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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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ever - 2000 Honda Accord
  By sydus - August 24 - 10:27 am

  This car came into our family when our grandparents passed away, leaving it to us. Overall a very calm, not very catchy design (at least with a tan color) but Im actually impressed with performance. Even with the 4 cylinder engine she can still move, but overall the reliability is where this cars at. 134,000 miles on it and no major repairs, no problems, in fact its recommended to replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles which we never did but its still running beautifully. Very impressed with this car. Expect to have it for years and years to come.

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  2010 LX-P automatic 4dr - 2010 Honda Accord
  By dick - August 24 - 6:24 am

  So far 31 MPG, mostly highway got rid of my 06 Civic to grandson, "stepped up" to larger Accord. Wish I had something in between. Liked Civic aerospace dash better. Comfortable but some road noise. Should make split rear seat also put trunk lock on exterior. Need manual vertical adjustment for passenger seat. Interior not plush. A bit noisy.

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  Nothing But Problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - August 23 - 6:35 pm

  Let me start off with saying that this is the first and last Honda that I will ever owned. The car shakes when the VCO light is on (3 cylinder mode). The car has been into the dealership for transmission updates to correct this problem. I had a VSA light on the dash and the dealership had to replace the VSA module at a cost of $1350.00 and the car is just 20 days out of warranty. Brake rotors had to be turned at 15,000 miles due to a wheel vibration. DVD monitor was defective right from the factory.This car has poor mpg at around 20 on the highway.

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  Excellent Choice for the MONEY - 2009 Honda Accord
  By saugrad - August 23 - 2:27 pm

  Brought this car with 16,900 miles.Drove it from Houston to Nebraska.Was Impressed by the performance.Great Interior Finish and quality. Smooth and Sporty drive. Not even 1% of regret for my choice.

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  Workhorse - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Porter - August 23 - 4:44 am

  I just wanted to say that my Honda fit has been amazing. I use it for delivering pizza at night. Im currently getting 33 MPG in all in town deliveries. with great performance with a very quick automatic 6 spd trans. Just remember not to load this car down MPG is killed with any extra weight.

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  Excellent Minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Icegod - August 22 - 10:49 pm

  A year of experience with this minivan has built me a good impression for this minivan. It confirmed that we were not wrong with our choice for this minivan. I rate this minivan as supreme with its performance primarily, as that truly concerns when you are on the road. It is powerful and agile, and truly great to drive. Curving and ascent were superb, and driving control is totally great. Fuel efficiency is impressive but can still be improved though. Features are also great providing comfort on the road for both the driver and the passengers. With its versatility, this vehicle is a total partner for the family. Its lower body attitude gives it sportier look and its form a distinction.

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  rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mikie - August 22 - 10:12 pm

  I now have 59,000 miles and I am on my way back to the dealer for a 2nd set of rear brakes, down to the metal, again. My wife is the main driver to and from work who is a normal driver. I am very disappointed that the pads are gone at 30,000, again! I do have a lot of automotive experience and cannot believe this is happening. I have a 2002 chevy p/u with 178,000 and never touched the brakes until 140,000, so much for technology from Japan. I guess Ill do like the Germans do and just put on another set of pads and not bother turning the rotors until I have to. They also make a harder pad and it will last longer. This is the last Honda I will buy!

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  Great lil SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By bubbadawg - August 22 - 7:51 pm

  This is our fourth Honda, but first CR-V. We were looking for a smaller SUV that got decent mpg, and the CR-V won out. We looked at the RAV-4 (too small for me), Sante Fe (too small for me). Seriously considered the new Jeep Cherokee, but was once told to never fly or drive the "A" model of anything. Plus, there is no comparison in MPG between the Jeep and CR-V. We would like to have a little more room in the cargo area, but we make it work. Averaging over 26 mpg on the highway doing 75 over rolling hills. Not a V-8, but decent pick up for a 4 banger (180 hp). Definitely have to plan ahead to pass on a two- lane road though! My wife loves her new UAV (Urban Attack Vehicle).

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  Meeting expectations - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joel - August 22 - 6:07 am

  This is my third Accord and so far my favorite.So far the only issue with my brakes has to due with front brake rotors that transmit a shimmy to the steering wheel when moderately braking, and need resurfacing. Road noise is a bit excessive, which is a common theme in these reviews. I have not had any problems resulting from build quality, but have noticed that Honda is not using the same quality of materials or paid as much attention to detail as in years past. The only shop time has been oil changes/tire rotations. It is fun to drive and really has a sporty feel for a 4-door sedan. The four-cylinder is powerful for a what it is but its not a rocket. The Accord is still a good buy.

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  still early - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mike D - August 22 - 4:48 am

  Just got my new CRV-EXL. I left Honda 10 years ago for Lexus and then UGH! Cadillac. Its very early in the game but how could you not love this car? Awesome value, all the equipment I want, (except homelink, 4 auto mirrors and memory seats). Typical Honda, complete all around car. Excellent acceleration, nice handling, perfect combination of firm but not hard and soft but not mushy. Classic Honda fit and finish. Wonderful nav/audio combination. IPod integration is awesome. I could do without the voice command option, too much of a hassle. This car is just the right size. Big enough to fit passengers and cargo and small enough to be economical.