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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  Loved my OLD CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jamie - August 10 - 11:50 am

  Traded in my 2008 CR-V due to high mileage and great trade-in offer. Loved that zippy car, so it made perfect sense to trade it in. Have almost 7K miles on 2010 and am very disappointed in the mileage - was told I could expect 30/31 mpg. I barely squeak out 26 and thats if Im holding at a steady 50 going downhill. The least bit acceleration and I can barely get out of my own way. Runs nothing like my 2008, which ran smooth and had power to pass when needed. Easily got 28/30 as mainly drive hwy. The pickup is slow and you can hear the gears downshifting to pickup speed - nothing like good ol 2008. Sorry I traded up, I mean down..

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  08 Civic - Tire Problems - 2008 Honda Civic
  By My Name - August 10 - 11:20 am

  I have experienced the tire wear issue that others have. I noticed an increased vibration/road noise around 26000 miles. I took it in to Honda and was told that there was "no known fix" for this issue. Apparently the workaround was to replace the tires and do an alignment. Honda agreed to pay half for the tires, so I went ahead and did it. I dont know if theres something Im unaware of, so heres hoping that Honda gets things figured out. Aside from the tire wear issue, I dont really have many complaints. Gas mileage is great (around 34-35 mpg). The biggest issue I have is the lack of any lumbar support - after a three hour ride, my back hurts. Overall, the car is fine, not great.

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  Awsome! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stan - August 10 - 10:49 am

  Currently have 8500 miles on it. Just got back from 2000+ mile trip -- Amarillo to Walsenburg, CO to San Luis Lake SP to Navajo SP to Durango to Albuquerque, NM to home. Towed 4400 lb (600 on hitch) travel trailer @ 55 mph (my choice -- was more comfortable driving 55 than faster -- Im 67 yrs old!). Went over 3 passes (Raton: 7800ft, La Veta: 9400 ft, & Wolf Creek, 10,868 ft) -- 12.5 mpg while towing. Up passes at 55 mph until speed dropped, then reset cruise @ 40mph & stepped on throttle until transmission dropped into 2nd gear walked the passes @ 3800rpm @ 40 mph in 2nd on cruise with no problems at all.

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  This Honda didnt make it to 60k Miles - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Diego - August 10 - 9:55 am

  I bought a Honda Civic because its supposed to last for 10 years or 200k miles. For the 4 years that it lasted me, i loved it even though it wasnt perfect. Two new batteries, two new sun-visors, and a cracked engine block later, my Civic is in the dealership service department under the last 1k miles of warranty in question as to whether it will run again. I took care of it with the all required maintenance over these years. What happened to Honda Civics?

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  My not so sport sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jett1 - August 10 - 7:52 am

  I enjoy my Accord but just like others the 3rd gear is screwy. I like the space the leather seats hold well for the occasional aggressive driving. I use it as my daily driver the V6 is very peppy. A little stronger clutch would be nice to hold the heavy (fast high revving) shifts but for normal driving it is just fine. For the fuel mileage I am averaging 23-25 mpg with a mix of city/hwy driving. I feel the mpg is great.

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  Toyota Man Now a Honda Man! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By So far, SO damn good - August 10 - 12:14 am

  I bought my car with somewhere around 158,000 miles on it. I have had the car for 20 months and it has run like a champ since I have had it. I know these cars run a long time so I decided to take the plunge and redo a whole new suspension system on the car for over 1000+$. Also, I am even considering having it repainted because, again, I know that historically speaking, it should run for a long time and will be worth the investment. Since I have owned the car, I have only had one issue with the car which was a couple days where it was over heating. The only reason it was over heating was because the coolant was bone dry. This was my fault though for neglecting this, cost me 10$ for coolant

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  Elementary SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By Marco Minardo - August 9 - 10:53 pm

  Bought used with 30K miles. This Honda is an extremely thirsty little SUV. In town I never got better than 20 mpg, 25 mpg on the interstate at 75/78 mph without AC was achievable with Super Unleaded Fuel, otherwise 23 mpg was more the norm for such an underpowered 4 cyl. engine that otherwise is very smooth and torquey at the bottom. The transmission gearing was poor as well, shifting hard and constantly between 4th and 5th back and forth at highway speeds. The no carpet floor would be a great idea if it were rubber and not that hard slippery plastic. Horrible with bugs and rocks on the windshield as well as wind noise. Worst Honda I ever owned in terms of poor performance and fuel economy.

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  Love it still - 2003 Honda Civic
  By civic man - August 9 - 10:40 pm

  I got my 03 civic in may of 03. My car now has 145,000 miles on it and the only thing I have done is change the tires, brakes, and batt. The power lock does not lock my driver door anymore but not to worried about that. I still get about 32 mpg in town and 40 on the road. I could not ask for a better first car, after 7 years I would not even think of trading it. Amazing car!

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Izzy M. - August 9 - 8:24 pm

  I picked my car coming off the car trailer at my dealership and I knew this car was for me. After 247K+ , this car has gotten me everywhere I have asked it to and back. Replacing normal wear & tear parts has kept me happy.

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  Served Us Well - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Served us well - August 9 - 7:22 pm

  We bought the van new and after about 13 months noticed a noise in the transmission. The local dealer where we purchased the van replaced the transmission without a problem under warranty. We now have 158,000 miles and no problems. The van has served us well despite the minor issues stated in other posts such as sticky sliding doors in cold, wet weather and very hot weather. A light coating of silicone on the weatherstripping has always helped. The only other issue we have had is the remote headphones for the entertainment system stopped working at about 125,000 miles. Other than these issues we have been pleased with the van.