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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  My first Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Alvin - July 22 - 8:40 am

  This is my first Honda. I had a 1997 jeep Wrangler for 9 years before this car. So you can see that I plan to keep my cars for a long period of time. When I was impressed when I first layed eyes on the civic. The style is sharp. It has a kind of sports car but with nice comfort. The five-speed is quick the way I like it. And the EX offers a looong list of standard equipment including a sun-roof and 350 watt stero. My family cannot believe I only paid $17200 for this car. The only extra the car does not come with is the navigation system. But I already know where I am going. I have had the car for 2900 miles and I love it. For the money, I would truly recommend this car.

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  Overpriced, but a good car. - 1995 Honda Accord
  By JohnR - July 21 - 3:29 pm

  I have had this Accord for a while now, and while being frugal and easy (though rarely fun) to drive, these cars are most certainly overpriced for what you get. A similarly equipped Ford Taurus has a V6 engine and costs about 1/2 as much at this age. My previous car was a 1993 Taurus that was still (barely) running after a very rough 290,000 miles. I have no doubt that the Accord will make it to those miles, but repairs cost more, the car costs more, etc. The Taurus was more roomy and more comfortable, and better suited to the long-haul drives I frequently subject my cars to. However, the Accord is about 100 times better than my other car, a 1999 Saturn SL.

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  Satisfied owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bluegrass owner - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love after and bought the car after first test drive. Was close to getting the Highlander. Thought this is a better deal given third row seating, sturdier look and feel, better sound system, manly interior design.

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  Civic VX - 1994 Honda Civic
  By truespeed01 - July 20 - 5:32 pm

  Well I just bought my civic and I just love it. I get 40 mpg with its vtec motor under the hood. It has 75000 miles on it and orig bought it to do a motor swap. But the stock motor is so great I am gonna hold off a few more weeks and enjoy the great gas mileage. As far as the inside the cup holders are the worst ever your better off using the center console and the seat. The stock seats are horrible and I added some seats front a newer RSX type S.As far as the interior other than the seats everything is nice I also replaced the dash lights with led bulbs to brighten them up a bit. Car Is fun to drive and is a great platform to build off of. With the swap it runs 13s and gets 30 mpg.Yay crvtec!

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  Excellent economy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jerund - July 20 - 3:27 pm

  We are typically getting 48 mpg during the summer, with air conditioning on, and about 45 in the winter in Rochester NY. On top of that, while not peppy, the car can work into traffic without fear, and weve used it on vacation with two other people and luggage in the car. My only complaint is when it drops gear while climbing hills on cruise and revs too high. Built very solid, best door thud of any car weve owned, and has been no trouble at all, aside from one recall notice, covered while in for an oil change. Also, oil is changed by indicator, not by miles, which for us is about 10 months. Shopping now for another Civic, a coupe this time.

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  Got 3 kids in carseats? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg - July 20 - 2:17 pm

  We recently purchased the EX-L model. We paid $28,200 including the audible back-up sensors (rear bumper) option. Tax, Tags, Title, processing fee was extra. We are disappointed after bringing the car home and discovering that there are latch anchors for only 1 car seat in the 3rd row. What that means is that we need to put our other two kids in the 2nd row seats. This eliminates your ability to slide one of the 2nd row seats up for easy access to the 3rd row. It also prevents mom from sitting in the 2nd row next to the newborn. The Toyota Sienna has latch anchors for 2 car seats in the 3rd row.

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  Best crossover SUV! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Clinton70 - July 20 - 11:17 am

  What is a SUV that can get the mileage of a car? The Honda CR-V is the answer. If youre not a lead foot, gas mileage is always in the 20s and can be up to and in excess of 30. An SUV where you can get sunroof, leather, and everything save for the navi under $25k. Drives and handles nice for a SUV. Wish the leather was more plush but this is probably better for long term drives and for your back. Center console is nice. As is three power outlets. Plenty of storage compartments. Cant go wrong with this car. It is consistently a value holder and a reliability champ! Two wheel drive is all you need unless you live in a ski resort or next to the Great Lakes.

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  Super Reliability - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ibjcus - July 19 - 8:12 pm

  Bought this 5 years ago and have had very few problems. The cheap tires that came with it had to be replaced after one year. We have also replaced the backup light switch and a relay for the blower motor. We just replaced the rear brakes at 105,000 miles but the front still had some life left. Gas mileage isnt great at 23-26 mpg. Great in the snow once the original tires were replaced. This car wont win any races and if it does the gas mileage will really be poor. However the engine is still pretty powerful up in the mountains with a full load, and you can pass confidently on the highway. Super maneuverable in parking lots and tight spaces. Very noisy on the highway.

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  Getting used to my new car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By specialfind1 - July 19 - 5:26 pm

  I have had this car for a week now. Am sure I will get used to this vehicle soon, which is why I wanted to write before getting too accustomed to it. Was driving a Chrysler Sebring Convertible before this (a great guy magnet) but owned many Hondas previous to that, including the Accord, Odyssey and a CRV. Seats are very uncomfortable. Back seat was exceptionally uncomfortable for three passengers. Hondas used to have nearly flawless, logical interior design but the company just went too cheap on this model. Sun visor cannot even be quickly pulled down because roof indentation is on right-hand side of visor. Car is noisy too, including whistling windshield noise of unidentifiable origin.

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  Unusual noises - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - July 19 - 1:18 pm

  It makes loud brake noises, especially at low speeds. In addition, I hear the chip noises go on and off every time I accelerate the car. I dont think my next car is a Honda again.