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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  Not So Sure - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Peacegirl - September 4 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 5 months now and I cant seem to bond with it. This is my third CR-V. Had an 02 and an 06. Traded the 06 for the 10 and have regretted that. Acceleration is very sluggish blind spots backing up and changing lanes- just cant see out of this vehicle. Liked the rear door that opened to the side on the previous models. If this vehicle is wet (rain or dew) and I open the rear door I get a shower. If its raining I have to keep the wiper going to clear the rear glass, not so with my 02 and 06. If you drop something between the seat and console, you wont see it again. Thought of trading this for a Subie, but they dont rate much better.

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  Totalled @ 270,000 - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Vermontdog - September 4 - 7:23 am

  Bought from a salesman I knew and it turned 200k on the way home. That was 8 years ago. Last week I was able to avoid a head on collision with a geriatric on a cell phone thanks to the quick handling on the car. Rugged build and my passenger, a body shop manager, said we were lucky to be in this car compared to most others. The car is a total loss but we walked away. TY HONDA. The car is 15 years old and I will get a respectable check from the insurance company too thanks to Honda quality. Typical problems with the car that other writers have shared but overall a super value.

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  Love it, wish it had more power though - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sdax - September 4 - 5:09 am

  Ive had this fit sport over a year, only racked up 5000 miles. I love to drive it when the weather is nice. The first snow storm, tracked through the snow great but, didnt feel too confident the car is really light and it slid a few times. So parked it all winter and drove my awd car. On long drives prefer to drive my other car..not crazy about the road noise and slow acceleration. But the car is great for city driving and parallel parking is a breeze, but its deceptive in that i think im always close to the car behind/front of me but in reality Im pretty far. Overall I love the car, but its not my first choice if Im going on a long trip.

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  Great truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By TJH - September 4 - 4:29 am

  I bought this truck because I needed something for 4 adults with light hauling capacity. Additionally, Hondas are very reliable and the build quality on this truck is amazing. I expect, like my 2000 Accord, it will run for a long time with out serious repairs. The handling and comfort are excellent in all weather. This truck will handle all road conditions with confidence. I recently took it off road through some very rugged trails near the ANF and it got me there and back with ease. It is big and heavy and you pay for that in gas mileage. I consistently get 20 mpg on the highway, however I dont mind as the view, safety and comfort while driving are worth it.

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  Great little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Beater - September 4 - 12:51 am

  I have driven this sweet little SUV for 17 months and average 26 to 27 MPG on the highway and around 23 in town. It burns regular gas which is nice, it can comfortably seat 4 adults and hold 4 sets of golf clubs. It hauls my drums, go skiing, its great around town and the highway. I sold my Acura RDX turbo that got 14 mpg around town and burned premium gas. This is so much more economical. The rear seats recline, its all wheel drive when you need it. Its 4 banger engine is peppy. I had after market leather and heated seats added. You cant go wrong with this sweet little SUV! It a great little SUV!

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  Suspension problem - 2006 Honda Civic
  By steve - September 3 - 4:19 pm

  The 2006, and 2007 Honda Civics have a rear suspension geometry problem that causes rapid rear tire wear, roaring noise from the rear and vibrations at highway speeds. See Honda Service Bulletin 08-001. Mine has had this problem and working with the dealer and Honda America it still hasnt been resolved. Looking at blogs it seems to be a common problem that has caused a few accidents and worries over possible fatal accident occurring with tire separation.

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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Alan - September 3 - 1:42 pm

  Bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it! The mileage on the highway is decent but the mileage in the city should be better. There is plenty storage space available which is great with 2 kids. There is plenty of room for an adult next to the 2 car seats in the 2nd row. The 3rd row can be tight if you dont slide the 2nd row forward slightly. The boxy styling isnt the prettiest but it is the most functional, allowing plenty of space in the cargo area even with the 3rd row up. Panic braking distances could be improved but brake pedal feel is excellent. I took it on a long trip the day after purchasing and it is very comfortable, although the HVAC controls take a while to get used to.

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  HONDA transmission failure at100K miles! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark - September 3 - 9:46 am

  I have a 2001 Honda Odyssey Van. I have maintained it according to all of the dealership recommendations and opted for all Honda advised work/repairs and scheduled maintenance since I purchased the van. The transmission failed at 100k miles! The service rep stated the several Honda vans have had a similar issue with the transmission. Honda did not offer a cent of assistance in this replacement. I relied on Hondas reputation for years and now I find that Honda will not stand by the quality of their vehicle and my cost is now $4,700.00 plus.

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  My first suv - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By grandmaelk - September 2 - 9:43 pm

  I loved my Saturn and they went away. I needed a new car, small and up off the ground. All research led to Honda CR-V. I have only had it a few days but love it. My Husband has a Yukon and I am just as comfortable in the CR-V. Visibility is much better than I expected. I like the interior layout. Not too overdone. I have leather interior which helps avoid the cheap look of the fabric interior. I love that the Ipod hook up accepts flash drives. I do not have the Ipod brand (boycotting) and the drive allows me to listen to all my music and not worry about my MP3, But Honda needs to look at Hyundai, they are a close second.

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  Slug - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By NLS - September 2 - 8:03 pm

  Im averaging 24-25 mpg local and 29- 30 mpg highway but the trade off is the sluggishness when trying to merge. It is worse yet when you have to come almost to a stop when a car in front of you is making a turn and then the CR-V really cant get out of its own way. Its scary when cars approaching you from behind think you are going to be able to pick up speed but your accelerator does nothing, even had one pull to the shoulder to avoid me.