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:

• 

  Happy to be back in the Honda Family - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dwm2112 - July 23 - 9:32 pm

  We took a 18 year break from Honda and are happy to return in the CR-V. The vehicle is comfortable and performs well from a mechanical viewpoint. Gas mileage is better than EPA ratings which was a primary driver for the purchase. Our other vehicle is a Toyota 4Runner with V8 so it is not so great on gas. The CR-V while smaller compares well with the Toyota other than the obvious significant difference in power. That is not to say the CR-V performs unsatisfactorily as I really enjoy driving it. You just have to drive it differently. If you are considering purchasing I think you will be very happy if you proceed with the purchase. Back in the Honda family again!

• 

  Love my new CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - July 23 - 8:40 pm

  I love my new CR-V! I took a lot of time comparing the CR-V to the RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Outback. I think I made the best choice. Very high quality. I have a bad back and I like the firm seats, very comfortable. Back seat is spacious, bottle holders in all the doors and very quiet ride. I like the blue light dash and the double glove box. Rear hatch is spacious and has a hard cover which you can put light groceries on (dealer added for free). I also added heated seats as an extra.

• 

  Accord after an Altima - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Oblique - July 23 - 3:57 pm

  So this 2010 Honda Accord is my 5th Honda. My previous car was a Nissan Altima that had been in back to the dealer 5 times for other than routine maintenance. As paying customers was demand our moneys worth and so far the Accord like all other Hondas Ive owned has delivered comfort, reliability and value for the price I paid. I dont expect a 50K car quality for only 25K. So far with just 2000 miles, we are averaging 30.1 MPG highway! Impressive compared to the 26.6 with the Altima.

• 

  One of my favorites! - 2007 Honda Element
  By jharris09 - July 23 - 2:05 pm

  The element lacks in features such as auto headlights, USB, power seats, sunroof, etc. The gas mileage is less than you would expect from a Honda. In all honesty I could care less about that. I absolutely love this car. Even those who give this thing lower ratings rarely cite any real material issues such as engine or transmission issues. The stereo is great for a factory set up. This is absolutely one of my favorite purchases.

• 

  Honda Odyssey Disappoints - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rfg - July 23 - 10:33 am

  I recently had a third child and my husband and I decided to take the plunge and get a mini-van. Since we have had an excellent experience with my 10 year old Accord we decided Honda would be the way to go for the Mini-Van. We purchased a used Odyssey with 50,000 miles. It was fully loaded and fully serviced from day one by the Honda dealer. After one month the air conditioning broke. $2000 to fix at the dealer. I just took it to the dealer because the power sliding door wasnt working. $400 to fix. When it was there they noticed the power steering wasnt working properly. $600 to replace the pump. All told I have now spent $3000 on repairs on this bastion of reliability.

• 

  No Regrets - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By neonbright - July 23 - 10:29 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it. My research for a new vehicle was extensive and over 8 months long. I finally decided on a small SUV or Crossover, it came down to 3 SUVs. Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rouge. The Nissan Rouge was easily ruled out, small trunk area and other personally wants. So it was down to the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V won. Yes the CR-V may cost a little more but it is worth it.

• 

  Update from one year ago - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Warren - July 23 - 3:17 am

  These past 2 weeks we took a trip from North Haven, Ct. to the exact same location 2 weeks in a row. I filled up when we left and refilled after the return trip both times. This is the first time that we took exclusive all highway driving , up to now it has always been a combination of city/highway. The first week we used 2.44 gallons, traveled 114 miles and achieved 46.7 mpg. The second we used 2.31 gallons and traveled 114.4 miles for 49.5 mpg. We very carefully watch the mpg. slide bar and apparently it pays off. We have been achieving combined city/highway 33-37mpg. since we have owned our Fit base automatic for the past 16 months. -Warren.

• 

  Time to Buy it Out - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alu - July 22 - 9:08 pm

  Were a one vehicle family, 2 kids, and dog. Leased new in 06 after handing in returning our 02 Civic. The need for a reliable, spacious vehicle was obvious. We went with the LX because we didnt need the bells and whistles. Weve made good use of the space - golf clubs, hockey equip, and bikes, and of course many trips to the Home Depot. Overall very pleased with performance, ride, reliability. As a daily driver, putting on 50 plus km a day, its been good. Snow tires on it for the long winters, and it rides well. Breaks needed work much earlier than expected (45,000 km), but shes a heavy van (no civic). Been looking at used vans too but, not impressed, well stick with what we got!

• 

  Didnt know what was wrong until now - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Peggy - July 22 - 8:42 pm

  Former 1998 Civic owner---loved it for 160,000 miles! Upgraded to new 09 Accord in July, 09. Fine car but Ive been unable to pinpoint why I havent been thrilled with purchase. Seats extremely uncomfortable for 5,3". Rear window around auto-defroster splotchy. Less than 20 mpg city 29 mpg highway not bad though. No brake problems at 12,000 miles. Car idles rough. Stalled for no apparent reason approaching red light (auto transmission). Thinking about going back to Civic. Dont know if I should go with a 2011 or wait for 12 redesign. Not sure what I expected but I have not had the same satisfaction I experienced for 11 yrs w/1998 Civic. Maybe bigger is not always better.

• 

  Still the best utility vehicle - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Hilbilly - July 22 - 5:22 pm

  This is our third Odyssey. My wife is the primary driver. For a while she inherited my Escalade and she was happy to give it back and get another Odyssey. The Touring model has just about everything you need in a car. Its great for shopping, travel carrying the kids and for her and her friends to go out on their various expeditions. Its quiet on the road and has enough height to see around traffic. On long trips its comfortable and nice to know that if youve got to haul people or gear its ready to do the job. Over three models never a problem and build quality is always flawless.