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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  Rolling along in my 01 cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By aileen - August 28 - 5:22 pm

  i love this little cutie, i bought this in 2007 with 75,000 miles for 10k, it now has 11,900 miles on the odometer. its been very reliable for me. i went to Florida and back to pa where i live and ran smooth. i plan on keeping this cutie till it dies.

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  Runs Forever! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mjsstanley - August 28 - 5:22 pm

  I have owned two 90 and one 91 Accord . One wrecked at 376,000 miles and was still going like new . These cars were built for the road . I travel 400 miles to NC at least three times a year . I have a 90 now with 192,000 miles on it and I havent had to do anything to it ! Starts right up in the coldest weather . All have been 5 speed manual transmission , which is really better than the automatic . All Hondas will last forever if you keep up the regular maintenance , which isnt expensive at all .

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  Fantastic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By waynegroh - August 28 - 2:39 pm

  The car has been great so far, no problems with the emergency brake rubbing against my leg, unless you are a bigger person, I am 510". and there is ample room between my left leg and the emergency brake. Ive had the car for two weeks now, and I love everything about it. I dont hear the road noise that some people have concerns about. the only thing that is tricky, is the blind spots in the car. Just take your time, and you will be fine when looking out for other vehicles on the road. I really like this car! The a/c is cold, and the radio is surprisingly loud. The high beams are extremely bright which is good in desolate unlit areas. It has ample pickup speed. I have the automatic model :)

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  Bad Decision - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey EX - August 28 - 12:30 pm

  Bought used April,2010 My complaint issues are cheap plastic on the interior that seems to scratch if anything touches it. The passenger slider door needed guide roller replaced at 47,000. It now sometimes jams when opening. The dealer tells me this is a safety feature that activates when the window is down. It activates on ours without the window down. Also, that door sticks and our 9 year old daughter cant open it. They have put their door grease on it several times and it doesnt help. Transmission labors at 50 mph. Recall did not help this. Service rep says he has one that does the same. Also The seats are not even close to Chrysler for ride comfort. Im trading for Chrysler

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  I hate to sell it! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Proud owner - August 28 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my 1994 Honda Civic hatchback brand new and only use to go grocery shopping and other local driving. It has approx. 43,000 miles on it and is in great condition. Im thinking about selling it mainly for new and improved safety features. but I hate to let it go!

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  Had Civic Hybrid and Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By lindguini - August 28 - 1:02 am

  My previous car was a 2007 Civic Hybrid and so the Insight was an easy transition. Our second car is a 2008 Prius which is our preferred people hauler. The Insight is much more responsive in acceleration and handling. The front seats are very supportive and the car has a firm, European feel in the steering and suspension. The engine is quiet except under hard acceleration where it gets a bit buzzy. The build quality is superb inside and out --it just feels solid. I mainly drive stop-and-go Los Angeles streets and average 44+ mpg. The Insight is hands-down more fun-to-drive than our Prius but the Toyota is capable of higher fuel efficiency. The Insight is Hondas best hybrid effort so far.

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  2003 Pilot Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DownSouth - August 27 - 11:01 pm

  Bought certified pre-owned in 2005 with 30K miles. Bought extended warranty. Paid off last month and warranty ran out 8-9-2010, trans failed 8-23-2010. No help from warranty but Honda paid 25%. Picked up today and drove 1/4 mile and it made a grinding noise with ABS and VTM lights coming on. Waiting on Monday. All dealer service since purchased.

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  I love my CR-V! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ben - August 27 - 6:37 pm

  I love my CR-V, its not only great looking but fun to drive. I love the performance it has to offer, and it looks very classy without having to pay the big buck. I would definitely get another CR-V next time Im ready to buy another car.

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  I love my Fit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By PJ - August 27 - 1:05 pm

  Dear future Fit owners! You know, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, its true! Two friends of mine have bought a Honda Fit in the last 2 years because of how much I have raved about mine! Honda should pay ME a royalty! LOL! All you have to do is open the door, get in the gi-normous cabin, turn it on & drive away- youll be hooked! If you dont have a traffic-filled commute, get the 5- speed, the power is significantly better than the automatic. My bighearted little purple girl is perfect anywhere, anytime. Fast getting on the freeway, awesome going up mountain roads, great in the snow, and boy, so light that it flies watch out, youll be doing 85 & not realize it

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  197K and going strong - 2000 Honda Passport
  By jkettle3 - August 27 - 12:58 pm

  I bought my Passport from the original owner in 2005 with 62,000 on it. Paid $4,200 for it. It had the standard fuel gauge problem, but nothing else. Ive had to drop some money in it from time to time A/C compressor and Alternator most recently, a valve in the tranny a couple of years ago a fan motor and fan switch. It does drink the oil like they say (I wonder where it goes), Ive also put some joints and bushings in the suspension but for the money look how many miles Ive gotten out of it. Sure beats making a car payment, and it sure does well in the snow. Im shooting for 300K, I bet I see it.