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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  Regret buying a Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By 1111girl - November 17 - 5:12 pm

  Ive had my automatic Fit Sport for about 1 1/2 years and would not recommend it. Gas mileage is only about 28 in city. A/C bogs down engine power and cant cool consistently in heat of AZ summer - goes warm, cold, warm, cold. Inner upholstery is a lint magnet. Biggest peeve - Car is noisy and rattly over-all, with a major rattle inside the dash. Had this from the beginning, service cant seem to fix it. Visibility is poor with huge blind spots on front sides and very hard to see when backing up, especially if you are short like me. Tires go low on air, alignment goes out easily, engine making a high- pitched sound, service says they "cant hear it." Same for rubbing sound when turning left.

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  Wrecked when new! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ephman - November 16 - 5:16 pm

  Looked at GMC & Ford but went with Rline for Honda quality. With 8000 on the odo, wife was run off the road and into a tree by teenaged driver. Bags didnt deploy, and no one was hurt but $15,000 in front end (including frame) damages later, local dealers body shop did a superb job getting Rline back on the road. Will have to drive it into the ground now, since it has little trade-in value but seems to be back at 100% Have had to replace navi and a heated seat control both under warranty, unusual reliability for a Honda. Very comfortable front seats in which to drive, especially on highway trips. Rear seat not comfortable for my teenagers and fuel economy no better than a GMC 1500.

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  Has been a great van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TW - November 15 - 9:19 am

  Initially had obnoxious whistle which went away by itself after 30k?! Weird. Steering pump went out. Other than that it still drives like new at 80k. Outstanding quality. Only downside is EPA overestimated mileage when this first came out. Never came close to 20/28. We get 19/24 at best.

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  Check Engine Light on every 750miles. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Matt Odermann - November 15 - 7:08 am

  First I should say my wife and I are pretty happy with the car. The fuel economy, standard features, overall performance are great for the price range. However the check engine light comes on about every 750 miles for a "evap canister" that is plugged. The dealership always says it is because I drive gravel roads. Well my house is 1.25 miles off of pavement. So I drive 2.5 miles of gravel each day. That in my opinion is a design flaw. So if you lived more rural than me...become friends with your honda service manager.

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  Good Car with a Few Flaws - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for thirteen months and drive mostly on the Interstate. The car has been very reliable, has more than adequate power and is generally a fun car to drive. It maneuvers easy into tight parking spaces and the fuel mileage averages about 34 MPG regardless of how I drive. The only complaint I have about Honda and these Civics are the lousy tires that put on the car. The factory Bridgestone tires are poor quality tires and despite regular balancing and rotating, these tires didnt make it 20,000 miles. Also, the XM "Ready" status of the car is useless, you still have to buy an expensive kit if you want to have XM radio in your car.

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  Great car, just not that big - 2000 Honda Civic
  By samiam11 - November 14 - 11:07 am

  I bought this car as an upgrade from my 1996 hatch and it was a definite change. There is definitely more power and throwing in power steering doesnt hurt the situation. The power in the car wont put you pack in your seat (maybe at the higher end of first gear), but its a nice change from the paltry 106 hp of the lower end models. The car has done nothing but run great for me. The only problems Ive had are that the alignment of my drivers side window motor turned bad, but I fix all things myself and it was quite easy. The other problem was that the exhaust pipe rusted through, which was also a problem on my other Honda. Again, not much of a problem and an easy fix.

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  All Around Solid Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dave - November 14 - 10:47 am

  We purchased this car with 79,000 miles after our 93 Camry was totaled in an accident. Now have 90,000 on it. This has been a great car for us overall. It has sufficient power and is very comfortable. It just has a solid feeling and quality in all aspects. The interior has the look of a more expensive car, conservative but tasteful. Our gas mileage with this v-6 has averaged about 23-25 in mixed driving and 30 mpg on the highway.

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  Moneysaver - 2003 Honda Civic
  By S Larson - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is an amazing combination of economy and comfort. It has a huge interior given its exterior dimensions. It is a good interstate cruiser (on a round trip from upstate New York to Orlando I got 40-42 mpg despite sustained 70-75mph speeds!) and the drivers seat is outstanding given the cars price. There is passenger space and luggage room enough for four people on a long trip. Overall I definitely recommend this car. Im originally from Sweden and have always driven German and French cars. This Civic beats them all, except the latest Peugeot 307 Diesel which is not offered here in the States.

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  Good for trips - 2004 Honda Civic
  By sjc355VT - November 13 - 8:00 pm

  I love this car on trips, but I shouldve gotten a 5 speed! I live where we have 8% grade mountains that I sometimes have to go down in winter. Most economy cars even in automatic have a 1st gear option that you can manually put the car into. This does NOT! And the fact that there are no ABS brakes means pumping the brakes on straight-aways then hoping you dont slide across the corner off the mountain. Its scary. I love this car, but that is reason enough for me to get something with 1st gear as an option. Also on dry straight-aways I tried it in 2nd gear and it didnt stay where it should - it picked up speed! Hello!

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  Family Tested for two years - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By daveeman - November 10 - 8:52 pm

  I raised my two babies in a Caddy DeVille. At ages 5 and 8 it was time to trade into a minivan. Uggg! After months of research, Honda kept coming up on top. My mom has a 2002 with 155k miles and still drives like new. So, decision made. It is no where near as comfy as the Caddy. But I cannot compare it to a Caddy because, well, that wouldnt be fair. The van drives tight. It has good acceleration when asked. The interior has so far been kid-proof. The automatic side doors are a must for kids. No worries of them flinging a door open into other cars when parked. I put almost 20k miles per year on it. It is doing well and I hope to run it for many more years, and still profit