3,000 dollars to replace and the car is now only worth about $5,000. I think this is redic. I thought Hondas were suppose to las for ever. I mean its a Honda. I guess not.

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  Best car Ive owned (long term) - 2003 Honda Accord
  By randomao - July 16 - 10:07 pm

  I bought this car in late 05 with approx 34,000 on it. 120,000 miles later, and no major issues at all. The CD changer shorted out @ 75k, but it was covered under the extended warranty. Like others mentioned, the paint isnt holding up the best, theres a lot of chips, and the clear coat is starting to peel in a couple places. The drivers window comes off the track once in while, making a loud squealing noise, and the leather, where the back of youre upper left arm contacts the seat is cracking, Insignificant cons. Ive been thinking about getting a newer car, but its hard to find one that offers more that doesnt cost 25k. Its paid for, and I wouldnt hesitate a 2000 mi trip.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mattshu - July 16 - 8:38 pm

  Ive owned my 2003 Civic Hybrid for 2 years now and so far its been a great car with only a few minor problems. The Good: Handles great Luxurious interior (compared to other non-luxury cars) Extremely quiet 45mpg The bad: Transmission fluid needs changing every 2 years IMA battery will start to degrade after 7 years Seats are very stiff, its like sitting on a bench Overall the car performs well as a daily driver, and if you arent looking to set Nurburgring lap records youll be satisfied with its performance. Even though it is less reliable than a standard civic the blue book value is lower, making it a better value when you factor in the better gas mileage.

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mcruzen - July 16 - 2:22 pm

  Traded a lexus suv for the RTL in October of last year. Both of us truly enjoy the ride and drive, plus the flexibility. Mileage has been reasonable and the truck has proven to be extremely useful.

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  Very versatile vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mackereljoe - July 15 - 5:31 pm

  Bougth this car 6.5 years ago and now have 170,000 trouble free miles. Daughter has been driving this car for awhile and with this much mileage, i still have confidence in it to go cross country and back. Not all is good in the beginning since the dealer charged me over $1000 for some kind of paint sealant, its crap it takes along time to buff it to shine. My 9 years old Odyssey didnt have it and with over 210,000 miles still looks good. The recommended tire pressure inflation is way too low for the weight of the vehicle at 29 PSI. With 29 PSI the mileage is at 20 city and 23 Hwy and obvious underinflation tire wear. Finally got dialed in at 36 PSI all around to get the 23/26.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By blkngldnj - July 15 - 10:59 am

  I have now owned my Accord for 6 1/2 years. This was my first Honda and because of its value and reliability I have also purchased an Odyssey. My Accord doesnt have a "look at me" appearance but it has been trouble free for 53,000 miles. It gets 26 mpg in mixed driving and once got me 37.1 mpg on a 320 mile trip with the cruise set at 70 mph. I will definitely consider another one when I hand this one off to my nine year old when he gets his drivers license.