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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  Brake problems? - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JD - July 19 - 7:47 pm

  I have 20,000 original miles on this vehicle. I have been back to the dealer once to change pads and have rotors cut, once to "remove oxygen" from my brake fluid and a third time to be told that it was my imagination I was stepping on a pedal that felt like a marshmallow. (I almost hit a car in front of me on the way to the dealer). Ear splitting noise, poor brakes, tires are wearing ,sun visor split in half. Trading in the car for a Chevy this week. My first and last Honda.

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  A/C On Elm Street - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jboo - July 19 - 6:36 pm

  Yes, another A/C nightmare story! I am on my 6th, yes SIXTH, A/C since I bought this otherwise nifty car new in 2003. Not happy here, however, the A/C guy is thrilled.

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  No Next Tme - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Warren Norman - July 19 - 6:34 pm

  This car runs me crazy downshifting back and forth on slight grades, not enough power unless using lower gear. Dealer says this is normal. Will not buy this car again.

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  Tire and AC problems - lemon - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BH - July 19 - 3:54 pm

  First problem when car was around 1.5 years old with 31,000 km I was told I needed new tires. Dealership indicated they put cheap tires on the vehicle. I have never had to put new tires on any of our vehicles until the 70,000 km mark. Next problem when car was 2.5 years old, in July, on one of the hottest days in Canada, the air conditioning stopped working. We were told after a $99.00 diagnosis problem that we needed a new part - a sensor wasnt working but there is one small problem, the part is on back order and you cant have it fixed until October and guess what it is not under warranty. Cost will be approximately $700.Our AC will work about the time the snow flies.

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  Best little car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By jrodaccord - July 19 - 3:44 pm

  I love my car after all the restoring that was done. I did all leather interior, new paint, 19" wheels, headrest screens, and head unit radio with dvd player, 7" screen, back up camera, bluetooth, and all new l.e.d lights.

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  Good cheap car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By dhjohnso - July 19 - 12:31 pm

  I wanted a reliable 2nd car for low cost. I was willing to sacrifice "luxury" for lower cost. The FIT fills the bill.

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  5th Honda, No regrets here! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By LJ - July 19 - 11:10 am

  This is our 5th Honda vehicle over the past few years and weve not been disappointed in any of them this one included. Weve got just over 500 miles on this CR-V and are already seeing 27 mpg on the highway. We seem to get better fuel mileage when not using the cruise control, perhaps due to the drive-by-wire throttle control? This CR-V has the typical Honda build quality and engineering that weve come to expect and enjoy. Its roomy with lots of storage space and great amenities. We love it!! The information center takes a little getting used to, but its a great feature that it is. There are many SUVs to pick from, but the Honda, will be hard to beat with these great features.

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  Pilot engine is up roaring... - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By hondaguy - July 19 - 10:18 am

  After driving my brand new Honda Pilot 2011 EX-L with DVD, I felt like the engine is up roaring when driving with speed < 60 mph. if I drive more than 60 mph then engine is kind of smoother. I havent noticed the noisy engine after driving ~ 3000 miles on it. Will bring back to dealer to check if there is any problem with the engine. And I hate to go back to the dealer since all I heard "work as expected" but it does NOT.

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  Not impressed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rlb3232 - July 18 - 10:49 pm

  This car was decent overall, im 611 and drove it for almost two years. The gas mileage is really good on the highway (38-44) with a full car and two large people in it, but gas mileage in town is not too impressive (25-28) when driven very cautiously. The interior design is cool but materials used are very cheap feeling. The ride was loud on the highway and bumpy to say the least. The cloth seats seem really cheap and i hate the light gray interior because it stains so easily. Overall a good car for a high school student since its kind of sporty with adequate gas mileage. I traded up to a dodge charger which im extremely happy with, what a different ride.

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  Great little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Benjamin - July 18 - 2:16 pm

  Got it with about 92k in October(now @ 110k). I voluntarily replaced my water pump & timing belt before it hit 100k, new brake pads (front & back), and rotors. Only engine mods are a Cold-air intake & pulleys done by the previous owner who Im guessing drove it hard. Window regulators need changed soon, and A/C compressor needs replaced. Drives great, consistently get around 30-32 mpg with mixed city/hwy driving, and I drive very aggressively & fly on the highway 75+ miles/hr Replaced stereo & speakers and tinted the windows slightly for a more enjoyable ride. If youre looking for a low-maintenance car, get a 5spd EX for max fun without as much worry of theft as the SI.