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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  Hard Ride - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ken117 - February 22 - 6:49 am

  Had a 2009 CRV EX-L 4WD. Overall it was a nice vehicle. However, there are a few things which make the vehicle difficult for longer trips. First is the road noise. By far the worst I have ever had in a vehicle. Second is the lack of power. The engine is just too timid to function will at highway speeds. Third is the excessive hard interior plastics. I also felt the leather was too much like vinyl. I found the vehicle wonderful for use around town but for any long trips the ride was far too uncomfortable.

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  Best and most reliable car i ever owned! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By joweewag - February 21 - 11:29 pm

  This is my third Accord, starting with a 1992, then a 1989 that went to over 350,000miles and counting, and now my 1995 with near 350,000miles and running strong. I love the "zippiness" of this car! It handles amazingly and is a comfortable ride. There are a few problems but they are very small except the a/c not being powerful enough to cool the car. I am looking at buying a second 95 due to excellent ratings but this one will be an automatic for my daughter!

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  UNDRIVABLE DISASTER - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By tturner201 - February 21 - 5:34 pm

  Drivers had to constantly fight the steering wheel. The slightest breeze, curve or slope of the road pulled the steering wheel so hard no one would drive it far. Honda acknowledged the problem, but stated they could not correct it. I had to sell it at very high loss.

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  What is there NOT to like? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By ontheroad11 - February 20 - 8:15 pm

  Ive got About 2000 miles on my 2011 accord and I have to say its totally amazing. The ride is ultra smooth, to the point its the first thing people comment on when they get in the car. Im not sure what people are saying about the road noise. I have the V-6, so the 4 could be louder, Im not sure. The interior is ultra classy, not overdone like most of the other cars in this class. The navi is good, but not great. The accord seats are great for me, but not all. I have back issues and the adjustable lower lumbar support is excellent. The 271 hp 3.5 V-6 is one of the top rated engines on the road. The transmission is a 5 speed that gets 0-60 faster than any car in the class. Honda is quality

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  Totaled my Element. I barely felt a thing. - 2004 Honda Element
  By mudgell - February 19 - 6:47 pm

  I was cruzin around Denver, not paying enough attention and WHAMO! I nailed a solid concrete barrier and totaled the car but I came out without a scratch. The only thing that hurts is that I dont have my Element anymore. I never had one maintenance problem with it while I had it and when I wrecked it, it very well could have saved my life or saved me from getting injured. If you have the money, get one.

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  love, love, love it!!! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By llama5 - February 18 - 10:38 pm

  Love the new Honda Odyssey. I traded my 2006 Honda in for the new 2011 Touring in black. Looks awesome and super sleek in black. Since purchasing this new Honda I have had NOTHING but compliments from strangers admiring the new look of the Honda. The reviews I read were somewhat negative of the new body but when you see it in person it looks so much better and the black color looks the best. I have three kids so space and safety are important to me. I feel super safe toting my kids in the new Honda. It drives like a dream and the interior is sleek yet simple. I noticed that it DOES not have roof racks and it bothered me at first but now Im happy without them.

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  Nice little vehicle but... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By crvissues - February 18 - 8:09 pm

  1st of all I do like my CRV EXL 4WD but I have had problems with it. 1. Hobble bobble from the left rear like I had a flat spot on my tire when going 30+mph. Went to the dealer they said it was the nature of the vehicle. True as I drove another( used) and felt the same thing. My thought was it had the same problem. Why else would someone trade it off at 12k miles. a. Took it to another dealer and they over balanced the tires stating that was the problem. Not at all, it was still there if not worse. b. Took it to a private shop and they pulled the drive trane and replace it for it was out of balance. Honda picked up the cost. The problem is still there. Then thinking it was the tires I have replaced them 4 times + lined up and it was even worse. At this point I just wanted to return/ trade off the CRV off for something other than a Honda ( this is my first and last one) 2. My ABS and traction control light came on and stayed on. Back to the private autoshop and they discoverd the sensor wire on the left front was broken. Called Honda and its still under warranty. It goes back in next week. Buying a new car I expect perfection and this has missed the mark. Getting the push off from the dealers in place of taking me seriously was most disheartening. I researched for 9 months on which car to buy and chose this one over many and it has turned out to be a dud. I wish they still made the Jeeps with the in line 6. They rode like a tank, held up well, ran like a sewing machine with over 240k miles on it. Shouldve kept it! The CRV Is pretty and has all the creature comforts except I think the seats are cheap leather and are uncomfortable. I hope they can correct the problems with it. Next up after fixing the lights perhaps a rear axle. Actually I want the quality of car Honda is so proud of and that I paid for :) I feel as though Ive been hoodwinked! Anyone else had problems?

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By richard_lo - February 18 - 6:07 pm

  For the price range this is a great car. Dont expect Lexus quietness and comfort or X5 speed. You get what you pay for and in terms of reliability, space, and gas mileage this car cant be beat. If you look in the market for other cars in this range in sedans or SUVs you may get worse or crampness that you dont get from this car. I like it and will buy another when the time comes.

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  2011 Honda Fit Sport AT - 2011 Honda Fit
  By ashleyk - February 18 - 10:05 am

  Ive had my Fit Sport going on three weeks now and I Love it!! I test drove the Fiesta and found it way way too small then test drove the fit and it was completely different feeling. The inside of the Fit feels positively huge, its amazing how much room there is! Ive had nothing but fun driving the car, I used to be a speedster but now I care more about gas mileage (with the current mpg scale its fun to drive to max mpg). This is not to say the car doesnt have pick up I just pay more attention to the mpg, and it makes me a safer driver! The only small gripe Ive found is that the seats arent always 100% comfortable, I have back trouble and I wish the lumbar was adjustable but its no

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  What happened to Honda? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By laxguy95 - February 16 - 9:05 pm

  Bought this car to take over daily driving duties from a 96 Accord. As others have mentioned, the front seats are uncomfortable after 15 minutes of driving. The clutch pedal is very smooth, but it provides no feedback to the driver on dis/engagement. The steering wheel has a very cheap feel from all of the plastic pieces. Sight lines look good from the outside, but there is a jump in height of the interior trim that cuts several inches off the bottom of the rear windows. The car feels as if it was hurried to be finished. Look at how the mirrors are only 2/3 painted and the dash is about an inch short of the the windshield showing foam insulation as examples.