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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  Love this Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By carmengiz - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We love Hondas because of their reliability, but we LOVE this truck because of its style, comfort, and room. It is by far our favorite vehicle weve ever owned!

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  One Awedome Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Richard - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this black beauty with 30,000 miles on it and am amazed at its performance, economy, handling, and comfort levels. Its definitely at the top of its class and better than many costing thousands more. I put 18 inch 2009 Honda wheels on it (with 235/40/ZR18 Michelin tires), and it corners like its on rails. The black leather interior says luxury in every aspect. No amenities were left to chance, per the usual Honda mindset. Just put 262 miles on it last night (75 mph freeway driving) and got 29.5 mpg - very good for this powerful V6. Glad it shares its stellar reputation with its bread-and- butter sister (Sedan) while adding a bit of individualism sport to its look/feel.

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  Very Disappointed with 2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JackoABQ - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We have a continuing problem with our 2010 CR-V EX-L 2WD that Honda will not resolve. Vehicle has vibration between 55-60 mph. After multiple tire balancing, and trying new wheels/tires on all 4 wheels, the service manager has admitted there is an inherent problem with the CR-V. Between the dealership and the regional manager, nothing has been resolved- "not a safety issue." Honda did offer to buy it back at trade-in value, and sell us a new 2010 CRV. No thanks! Not sure where the hype comes from, this is our first and last Honda.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new as my Christmas present, but within 1,000 miles I started to notice noises coming from the drivers side front suspension. In the beginning the sound was intermittent and the first time I took it back to the dealer, they said they couldnt replicate the problem. The second time I brought it in, the service manger went on a test drive with me and heard the noise himself. When I went to pick up the car, they told me that they didnt find anything wrong with it. To make a long story short, I brought the car back at least 4 times and they replaced the strut at least twice, however, the problem still remains.

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  Fun & Efficient - 2009 Honda Fit
  By zach - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to replace an aging Chevy Tracker, knowing I was going to put a lot of miles on the next year. The Fit has more cargo room than the SUV had, and the thing is so incredibly fun to drive on curved roads. Thing is, I dont think Ive gotten less than 35 mpg yet, with 31,000 miles on it! I have gotten 40-42 mpg (calculated, not based off the computer) on many occasions. Of course, I try to be smart with the manual so as to save gas, but Im definitely no hyper-miler. This car is fun to drive, very fuel efficient, and has incredible storage capacity.

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  I will never buy a Honda again - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dawn Desser - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I am on my 3rd Honda. My 2002 Accord only has 76,000 miles on it and the transmission went out. Cost me $3000.00 prior to that I had to replace the timing belt - had an oil leak also the master cylinder! Total in the past 4 months a whopping $4500.00. No recalls to speak of and HONDA AMERICA wouldnt do anything to assist. I have all my service records and always go to the HONDA dealership for repairs. HONDA has lost me as a customer forever.

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  06 Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jefferson - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car new in feb 06. Have 75K on it now (160 mi a day 2 work) Only problem has was rear wheel bearing dealership replaced for free. Replaced factory system and upgraded to a 15 in sub. Only problem is ive had to replace the spoiler twice since the sub beats and breaks the spiler off the deck lid and eventually falls apart. Seriously. Car does have problem with 3rd gear as a lot have mentioned. As far as performance not much can top for this price especially the style and power combined. Added K&N fuel injection performance kit and get 30mpg city 37mpg hwy. Happy with car which was designed better for systems but guess Ill shave those holes and have no spoiler. Otherwise great buy!

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  Love my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this for my new 16 year old girls, after my Odyssey died at 230,000 miles and getting myself a Pilot. The girls love this car! They can fit all their friends in it VERY comfortably, and have claimed they can fit over ten people in it if arranged correctly. The AUX jack is handy, and one daughter loves plugging iPhone in and being able to listen to music through it AND can talk through the car (without bluetooth!). Very VERY safe. Have never doubted Hondas reliability and never will. The girls have to fill up their tank, maybe once a week, and they do no highway driving, so they fuel economy is great! So impressed!

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  Cant believe they actually said this - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jason - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned a Honda. Had my 08 hybrid and loved it for 2 years. July 10 they did a software "upgrade". Since that time the ima assist doesnt always work. Merging onto a freeway it just doesnt kick in. Brought it back to service, they drove it, saw it not work. They are literally telling me that this is how the car works now. So I have an assist motor that only sometimes kicks in. Do not buy a hybrid from Honda. I am so disappointed. I cannot believe someone says that with a straight face. Would I buy a car with 8 cylinders if 4 of them just didnt work sometimes?

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  Accords Just Keep Getting Better - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Accords For Steve - September 24 - 2:00 am

  My 2010 Accord EXL coupe is my 2nd Accord. My previous one was a 2002 4 dr which I owned for nearly 9 years. It was the best car I have ever had so I stayed with Honda. This time I wanted something sportier so I bought the coupe. I now have 5,000 miles on it and have yet to have a single issue. I love it. Its fast for a 4 cyl (190 HP)and handles well. If you want to purchase any new car do it on- line using the Edmunds website. I received six different quotes within 24 hours. My local dealer, who I wanted to buy from, matched the lowest quote. I saved over $1,000 by using this simple on-line method. It was the easiest car purchase I have ever had.