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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  Gas MPG not as advertised!! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By walden94 - March 5 - 10:02 am

  We traded in our 2000 Odyssey with 120k miles, for a brand new 2010 EX-L. It has better performance than the older model but less room in back. We used to be able to stow stuff under the 3rd seat but the 2010 is now blocked off. Also, the sticker advertises 25 mpg hwy but weve never received better than 20 mpg after 6k miles. Also, disappointed there is no factory option for a hands-free Bluetooth. Other than that ,the quality is good, no problems yet.

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  Road Warrier - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By baba2cj - March 5 - 9:38 am

  I bought my CR-V two months ago and use it for my company car. I travel 1000 miles (NC, SC and GA) a week. I am 61 and a little over 200lbs. I do own two other Hondas (05 Pilot 190k miles, and 07 Accord 120k) so I may be a little biased. The CR-V is the best automobile I have ever owned for my use. The power is more than adequate. I am averaging 27.2 miles a gallon over 6k miles so far. The initial seat comfort is a little harsh but, within a month of driving regularly, has softened. The steering is dead on and tight. I havent felt any of the "vibrations" I read about in other reviews. Maybe Ive just been lucky but I have never had an issue with my Hondas.

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  I plan to run it into the ground... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By briangrim310 - March 4 - 1:02 pm

  I bought my 2007 Honda Accord EX-L (4 cylinder, automatic, 4 door) new from a Honda dealer in April of 2007. Ive put just under 60,000 miles on it in almost 4 years. I really have no complaints so far. Ive been following the proper maintenance and oil change cycles. Took it to a Honda dealer for the first 50,000 miles and have now been using a trusted local mechanic for larger (and more costly) scheduled maintenance. Driving 84 miles round trip to and from work for the last 6 months, and its been as reliable as it always has. I have every intention of driving this car into the ground, and I have no reason to believe it will let me down.

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  Very Solid High MPG Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bobbichen - March 3 - 1:29 pm

  I puchased this unit used, recently in very good condition. ($13k, 44k miles). Hybrids are certainly a different breed of cat. They drive a bit differently, though I like the driving dynamics much better than the Prius. (Brakes seem "grabby" and steering doesnt fit me HCH has a telescoping and tilt wheel that allows a more aggressive steering position). I find the car to be plenty peppy as to acceleration. Handling and braking are very good in my opinion. Car feels sporty. Hybrid system is a little distracting, and does some odd things (sudden battery "dumps" at times, MPG drops on cold weather). Ride is a bit stiff, bordering on harsh on poor pavement.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dave346 - March 3 - 6:39 am

  I recently traded in my Accord for a new car. it had over 150,000 miles on it and still ran strong. Smooth powerful engine, great MPG, comfortable ride, and seemed like it could last forever. However, the transmission had to be replaced at 78,000 miles.

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  Great Car, but Tires are a problem - 2010 Honda Fit
  By jodiepup - March 1 - 8:31 pm

  All, although I love my 2010 Fit Sport, there is a serious issue with tire selection, particularly for those that live in snowy areas. Because of all the snow and ice in Maine this year, I decided that I should remove the Dunlop OEM tires, put on higher quality all-season radials. Other than the Dunlop, which is backordered in many cases, a Honda Fit Sport owner only has two options in the 185 55R 16 size: Bridgestone Turanzo El 470 ($140 a tire) or a Bridgestone Potenza ($100 a tire). Neither tire is rated well in wintry conditions. I inquire about snow tires in this size nobody manufactures them. I asked my dealership if I could put on a different size tire, and they did not recommend it. Neither did they recommend a difference size rim. Please call Honda at (800) 999-1009 to voice your concern about tire selection for the Honda Fit Sport!

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  Still going strong - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sassy1866 - March 1 - 2:30 pm

  I have 49k on my car and have never had a problem with it. I still make sure to keep up with the maintenance. The ride is ok but can be rough sometimes. Ill probably keep it another year or two as long as I dont have to sink any money into it.

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  Good but not so good - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ablack - March 1 - 11:13 am

  I bought this car used in 2001. The transmission lasted until 2009. I had another one put in and it lasted 7 months. I was not happy about this issue and did not find that the 2001 was standard for transmission failure. I feel like another consumer that Honda knew about the failure and sold the car for regular price. This does allow me to place my trust in honda very well. I wish there was someone that could make honda pay the 2001 owners back. All that money and no car, does not seem very fair. They have theirs and they are gone.

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  Back to the Future - 1990 Honda Civic
  By almprin06 - March 1 - 7:52 am

  The roomy 1990 Honda Civic Wagon had dimensions nearly identical to the current 2011 Honda Fit, except the roomy 2011 Honda Fit is much more generous in height at 60" tall. The 1990 Honda Civic Wagon weighs a bit less than the 2011 Honda Fit, but the 2011 Honda Fit achieves more power with better fuel economy.

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  Its a LUXURY Car! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By sbinevv - February 27 - 10:33 pm

  Many owners are parents who looked for a minivan and liked the Odysseys features. Our kids are grown, no grandkids yet, and Im a businessman. We wanted a luxury car that would seat up to 8 adult family members or haul bikes or kayaks inside it. We got it all. We relied on owner/reviewers in Edmunds who often mentioned "comfort," "quiet," "room," "ride" and "handling." We bought the Touring Elite, but any model from EX-L up is a luxury car. The truffle interior on ours is dark grey/brown that has a rich look but also will hide dirt and marks. Every detail has been thought out and designed to be practical. The amount of technology is incredible. Chose it over Sienna and Enclave.