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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  Typical Honda Reliability - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Andrew - August 9 - 1:58 pm

  I have driven 5 Honda cars before and bought this one for the same reason I, or my family, has owned the others: reliability and low cost of maintenance. The only problems have been a faulty engine temperature gauge, which would have cost a lot more to replace in other car brands, and a window issue. In the last 300 miles, the drivers side window would not roll up. This has happened twice and is intermittent. I think the switch will probably have to be replaced. I doubt it will be a costly repair. Other than that, no issues. I just paid it off and plan to drive it to 300k, which is a possibility with these cars. My only complaint is Honda interiors tend to rattle, which started early on.

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  Good little car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Seattle Dan - August 8 - 2:24 pm

  Had this for over a year now. We bought this car after testing driving Toyota corolla, huyndai elantra etc. Weve been getting about 29 mpg combined.

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  Keeps on Ticking - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By glaffin - August 8 - 9:48 am

  While not exciting, this vehicle has given us dependable, efficient service for 5 years. Adequate power, comfortable ride and cavernous interior for lugging "stuff". Great for our two large dogs who travel with us. Highly recommended.

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  Control arm issue - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ANGEL76 - August 8 - 8:43 am

  I am on my third set of tires for a two year old car. Control arm issue that dealer says is not an issue. Control arm not adjustable First set of tires replaced when the car was only a few months old. Horrible on snow and ice. Dealer did not inform of issue of control arm. The control arm is marked with a c so dealer says no problem. Let me tell you there is a problem. Who can afford tires every few months. I want my car fixed and I want the dealer or Honda to pay for the fix.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Momof2 - August 8 - 8:06 am

  I just bought this car about a week ago and I just LOVE IT! Its small enough where you can squeeze into tight spots yet its roomy and spacious inside. The only thing that I have found (which I read in other reviews) is that the seats are uncomfortable. But its nothing that a $20 gel cushion cant fix! I went from a V6 vehicle so I thought I might get annoyed with the slower 4cyl but it has PLENTY of pep! Its actually really fun to drive. Nice smooth ride. I am in love.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Honda acura 101 - August 8 - 6:30 am

  After thirteen years with Honda, we are very happy. One odyssey, one fit, one civic, and now the cr-v. his car blows everyone away in the winter (Live in mass) and on the highway. Dont even think about the rav 4. (Had one and had to return it because it was awful)

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  Affordable hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Paul Yuen - August 8 - 12:24 am

  Good hybrid car with very affordable price tag ($22K with tax!), a little slow in pick up from stop light traffic,jirky at corners, especially in "Econo" mode, suggest use "S" gear for faster and responding pick up in stop and go traffic, uphill etc (Auto stop will shut off)overall it is a good hybrid car drive in town.

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  More fun than a barrel of monkeys - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Izzy Cohen - August 7 - 9:42 pm

  Two weeks of ownership, and its a delight. Paid 18,455, and dealer threw in floor mats. Just returned from a 400 mile weekend in the Catskill Mts. , a test run, and it was flawless. Gas usage estimator said I got 32.5.mpg but my own before and after fill up calculations came to 34.8. Thats with lots of mountainous and hilly driving.

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  5th honda and ready for my 6th - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 2manyhondas - August 7 - 6:38 pm

  I got the V6 this time and am amazed that a 3.0 L performs this well. Its a little sluggish in the handling dept but I was not expecting an S2000. I thought the brakes were extremely touchy until I changed them to a different compound. In fact, the only real complaint I have is that this car is very difficult to drive smoothly. Touch the accelerator too hard and it launches, whipping heads back. Breathe on the brake pedal and heads are lurching forward. And the steering has little feel to it, its too easy. I get 29 - 31 mpg on the hwy and about 25 in the city which, from reading other reviews, is pretty good. I have never had a lick of problem with this car and am very satisfied.

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  Need to discover noise - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By LEONA WILLIAMS - August 6 - 11:19 pm

  The van has been making a popping and clicking noise in the front took it to the dealer several times the techs can not figure the problem. Right now the problem still exist problem cant be found, car is still under warranty. I received a rental and they called me back stating that the car was fixed, when driving of in the vehicle the noise still exist can someone please give me some legal advice. Thought when I got a Honda, I thought I was getting the best now I feel like I got a piece of junk. Should have gotten a Chevy. I am very disappointed