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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  design needs help - 2008 Honda Fit
  By needs design improve - August 23 - 3:57 pm

  The AC is weak and cannot overcome the black interior in the sun. A light gray interior needs to be standard. The seats need help, I have a strong back and never have back ache, but the seats on the Fit are bad on trips over 50 miles. Seats are also too hard. Rear visibility is blocked by the rear seat head rests. Tire noise is excessive. The "smart key" costs a fortune for less anti-theft benefit than a cheap "Club", and returns an insurance reduction of only $8 a year(10% off the theft portion), about a tenth the replacement key cost. HOLD TIGHT On the positive the engine performance is adequate. The car is quite, tires excluded. The headroom is excellent, and leg room is great.

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  Most fun econohatch for tall people - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jon - August 23 - 1:00 pm

  For first car, wanted to get an economical hatch that didnt feel like "my dads car." The Fit hit all of the buttons. Lots of usable cargo space, simple user-friendly interior, dash and controls, and is a blast to drive. Didnt think an economical car could be fun to drive, but the Fit is. Granted, its no Mini or Mazda3 or real sports car, but its by far the most sporty of the economy hatchbacks and while it may not have the power that a real sports car has, it sure feels like one. Has to count for something, IMHO. Requires extra responsibility when driving.

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  Excellent car until transmission goes - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Nathan - August 23 - 11:35 am

  We have loved this car-, early perfect reliability and fine performance. Could be more comfortable, but that was a small price to pay for perfect performance over 8 years. The transmission is gone, though, and the timing belt needs to be replaced. The complete repair/maintenance bill is going to run around 3000 or more. The car has basically lost all its value in 9 years. So the value could be better.

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  My little HR Vie - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By lmara - August 23 - 5:51 am

  Nice small crossover for its class with plenty of trunk space. Biggest downer on this vehicle is the trunk door. It is heavy and someone who is short like myself has a hard time closing it. Need two hands to close the door shut which is difficult if you have other things you are carrying. The car needs a power lift gate and should have been included in the EX-L trim.

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  Stay Away from 2002-03 - A/C Nightmare - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Crescentan - August 22 - 6:06 pm

  Weve had our 2002 CR-V for nearly six years and over 100,000 miles and have been quite satisfied with the car. It is incredibly roomy for such a small car, a decent road trip car and economical to operate. BUT Hondas a/c compressors for the CR-V and Element for 2002-03 were badly designed and fail catastrophically, requiring every bit of the a/c system to be replaced at a cost around $3,200. Our first such failure was under warranty at about 70,000 miles in September 2006 and the 2nd 18 months later. We paid $800+ plus labor this time since its out of warranty. Doubtless, if we keep the car, well replace it again in 18 months or so.

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  New CRV EX-L NAV AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CRV1Buyer - August 20 - 8:46 am

  First I must say I was treated very well by Honda Morristown in TN. The reviews are dead on. This is a great SUV!!! More power would be great but I would not sacrifice mileage for it! Change holder and lighted vanity mirrors would be nice as would Home link--but I have to look very hard to find something I do not like about this SUV! Drive one youll see what I mean!

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  more than satisfied - 2003 Honda S2000
  By doob - August 20 - 2:00 am

  While this car is essentially a one trick pony, I really like this car. Glad I kept my 90 CRX Si (I love this car) it a workhorse.

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  Transmission going - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mary - August 19 - 3:25 pm

  76,000 miles, had new brakes at 50,000, now need new transmission. Whats going on? I thought Honda cars lasted forever. What causes transmissions to go? What will the car do when the transmission goes? This car needs more zip & doesnt like sharp turns. I can feel the tendency to turn over.

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  Better than first impressions - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Flooded Kiwi - August 19 - 1:55 pm

  Found the Ridgeline does not stand out out in any one area, however it does do everything very well. Performance is Ok if you get on it hard enough there is just a ton of storage room (more than it looks 15 in the city and 19 on the highway and it seems to be getting better. I have 4000 miles on it now and no problems. Some rattles and squeaks from the front dash corners by the windscreen where the speakers are which will be repaired at its first service. I am liking my ridgeline more and more as I drive it. Under the back seat fits my golf bag with the seats down:)I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with realistic expectations

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  Reliable but Noisy and Low - 1998 Honda Civic
  By eyendall - August 19 - 11:58 am

  I bought this car new and have been driving it for almost 10 years in all kinds of weather conditions. It is a good car: well built, good finish, reliable, and economical on gas and repair bills. The only major faults I have with it are excessive highway noise and a low door sill making it difficult to get in and out of the car.