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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  Exhaust Manifold Problems - 1998 Honda Civic
  By BigBri - February 6 - 10:00 am

  96 and 97 Civics had an issue with their exhaust manifolds cracking. The EPA forced Honda to extend their warranty. I had the exact same problem with my 98 Civic, but Honda did not assume any liability. I was unimpressed by their corporate customer service. The car is great, but that exhaust manifold was a pain!

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  I am now a believer in the minivan - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Sam K. - February 5 - 6:02 am

  The minivan...what a great invention. Never thought Id get a minivan. It was always RR and S550, but boy what a wonderful and practical car. Ive driven my buddys Sienna and it does not compare to the Odyssey. Toyota tried too hard, whereas Honda is just so good in this market. The only gripe that I have is that someside door armrest stains do not come out easily (i.e. sunscreen residue). Other than that, the slow acceleration, long braking distance, plastic interior pieces are all expected in this vehicle. I will always have an Odyssey in the garage. Perfect road trip and people hauling vehicle.

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  Dissapointing gas mileage - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Diane - February 4 - 6:53 pm

  The 2009 Accord is our eighth Honda. I am very happy about the safety and reliability of these cars. This car has improvements on the 2006 model such as regular tires which gives a much smoother ride. They have included fog lights at no extra charge. However, the seats are very hard compared to the 06. Very disappointing gas mileage 17-19 mpg avg. Much worse than the 06 V6. Considering the new VCM technology it should be much better. It should not cut off the cylinders so often, it should be after you are cruising for a few minutes on the highway. And, you can feel it going back and forth.

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  Minivan Must-Have - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccerball22 - February 3 - 1:10 am

  Shortly after purchasing our Odyssey, we loaded 4 adults, two kids, & two large boxes into the van for a trip to the park. Not only were we all comfortable, but we could have easily fit another 2 adults. The ride is smooth, and the van corners like a coupe.

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  great car but i have a few issues - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By racerj36 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Very nice. Doesnt get promised mileage, more trips to gas station. Speaker makes a tint sound and Honda finally agreed to replace it but it will take months to order. Windshield ding from rock was not even noticable but became a crack which grew every few days. Honda recommended factory glass, said only $100 more than non factory but i pressed for a price and it turn out to be a lot more for factory glass. $255 versus $600. Went with Non-factory and it looks identicle.

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  Not so happy anymore... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HHmmm... - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in March 2003. When I first bought the car, I loved it. Loved the feel of luxury for only $28,000. After about a year of ownership, here are the things that now make me not such a happy camper anymore: harsh ride- no cushioning from the bumpy streets); poor quality speakers; poor build quality (had to change my windshield wiper due to a manufacturer defect, as well as the glovebox would not close properly, have to make sure that one pulls the parking brake up past the second click, otherwise ACCIDENT!- another story); TCS function is at best irritating when accelerating and it kicks in due to gravel on the road; poor handling during snow.

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  Love the van, hate the MPG. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve, KY - January 30 - 8:16 am

  First 3K miles have been fairly uneventful. Van rides and drives like a dream with plenty of pickup and a resonabley quiet cabin. The overall fit and finish seems to be quite good and all controls logically placed. Did encounter a flat tire at 2K (non-PAC) and no michelin dealer in town (Louisville, KY) carried the replacement, dealer had to order and it took five days. The biggest disappointment has been with the gas mileage. Neither my wife or I have gotten over 19MPG. We got as low as 13 in the city. Overall weve been averaging about 15-18 MPG. Well below what is stating as the range. The dealer has asked me to provide receipts with documented mileage to help track the issue.

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  Most reliable car Ive owned - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By joepsu - January 28 - 4:18 pm

  Owned the CR-V for 4 years now. Long commutes to work and the car is extremely reliable. Not the fastest acceleration, but the manual tranny helps keep up the pace. Only 1-2 problems so far. Alternator went at 95k and I couldnt replace it myself (close quarters to remove bolts). The TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) malfunctioned causing stalls and rough idle at 100k. This is a common problem shared with the Acura RSX and Civic (same part) and to my surprise Honda dosent sell this part (normally $50) seperately but wants you to buy a whole new throttle body ($750+). Replaced with an aftermarket TPS for $75. Otherwise a great vehicle!

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  Overall pretty nice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BPW - January 28 - 3:33 pm

  Originally intended to buy an Altima but after that dealership was lame went to drive the Accord and I was sold. Its a nice, basic car and Im pleased with the vehicle over all. Rides well and the features are nice. The only complaint I would have was that w/ my 6cyl Passport I was getting 21 mpg like clockwork and w/ this 4cyl Accord Im getting 25.5 Something doesnt seem right with that. However, overall Im happy with the car.

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  Element is a good little car - 2007 Honda Element
  By DWoodman - January 28 - 3:25 pm

  I was drawn to the Element by the interior flexibility and suicide doors and it doesnt look like a mini-van. My previous car, however was a Subaru Forester and I think Honda could take some lessons from Subaru on building AWD drive trains. This car has torque steer on hard acceleration and there is a lot of wheel spin on wet pavement. Once you get the element going, its a hoot to drive. I am interested, though, to see how this car will perform in snow (a little worried). The ABS works well which will be good for snow driving. I miss not having the headlights turn off when I turn the ignition off, although, the warning bell has kept me out of trouble so far. I could do without sunroof