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:

• 

  Nice overall, but could use some fixes - 2010 Honda Fit
  By brian3339 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Fit Sport automatic for a commuter car. It is fun to drive, though Ive been a bit disappointed with the gas mileage. Im averaging 29, but at least half of it is highway driving. Pros: Fun to drive Decent "pep" Good handling Fit/finish excellent Small size allows you to park just about anywhere Cons: Underpowered AC - car is a mini solar oven with all the glass and black interior. AC has to stay cranked to cool the car. Poor cup holder placement - ones between gear shift and dash useless. Ones in front of vents need closed in order to keep coffee warm while AC is on. No drivers lumbar adjustment Flimsy trunk panel covering spare - cant hold much weight.

• 

  Good Job Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Daniel - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my accord. Couldnt be better.. There are a lot of pros and cons but to start off, FUEL ECONOMY! My V6 used less fuel than my brothers Suzuki Swift 1.6L.. Just amazing fuel economy! I dont like how Honda still uses a 5 speed and no manual shifting or anything. Navigation is a bit hard to use and finding places can be challenging unless you already know the address that needs to be entered. Stock tires are horrible, i feel shaking when going 120km/h + . Trunk space isnt very good at all especially with the DVD in the way from the GPS. Stereo isnt very good and subwoofer shakes the plastic too much (cheap built)All in all a very good car but Honda needs to do some updating SOON!

• 

  Love My Ellie! - 2005 Honda Element
  By EllieFan - October 3 - 2:00 am

  All I ever wanted was a Honda Element. Finally, after my 96 Chevy Beretta gave way, I bought a used one. I have two large dogs, and this was the only vehicle I would have. Couple of things. Its everything I thought it would be and more! The dogs have harnesses that attach to the seat belts, so no sliding around. I have two big dogs, so securing two crates to the back isnt an option. Secondly, for $3.50 from a big box store we all know and love, the big blind spots have been completely removed. Most neg. reviews were about blind spots, a very easy fix. And another was the pets sliding around. Well, get a harness. All problems fixed, and I couldnt be ANY happier with my Element.

• 

  Reliable But Poor Creature Comforts - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Spike710 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my EX 5 years ago and am replacing it with an Altima. Like all Hondas, it is cheap to operate, averaged 30 MPG, car looks good. But my back gets beat up in this car, so trips that exceed 30 minutes are painful, you feel every bump in the road and the road noise is so loud, you have to speak up on the phone or with passengers.

• 

  2010 vs 2011 - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - October 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a new 2010 before the 2011 model shipped. This week I physically inspected a new 2011. The new model is not as airy and open as the older model. The lowered roof line and higher belt line reduces the feeling of space from the 2nd and 3 rows children will have no complaints. The roof air vents are airline sized eyelets which may not distribute air as well as the larger style found in the older model. Rear visibility is reduced. The new model has a few refinements and I expect improved drive dynamics. But, the older Ody is a winner for visibility, ext side design and still competitive with the 2011.

• 

  Dog gets a new hauler - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After 30K on an 07 Element, time for more room for the dog. So far very happy with Odyssey. Ive pulled the middle seats out, rear seats down provide plenty of room for old rover. Gas mileage so far at 21, i usually cruise LA fwys at 70 mph + no complaints here. hope i dont have to have the new 11.

• 

  No 5th wheel anymore - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By pc - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2006 EX and while Ill miss the loaded features I added to it I am thrilled to have no loud slams from the tailgate w/spare tire. I wish there was an interior control to open the tailgate. The Honda craftsmanship is still evident throughout the interior. I like the non-glare material on top of the dash board. The exterior features meet my needs and the body design is obviously more aerodynamic and visually pleasing. After one day of highway (two hours) and suburb (three hours)driving I was satisfied with the get up and go entering the highway. I did buy a couple blind spot mirrors as I noticed my ability to view other lanes in the city was decreased with the new CR-V.

• 

  3000 mile review. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Owner - October 3 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good. The CR-V definitely leads the small SUV class in terms of refinement and build quality. No question there. As noted elsewhere (everywhere?), the low-end power (torque) is lacking on the CR-V however, once youre at cruising speed the power is adequate for normal, safe, efficient driving maneuvers. The only thing that would have made me second guess the purchase is if I lived in a hilly or mountainous region--those are the times when you can really feel/hear the 4 cylinder working hard to propel the vehicles substantial weight. Otherwise, the CR-V is a pleasure to drive. It feels nimble, reliable, and inspires a feeling of safety on the road.

• 

  Last honda van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By joe - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Replaced transmission at 44,000. Replaced mechanism for steering wheel controls. Having problems with side passenger door not locking at 49,000. Today driving home from park with kids side passenger door window drops off track. Need to replace. Not happy with this. Seems as you pay it off starts falling apart. Also replaced motor mounts at 35,000.

• 

  Cheap little civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Just for the record: "this was my wifes car before we got married, I would never have bought such a tiny little plastic car." Honda reliability everyone says? At about 10k miles the car wouldnt start, the lights and dashboard lights were flickering on and off every time I would try to start the car. This happened about 4 times. Every time this happened I needed a jump start, and had to wait about 1/2 hour for the car to calm down so I can restart it. About 1/2 a dozen times the car just would not start (even after replacing the battery). The interior? as cheap as they come, non- stop squeaks throughout the winter, NON-STOP! At about 40k miles the gas door would not even open anymore.