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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  Ten years and still good - 1998 Honda Civic
  By steevo - August 5 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car new in 1998 and am surprised at how well it has stood up. Things Ive replaced are the timing beltx2, starter, front brake pads (rear drums are original!), water pump, muffler and fluids. Stuff I would expect to replace on a ten year old car. It is just a reliable car that is a bit underpowered but is easy on fuel. I prefer the styling of the hatch and wish the newest hatch would come to north America. The hatch fits a 36" CRT TV.

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  I only buy the safest! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By The Driver - August 4 - 7:00 pm

  Unfortunately we have had many issues with our brakes. They seem to need “time” to build pressure. When we leave our house, stopping at the stop sign takes a lot of work. Now I don’t mean it is impossible to stop, just uncomfortable. I have taken it into the dealership many times and they seem to do something that makes the brakes feel great at the time, but in a few weeks they go back to feeling the same. I’m still dealing with this issue after about 5 months now and I’m in the process of getting a lawyer to get it taken back on lemon law. Don’t get me wrong thought I’m very comfortable when driving and it looks stylish. In my opinion it gets great gas mileage for a minivan. Check it out!

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  Sooo bummed about LOW, LOW mileage!!!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By katrinka - August 4 - 12:32 am

  This is my sixth new Honda purchase, all others were Civics, both manual and AT,and Ive never experienced such low mileage,in spite of driving in the same manner for 35 years. I average 20 (TWENTY!) mpg, with city/ highway combined. On one semi long trip the mileage climbed to 24. Now, I am still below the supposed 1,000 mile break in point, but do plan to have the vehicle examined, as I purchased it for its size, ease and mileage! GUARANTEED? Should the mileage PROBLEM be solved, Id recommend this vehicle highly. There are options one can purchase to solve any concerns listed below. Most owners report great mileage. The MT FIT gets up to 40,as DOES my 1991/MT Honda Civ-140K!

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  Dependable Car but short-lived AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Yam - August 4 - 12:12 am

  I have my CR-V now for almost 4 years and Im happy with it. But just 3 days ago, the AC system gave up at 49,000 miles. Mechanic told me to take it to the dealership because hed seen at least 4 Hondas with the same problem. The dealership, after contacting Honda, decided to charge me just $160 to change the whole AC system as they realized that this thing has been becoming too common for 3 to 4 yr. old CR-Vs. If ever your CR-V AC gives up on you, contact the dealership before shelling out thousands of dollars at private auto shops. Big chance they will cover it for you even if your car is passed the warranty period.

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  great value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Missouri Breaks - August 3 - 2:58 pm

  12 months and 60,000 miles. I think its broken in. It is what I expected it to be. Get 40 mpg when I drive like an old man. My highway mileage is closer to 35 mpg. The ride is on a par with my Mustang GT. The workmanship is ok. The power is about what is expected from a 90 ci engine. I will say the acceleration is about like my old Buick 225s. 455 vs 90 ci. Ill take the 90. Passing? Chose the right gear, keep the revs up and it does ok. Center armrest? Get a big, long, round pillow. A/C cant keep up? Tint the windows. Doesnt perform like you wish? It is what it is. Pretty darn good car, especially when you look at the price. Cheap carpet? Oh well, look at the price.

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  Great if you can afford a new tranny - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Liz K. - August 2 - 9:33 am

  We have only had ours for a year and a half. It has 95,000 and a DEAD transmission. Called American Honda and they told us ours has been serviced under the warranty in Feb 05. Well whatever they did only lasted 3 1/2 years and now we have a $4000+ bill for a new transmission and an Electronic Computer Unit. They told us take it to your local Honda dealer, let them diagnose and they will tell us if they can help cover any charges. Most likely if they cant help us it will be gone. We cant risk needing a new transmission every 3 1/2 years. If it werent for safety ratings Id have an American made van with a cheaper tag for parts and better service

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  Stay away from Honda product built in UK - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - August 1 - 2:21 pm

  This vehicle fell short of what I expected from a Honda product. I began hearing noise from the rear end at about 15,000 miles. I had repeated problems with the audio system,as well. Most recently at 38,000 miles, the airbag sensor light goes on once in a while. Forget about any help from Honda when the warranty expires. My local Honda dealer charges $100 an hour and does not provide free loaner cars. Im back to Toyotas after this experience with Honda. A UK built Honda can be identified by the the first digit of the VIN being a "S".

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  What an Asset! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Marsha Mitchell - August 1 - 2:11 am

  What an incredible vehicle! We were able to refinance this vehicle in 2007 and payoff some bills. It runs well and looks great still and still has good value!

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  Best Minivan Overall - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By steelerfan786 - July 31 - 11:46 am

  This is my second review. My first was right after the purchase. I noticed that a lot of people have complained about the mileage especially on an EX- L. I own a EX and when it was new the mileage was a little disappointing. Live in Chicago Took a trip to Michigan with it. With the Van full of people and luggage doing 75mph on cruise I Got 23.2 mpg. My best in the city after first oil change was 19 mpg I was pretty impressed. I noticed that now it has 6200 miles the mileage has improved. I keep my climate control on auto, all the time and idle the van because of the cold before driving.

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  the highest R.O.I. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By crack - July 28 - 9:37 pm

  Cars are money pits. There is no way to "win". This is BY FAR the closest I have come to beating the system. 163,750 miles with NO major repairs. Distributor (O2 sensor) is only repair. Replaced trunk shocks but I put a lot of wear on them. I have been using the car for the last 18 months to do landscaping! My friends laughed at me at first but at 35-40 MPG I am laughing all the way PAST the gas station! Will need clutch work soon and I will not hesitate to invest in this car. I am confident I will put 300,000 miles on this car before I am done with it.