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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  Gotta Love it - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By HLLS - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this with 56k miles on it. it has 199k now. This has been the most dependable car we have ever owned. I bought wife a Mazda van and parked it for 18 months till daughter was old enough to drive. Started right up, took it to mechanic who had to clean the nox valves to get it to pass emissions and charged the AC and it was back in perfect condition till the daughter totaled it. Airbags allowed to teenagers to walk away from almost head on collision. Right now I am pondering another 95 Odyssey with a blown transmission to put this tranny in because in 18 months I have another kid ready to drive!

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  Awesome - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cwhulser - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ridgeline! The first one was perfect and so is this one. It is the perfect combination of rugged and elegant!

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  A Turd! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By enginagogo - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car straight from the boat-with 6 miles. The 6 months were fine but since, its been a rattling, oil leaking piece of junk. I have had to take it in to have it looked at for rattling once and have to take it back again. At 60 mph, it rattles and whines. The Fit is the cheapest car in the Honda line-up and it shows. Its cheap. I cant wait to be rid of it.

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  Honda Marriage on the Rocks! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - November 8 - 2:00 am

  It was love at first sight, but after 26,000 mi, Im close to filing for divorce on my 2008 Odyssey! "How do I unlove thee? Let me count the Defects!" 1. Rattles and window whistles from day one. 2. Mushy brakes: Recalled 3. Shutter and maddening erratic shifting: Re- programmed Transmission. 4. Loud Power Steering noises: Replaced plugged Power Steering Reservoir. 5. And, finally, failed Torque Converter: Replaced. I really what to love her, but shes making it awfully difficult. I guess, like some beautiful women, shes great to look at but shes nothing but trouble on the inside! I hope Honda doesnt run out of parts before the warranty expires!

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  Sales and service - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kathy714 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride , both in the city and highway, window visibility excellent. mileage, almost 30 on highway. handles easily.

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  Great New Ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By JO - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Cute car with great gas mileage. I am a first time Honda owner. The sound system sounds fine to me. There is significant road noise but I just turn up the radio and it doesnt bother me. My only complaint is that the seats are very uncomfortable. My Toyota is much more comfortable. The dash is impressive. I dont mind the emergency brake placement either. If Hondas are as good as everyone says, I will drive this one for a long time.

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  Great little sporty car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Monopoly - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Great little all around car. So far Ive driven 8000 km. What I love most is the engine and super smooth clutch and transmission. The I-vtec is peppy paired with limited slip diff and summer tires. It loves high rpm reminds me of a sport bike. Car handles very well with little body roll. Makes an excellent commuter car if your looking for something more fun to drive than your typical Civic dx/lx/ex etc. It needs 91oct and Ive been averaging 28-29 mpg mostly highway driving somewhat aggressive. The car looks great cosmetically in coupe form compared to other cars in its class. But lacks acceleration to keep up with its competition.

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  Caravan to Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mister Bill - November 7 - 1:00 am

  After totaling my 2003 Dodge Caravan, I looked at 5 different vehicles to replace it and ended up with an Insight. The fuel mileage is what sold me on a lease. The car has a hi tech proven power train vs. the KIA Forte which has a higher tech interior only. The ride is busy but produces good handling on cornering despite the battery weight. The main review states that the engine crankshaft keeps rotating yet often my tachometer goes to 0 at a full stop? and I just snicker that the guy next to me is burning fuel going nowhere. he he. There is some rattling going over bumps coming from the open back area. Have to take it back to be looked at.

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  New Honda Fit Sport 2010 - 2010 Honda Fit
  By dakotarain - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Just bought a Honda Fit Sport 2010 after months of research. I love my new car, great price, and financing. It is super fun to zip around town in and looks so sporty. Gas mileage on the way home from the purchase was over 35 miles per gallon. I commute a total of 50 miles a day and usually have over 1/4 tank left over at the end of the week. My only complaint is that I have nowhere to rest my elbow while driving. The door arm rest is too low and the little driver side arm rest is too short. Its awkward to find a comfortable driving position. I had to buy my own Honda floor mats as they refused to throw them in on the deal.

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  Worst Honda I have owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By clay58 - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I have owned 3 trouble free Honda Accords prior to buying this 2004. I cannot recommend the 2004 Accord but I am well pleased with Honda service. Bought this certified used Honda with 13,000 miles on it. Came with a 7/100,000 mile power-train warranty. The radio went out in Feb 2010. Honda replaced it free of charge. The brake master cylinder failed at 75,000 miles and I replaced it myself. Then last month Oct, 2010 the transmission failed with 77,000 miles on the odometer. The cost to replace the transmission was $3,500 at the dealer. Warranty ran out 5 weeks prior to the trans failing. After a call to Honda they agreed to pay $2,500 on this repair even though it was out of warranty. Great!