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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  The Beast - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By caitthegreat - July 16 - 5:03 pm

  My friends call this car "the beast." It can go anywhere, accommodate anyone, and it just keeps on chugging. I bought it in 2004 with about 70,000 miles on it, and have since added about 100,000 more. Its reliable as a commuter car, but its also great for road trips. Before I purchased it I read a review saying the timing belt might need to be replaced at 75,000 miles, so I had the dealership take care of that. Since then, the only problem Ive had is that I needed a new radiator a year ago. I just got a tune up this week and it runs amazingly. Ive spoken with dealers who say they rarely see problems with CR-Vs. This car has been good to me, it was a great investment.

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  Good car, but noisy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tom - July 16 - 2:49 pm

  Original owner, now 7+ years old with about 70,000 miles, overall very reliable, nothing beyond regular maintenance until this year though the brakes need replacement too frequently. I had the rear first done at 20,000. Excellent mileage - 34-35 consistently on the long freeway trips, 26-28 in town mixed driving. The car is very responsive and peppy. The ride is a bit harsh however, and there is way too much road noise for a car in this class. This is my first Honda and Ive been told road noise is common. My car tends to drift to the left and dealers have been unable to fully fix it. Annoying but not a huge deal.

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  Very pleased after 7 years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Blake - July 16 - 1:47 pm

  Bought this Accord new in 2003. It has met or exceeded all my expectations. We now have 200,000 km on the car and have made 2 unscheduled visits to the dealership. When the car was new, the low-washer-fluid sensor did not work, or was not connected. At 135,000 km the HVAC/Radio display went out and was replaced, no hassles by a good-will warranty. Its hard to find fault with this car. Clutch still works like new, very reasonable gas mileage, reasonable 4- cyl torque and Hp (161 and 160). Maintenance costs have been low. I am a true car enthusiast and while this car is not overly exciting, it does everything it is expected to do and does it well.

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  Best Honda Ive owned - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Westies96 - July 16 - 12:46 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Honda Accord EXL Coupe for my Honda Civic LX-S. I gave up leather, sunroof, and bigger engine but got a great car. I have had many Honda Accords and I was amazed how comfortable this car was. I am 61" and I have plenty of room. Great options are included in this pkg. The only give up from the EX model would be the sunroof and audio controls on the steering wheel. I can live without that. Great interior with the special fabric and ultra suede. It adds a little bit of class to the car. I have had my car for 2 months now and have no regrets. I get excellent mileage and a good ride. I have not experienced any noise as a few others have commented.

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  Biggest Little Car Youll Ever Own! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Meredith Lahmann - July 16 - 10:45 am

  I purchased my Fit after 16 and a half happy years with my Civic. I had tested several other cars but fell in love with the Fit. The interior is huge with amble leg room, seats that adjust comfortable with good lumbar support. The back seats are amazing with seats going up for to haul tall items or down for an enormous storage when needed. Unlike my Civic, the back seats are very comfortable. It is a small car so acceleration might not be that of a high performance sport car, but perfectly adequate for town or highway. I am a gentle driver and get 35-37 around town and an amazing 40-43 on the highway. It is sporty to drive with wonderful visibility. I just love this car!

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  Square looks, happy ride - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By newburgh bob - July 15 - 5:49 pm

  This SUV delivers all we expected. The high square design allows for easy in and out. The wide wheel base and perfect crash tests gives us the secure feeling you will not get in a smaller car. On the highway we are already getting 23 mpg, within our first two thousand miles. We have read about problems with steering and moon roof but have had none of these problems. The SUV exterior could been designed with more modern style, but the rich and roomy interior more than make up for that. Overall for the money, Honda repair history and good trade in value, we are so far pleased.

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  "as opposed to Toyota Camry" - 2006 Honda Accord
  By biggelow - July 15 - 9:57 am

  When we bought our Honda we were shopping for our 3rd Camry, however, the Toyota salesman was more interested in his newspaper so we went across the street to May Honda in Waco. Kind of a lucky break, The Honda Accord is quieter and has a quieter "more substantial" feel. For a 4 cylinder auto, I have never felt as though I needed more power, the 4 banger does really well in town nd on the highway. I have 130k miles on the odometer and it is still as quiet, responsive and comfortable as it was when new. The only thing negative I can think of is that the tires have to be "V" rated and those tires are expensive, noisy, wear fast. "W" rated tires would have been the right choice.

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  Updated review after my first year - 2001 Honda Accord
  By xoquixxoqafxo - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  I have had this Accord for a little over a year, got it with 95k and today 07/14/2010 it has 111,895 miles. It needed a lot of maintenance to get it to the condition i have it at right now. I have replaced the timing belt/water pump, tires, battery, transmission fluid, front and rear brakes, spark plugs, and last week my rear main seal failed and it leaked about half a quart of oil in 2 weeks. It was an unexpected, not to mention early failure so if anyone else had that same problem let me know cause it was an expensive repair.I am happy that my automatic transmission is fine and overall, i am quite please with the car and plan to keep him for a while.

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  Excessive Road Noise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite777 - July 13 - 10:12 pm

  The CR-V is a very practical car with excellent interior and exterior design. Even the sales guy at Nissan when test driving the Rogue told me the CR-V is perhaps the best in its class. Ive gotten good use out of it - is roomy enough, provides good MPG and options on the EX. The biggest problem with this car is the loud road noise. at any speed over 25 mph i hear the engine, vibrations, and just noise. It make me paranoid that there is something wrong with the suspension or tires but the common theme in these reviews is the road noise.

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  Just Okay - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rebecca - July 13 - 10:07 pm

  Though not exciting to look at or drive, my Honda does the job. Love the gas mileage - that in and of itself is what makes the car a great buy. Comfort really lacks though. Driver seat is not good for long drives.