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:

• 

  Best idea I every had - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By craftyhorse - July 25 - 11:13 pm

  I use to own a truck and needed something that can haul people and stuff and get good gas mileage. This little car has it all. I even pull a trailer with 5 people in it and still get about 23 to 25 mpg. I get about 27 to 29 with the right gas and drive the speed limit. Does tight turns very well and I love to show that off. After I bought one, my parents needed a tow vehicle and ended up buying the 2007 edition.

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brian F - July 24 - 11:33 pm

  I traded in my 4wd SUV for a 2008 Civic EX w/nav for the purposes of reducing my monthly payment and cutting my fuel consumption. Mission accomplished. I figure to save around $400 a month (about $150 on payment and $250 on gas). I fully expected to sacrifice power, comfort, and cargo space. While I did lose a little power, the Civic is surprisingly and deceptively roomy on the interior. And the large trunk and fold-down rear seats allow for more than adequate cargo capacity. Adequate power, plenty of room (even for me at 6 tall and 220 lbs), and an interior (with voice activated navigation and digital gages) that gives off a "luxury car" feel leaves me with no regrets whatsoever.

• 

  Long lasting - 1993 Honda Civic
  By MG - July 24 - 7:09 pm

  My civic was bought it Texas.The original owner took it to Toronto, then moved to Montreal, I bought it in 2005 for $2200 I drove from Montreal to Banff with a cost of $310 in gas, ACROSS THE COUNTRY. Since Ive had it I put about $1100in repairs and maintenance, brake cylinder, radiator, thermo, bushings. Nothing major.

• 

  Windshield doesnt clear snow well - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sd - July 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought the car new. Overall, very happy with it, however in snowy conditions the snow doesnt clear well because its recessed about 1" for some reason and the wipers wipe to the outside edges of the windshield. Have also suffered rock chips in the paint in unusual places (i.e., near the gas door, on the edge of the door near the left rear window, on the roof) places that cant be blamed on other peoples doors in the parking lot. Honda dealer says "oh well, too bad". Initially wanted the Si, but was commuting then, and needed economy, the 140 hp in the EX is very impressive, and I have no complaints about it.

• 

  Tranny, tranny, tranny, tranny! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By babs - July 23 - 7:47 pm

  The 2002 Honda Odyssey is an ideal family car and ours has managed to ferry us on many memorable trips. When its not undergoing repair, were happy with almost every aspect of the van. However, almost alone among Hondas, this particular model has had persistent problems with its automatic transmission. For us, the problem has recurred with EACH transmission installed to replace the original equipment. The initial transmission was the subject of a national recall (Honda Service Bulletin 04-021). We have also replaced the original tranny THREE times. No kidding!! Were very disappointed.

• 

  Great Van... Trans went out at 65k - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - July 23 - 3:02 pm

  The Odyssey is a great minivan, powerful and good looking. Smartly designed interior and very comfortable to ride in.

• 

  Great 8 Passenger Compromise - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Charlie1009 - July 23 - 12:10 pm

  Our Pilot is a great compromise between a mini-van and a large SUV. We wanted three rows of seating, with enough room in the third to accomodate teens for rides of up to one hour. Handling and ride are car-like, ergonomics are good, interior design is simple and attractive and the vehicle is comfortable for 4-6 persons, at least long enough to get everyone to sports practice. Six-airbag setup was a must and is standard. Mileage with the Pilot is merely OK (17 mpg in town and 24 mpg at a steady 80 mph. If you regularly haul more than 5 for long periods of time, look at a larger minivan instead.

• 

  Reliability - 2001 Honda Civic
  By mdgrrrl - July 23 - 10:00 am

  When it was time to retire my 1990 Accord, I knew I was going to buy another Honda because of their reliability. Unfortunately, the new Accords were out of my price range, but I fell in love with the redesigned Civic. It doesnt have the pick up of the Accord and it feels less substantial on the road but I was looking for a car that would be on the road 99.99% of the time, get good gas mileage, and protect me in an accident, not a zippy car that was "fun" to drive. I definitely got exactly what I was looking for and I have never regretted the decision to buy.

• 

  Not the ride I expected.... - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Steven Palumbo - July 23 - 9:49 am

  I expected the Honda Accord to have a smooth ride with great pick up ... It did not... There was a constant vibration in the steering wheel, while driving at 60 mph... Very disturbing on a new car... Wondered what would happen over time... Decided not to trust the reliability of Honda products any longer after having so many recalls on my current Hondas 3 of them to be exact... Even the new 2016 Honda Civic has already 2 major recalls... It is to bad Honda does not stand behind their products or care about their loyal customers... Hello brand new Toyota Camry.

• 

  What a great car...really. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Whitney - July 23 - 2:30 am

  I have had my CR-V for almost 3 years now and it never seems to grow old on me. For an SUV (albeit a smaller one) it has great pickup, is comfortable for all who ride in it, and is very user friendly. It takes 5 seconds to turn the backseat down and create cargo space. As someone who has moved 3 times in 3 years to places 700 miles from each other, the CR-V has been a lifesaver, not just for my moves, but on a day to day basis.