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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  Very Nice - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By John - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the van for 9 years and put 61k miles on it. At 50,000 miles I had all the fluids, including the transmission, changed out. I have maintained it very well and am very pleased with it. Absolutely no transmission problems.

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  Excellent Car to have - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hiren - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last March. I am really happy having this car in terms of fuel economy.but have to compromise in performance. it has slow accelerating capacity annoying sometimes, rest over all good , no complaints,

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  Honda Civic 2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Inrm - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2004 with 32,000 miles. It has now 150,000 miles and still runs GREAT. Fuel economy is awesome. I drive a lot and Ive taken my car everywhere and weve never had a serious problem with it. Of course, we keep it well maintained. The most serious problem Ive had with it, was when I had to replace a part of the engine that cost almost $1,000 dollars. we also had to replace the radiator, but this is a very reliable car. I love it!

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  Excellent - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By dc - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very happy with my purchase. Excellent ride and great for my young family

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  Small outside, Large inside - 2010 Honda Fit
  By dutch - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Needed a small versatile car with good fuel economy. Considered Prius but could not justify additional cost given low annual mileage. Also wanted car with large doors and easy to get in and out. Looked at Ford fiesta. But build quality and costs drove decision to Honda fit. Toyota Yaris cute but no 5 door. So far really happy with the fit.

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  Mistake - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this for my wife with all of the options... This was our 4th CR-V and nothing but issues. Picked up from dealership took on road trip. Around 400 miles rack and pinion broke, hit rain storm no wipers, cant get more than 21 mpg on hwy, pieces coming off of dash, I have had it in the dealer for 5 weeks and they cant figure how to fix it. Keep getting run around. Will not buy another Honda and is a real shame as I have had about 10 over the past 20 years. I had also contacted Honda Corporate and they never returned a call or sent a note. They always want a good survey guess they cant take the bad and stick behind product.

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  Peeling grill paint & needs more power - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Tim H. - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This could be a fantastic vehicle with a few changes. 1. Needs more power 2. Fix this inherent problem with the peeling paint in the grill. I noticed it a day after I got it home. Seriously folks. Who in the hell wants to pay twenty five grand for a brand new car with peeling paint ? 3. Front seats have ridges on the sides of the bottoms making it difficult to get in and out of. Dont know what they were thinking there! Aside from those items, a great car.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Wynonah - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Great Car!! Here are the cars I have owned in the past few years. (I change my cars about every 6 months). I have a friend in the car business so when a new deal comes up we sell my car and get a new pre-owned one. I have had a Lexus ES300, Infinity I30, Two Lincoln Continentals and my last car was an Acura RL. I no longer look for or want another car. My 2008 Civic EX is a keeper.

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  Super Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Airzilla - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car! I thought my best car ever was my much loved black 1988 Honda CRX Si that I bought brand new right after college. After getting through college in a 1985 CRX, I had to have another one as I thought the CRX was the perfect little sports car. Well, eventually I needed something to haul around my drum kit and gear to gigs. I acquired a 2005 Element EX AWD with about 21,000 miles on it. It now has 138,000 and has literally NEVER been in the shop. All I have ever done is changed the fluids and filters per the recommended schedule. In fact, I have only recently put on new front brakes. Overall, an incredible vehicle and I am currently looking to sell this one and purchase another.

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  Like this better than any new one - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, still running great at over 90K. Comfortable and non-fatiguing--Ive driven dozens of 1000+ mile trips in it, most in 1 shot. I love the storage space between the front seats--still havent seen another SUV like it. Brakes started pulsing at 45K, machining helps only temporarily. Cannot get EPA gas mileage. I like at new SUVs, and just dont see anything Id like better, so Ill just keep this one as long as its reliable.