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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  Had first oil change, still happy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By JustChuck - July 31 - 12:12 pm

  I had my first oil change about a month ago at 6500 miles. There was still 20% oil life left, according to the indicator. Also had the tires rotated at the same time. No issues at all with the car. The build quality is excellent. Gas mileage in crowded suburbs/stop and go driving is disappointing at 14-15 MPG, but highway mileage is consistently 26- 28 MPG. Have taken day long trips with three people and everyone comments how roomy and comfortable the back seat is. Have also taken a 2400 mile round trip NY-FL with my son who is 64". No issues with his height. Good luggage capacity, accommodated three people for a two day trip with room to spare, and two people for a week long trip.

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  Hard to believe Honda is such a leader - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By M Gibson - July 31 - 9:07 am

  I hate the Odyssey touring. Certain it will run until the tires fall off, but every time I try to open a door or get in it, I am frustrated with the lack of insight the design team displayed. Fob and key should be integrated. The sliding doors and hatch buttons should be centrally located so either adult in the front can open doors. The power pedal should be movable when driving. Passenger seat should be as comfortable and 8-way like drivers. No rds, no multi dvd slots the molding at entrance points and dash is very soft and gouges easily. On the positives, seats feel nice. Husband loves the driving position & dvd monitor does not obstruct rear view

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  Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan_Man - July 30 - 8:34 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 2001 and it now has 98,500 miles. Has been in for service only once since new for uneven idling and turned out to be a loose connector. No transmission problems as other have stated, I even tow. Side doors do stick, but all you need to do is spray the seals with Teflon spray.

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  Poor Mpg - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Joan - July 30 - 6:13 pm

  I dont know what I am doing wrong but I cannot get more than 24-25 mpg no matter how I drive. This is frustrating. Otherwise love the way it drives, especially holds the road. I appreciate the lumbar support on drivers seat.

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  Dont buy a honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jose - July 30 - 4:28 pm

  I currently have over 116k on my cr-v if you want high maintenance costs, buy it. Example: 18 months battery replaced. 40k new brakes 35k new tires. Change spark plugs every 30k. Driver side window cable broke 3 weeks ago. 40k transmission shutters at low speeds 5 trips to different dealers. Finally, problem is diagnosed. Now waiting for last 5 hours to find out if extended warranty will cover repairs. I bought this cute little lemon new. Had a corolla and drove it for 180k for 12 years, once I had to change the alternator, brakes 85k front 110 rears. Also have a Highlander with 95k that gets better gas mileage than this car, I will never buy another Honda.

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  Great on gas... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Labrynth - July 30 - 2:54 pm

  I came from an SUV and needed something with better mileage. This fit the bill. Auto stop has to be the most annoying feature, tho cup holder placement is a close second. Enough power for most merging situations, but acceleration is not fast and braking is jerky thanks to auto stop. Full of safety features. Features avail on most ex cars not available here and it annoying. Flash drive for music but boo to Honda for making it an Apple only mp3 player. Im not an Apple lemming, thanks anyway. Feedback from car is adjustable which is nice. I could do without the paddle shifters. Its now ~ 2 months old with ~ 2500 miles on it.

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  2nd CR-V and Proud Owner - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Aaron - July 30 - 2:52 pm

  Purchased our 2010 EX-L in June, traded up our 2007 LX and NO regrets what so ever ! Cant wait to see what Honda has in mind for the 2011. No I am not traded my 10 up yet. Just seeing if what they are going to do to improve this years model !

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  Reliable little car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Indrek_S - July 30 - 7:01 am

  Extremely reliable car you will not notice you have it. Service once a year (around 160 USD) and that´s it. I had some problems at the beginning. One electric motor position sensor was faulty (common problem for 2007 built cars. after changing under warranty, no problems). Also drivers window was running out of rail. Warranty covered it (new rails). this is also common for Civics. And third trip to dealer was due to dead battery (covered under warranty). All those faults occur first couple of months and 70,000 km later no problems at all. Every time I visited dealer with those problems they gave me replacement Hybrid until my car was there. So good customer service overall.

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By diesel - July 30 - 12:46 am

  We decided to trade in our old SUV and get a pickup. The only Truck I was really interested in was a Ridgeline. Good news is I have not been disappointed in the four months since our vehicle purchase. The Ridgeline definitely turns heads. It is a very stylish truck with nifty features. Driving is a pleasure as there is almost a car like feel when driven. Overall a big time winner!

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  Second Pilot Purchase - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Chris DeLuca - July 29 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased this truck on 7/22/2010. The ride is very smooth, and its fun to drive. I understand the gas mileage is not the best, but you take that into consideration when you buy a larger SUV. Had a 2007 Pilot and loved it, just traded it in for a new 2011. Best reason to buy a Honda is the resale value and reliability! My last Pilot, all I had to do is change the oil and rotate the tires, very low cost of ownership.