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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  HR-V (Harvy) - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By wsweeden - February 15 - 10:56 pm

  Harvy is the name my CR-V was given by his previous owner. She loved this car and recently sold it to me at a price that can only be described as a steal, but only after buying a new CR-V. I have only owned Harvy for about a month, but I bought the 14 year old car with almost 160,000 miles. Soon after, my area got hit with 18"+ of snow. I let my wife drive my 2007 Z71 and took Harvy out for a true test drive.This little suv was unstoppable. I went places i would of been wary of with my Z71. Armed with nothing more than a snow shovel tucked neatly in the luggage rack, I had no problems that I could not dig my way out of. I love this car!!!

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  Nice family minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By gigig1 - February 14 - 11:56 pm

  Traded our 2007 EX-L RES with 2010 Touring ,and we loved it!.I heard a lot of reviews about transmission problems on odyssey van but so far I didnt have problem with our 07.There are complains about MPG ratings too!you know what,maybe you forgot that this is a 6 cylinder,not 4,so dont expect that its as fuel efficient as civic.We drove our 07 to New York 2 yrs. ago and I filled the tank twice only all the way.We started from the midwest.Very reliable van!!

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  Love my Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By davidh4784 - February 14 - 11:57 am

  We bought our 2005 EX in the middle of 2005. We have had almost NO issues what so ever with the van. The only issue that we have had is the Factory tires. They are WORTHLESS. Three had to be replaced at only 8,000 miles and all four had to be replaced at 18,000 miles due to them wearing issues. They where taken care of by the Honda warranty and then lasted until 50,000 miles when i replaced them with Goodyear triple treads. No other issues with the van at all and we love it and will buy another one when this one at some point after this one dies.

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  Good car but have regrets - 2011 Honda Accord
  By cmncents - February 13 - 6:29 pm

  Bought my 2011 ex in Dec 2010 for a fair price after trading a 2007 Prius with 88k miles. Like some of the other people who have written reviews I found the short test drive did not reveal some of the negatives of this car and have only myself to blame. Primary complaints: uncomfortable seats, below advertised gas mileage, not having outside temp reading or gas mileage calculator display. I wish I would have kept my prius. For a smaller car it drove great, plenty of cargo space, gas mileage was awesome. Seats more comfortable and even though I have read the possibility of expensive hybrid replacement parts I think I could have put another 70k miles without a major replacement issue.

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  great deal - 2011 Honda Accord
  By rog2867 - February 13 - 12:02 pm

  I got the EX-L V6 with nav for 26000, no on even touched that price in NJ. Purchased yesterday and will pick up tomorrow. Will write a full review after I get to drive it. Currently have 2008 same model but residual on lease was to high to purchase. Some nice new features. Memory seating finally and rear camera.

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  2011 CR-Z - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By candyrose - February 12 - 11:05 pm

  Love this car! I just had to have it after taking it for a test drive. I wasnt sure about going from an SUV to a 2-seater, but when I thought about it, I realized that I rarely had more than one passenger at a time anyway and if I do need to have more than I can just swap cars with my husband. This care if pure fun and makes you smile every time you get in it.

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  Enjoying this car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By exarchon2 - February 12 - 9:57 pm

  Bought my Accord in August 10. Now have 5,000 miles. Silky smooth transmission. Very comfortable inside. The 4 cylinder has adequate power, but wont win any races. Wanted a 5 speed, but none available so took the auto - very smooth but not as fun. Previous car was a Subaru Legacy, and I miss the AWD. Accord consistently gets 23 MPG in mostly city driving. If doing it again, I might get a Civic SI...but overall, very pleased with the Accord.

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  Disappointed if Im going to be honest - 2011 Honda Accord
  By ur_valet - February 12 - 8:20 pm

  First its very noisy, sound insulation very low you wont even be able to use a Bluetooth. Stock stereo is total garbage no clarity above 40% of the volume. Very harsh ride definitely not for NYC streets. So far I average 22mpg with 40city/60hwy driving. It desperately needs a sixth gear because on a hwy u will have 3000rpm at 72mph probably will improve the mpgs as well. Overall its a very good looking car with nicely designed interior and for the money its hard to match but Koreans are getting very close. Once the lease expires will not be getting another honda. This is my 2nd and probably last unless they step up overall build quality. Very happy i didnt buy this.

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  Car dead for the third time - 2010 Honda Insight
  By yuk - February 12 - 2:42 pm

  Today on Saturday morning for the third time after I bought iit n September 2010 the car not responding to anything probably again because of dead battery. When the car is running it is OK, giving me around 42 MPG after 11K miles on rush hour highway/city. However, this dead car problems are the HUGE one. Usually, it happening if you are not using the car for couple days suggesting some battery drain. First time, the battery was replaced by local Honda service dealer. Second time, despite testing they didnt find any problems. Now, after couple weeks the car again dead leaving me w/o car for the whole weekend. If anybody have suggestions that I can pass to dealers would be appreciated.

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  Great, reliable, soccer-mom car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mach76 - February 12 - 11:51 am

  Bought my 04 in 07 with 34k miles. After 4 years & 100,000 miles the car has certainly fulfilled its mission very well. I originally evaluated this car against a BMW 3 or 5 series. I dearly wanted the latter but considered my budget & driving needs - I live in So Cal and would be making regular trips to Las Vegas for work. I envisioned myself in Baker with a broke-down Bimmer - calling in to work to say I cant make it due to car problems doesnt fly (Im a pilot). I searched for and found a 4-cyl. Accord-EX with leather and a stick. The stick to give myself at least the illusion of driving a real car. The 4-cyl. model for fuel economy and better reported reliability than the 6.