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:

• 

  dangerous obstruction - 2004 Honda Element
  By amylou - September 9 - 3:10 pm

  I have enjoyed my Honda Element. Ease of cleaning is top of the list. The primary complaint I have is that there is a profound obstruction in the view of oncoming traffic due to the vertical supports on the sides of the front windshield. I have had more than two very near miss T-bones because I absolutely didnt see oncoming cars and pulled out in front of them. After I realized the problem I compensate for that now, but this is a serious safety issue.

• 

  Slightly dissapointed - 2008 Honda Fit
  By chin - September 9 - 1:17 pm

  Got the fit sport 5 speed.after 2000 miles, the average MPG is around 33. strictly highway around 37.expected more from such a small car.(coming from a 02 Chevy Prizm) I drive the speed limit, slow starts and all the tricks on the book. 109hp feels weaker than 105 hp on a 96 geo prizm. engine screams at 70 mph.(over 3500 rpm) the good: perfect transmission, one of the best Ive seen. fun to drive.responsive engine.quality interior for the price.Honda reliability (hopefully)

• 

  Good but uncomfortable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By avinash - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have 2002 CRV for the last 18 months. It is good, reliable but the ride is very bumpy and harsh (a nice way to put it is "sports" ride with road feel). The tires (Bridgestone dueller) are worn out at 30K. Engine had idling problems - dealer replaced a CVT valve - made a small difference. Seats have very low padding. Thinking of trading for a Highlander.

• 

  Good Car, but why did I buy it? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Matt3 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I got the DX model, 135 horses but no A/C, no CD player, no creature comforts of any kind. It only has about 20,000 miles on it so I lucked out in getting a reliable car, but I cant stand knowing that come summer, Ill be sweltering in my new black car. Performance is decent, body style and interior room is great. I like the standard transmission, very driver- friendly car.

• 

  Whered the quality go? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SpunOwT - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, great car. 2 main issues though. #1. There is way too much body roll #2 Hondas quality is slipping. In the two weeks I have owned this car, I have found a number of mfg. defects, e.g. improperly wired dome and spot lights, rattling noise from the dashboard, rought downshift into first where it actually catches with the cluth all the way in, the plastic screw cover from the truck popped out, the eyeglass holder wont stay locked, for the price of the car the speakers are really poor, the Navi is OK but the UI is a little klugey, the voice activation system is also pretty klugey, and I think thats it.

• 

  2003 automatic transimission fails - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jay - September 7 - 8:13 pm

  We bought our 2003 Accord used and owned it for 12 months when the transmission failed at 67K miles. $2,700 Ouch! In researching we found that transmission failures in 2003 Accords are quite common. Take a look at the April 2008 Consumer Reports Used-car reliability report and youll see how evident it is that Honda had a problem with these transmissions. Despite the clear evidence of a problem Honda will not stand behind these failures. If you have a 2003 Honda Accord sell, sell, sell while your vehicle value is still high and you havent suffered the cost of a transmission rebuild or replacement.

• 

  Nifty SUV - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Al Vingelis - September 7 - 3:17 pm

  Compare other comparable SUVs and the CR-V comes out ahead.

• 

  HX Transmission Problems - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jim paige - September 7 - 10:00 am

  CVT Transmission develops problems at idle ($4500 to replace)- RPMs race up and down- started at 40,000 miles- Honda knows about this "problem". Found out it is common problem- we are trying to get Honda to replace at no charge- because it is $4500 for new transmission (cannot rebuild or repair CVT) and car is worth $7000

• 

  Honda seats - 2001 Honda Accord
  By tennisjanice - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, however for trips longer than about 2 hours, the seats can be very hard and painful.

• 

  My 3003 Honda EX V6 experience - 2003 Honda Accord
  By O.R.C - September 6 - 5:44 pm

  Purchased my Honda in December of 2002. My family has had six Hondas, and they have all been good reliable vehicles. I probably will wont live long enough to wear it out