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:

• 

  My dream mini van is a bad nightmare! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By My last honda - June 28 - 11:31 am

  60,000 miles - on my 3rd set of tires. brakes at 40,000 miles. new back gate lift rods at 36,000 miles. I have to scream to talk to my kids in the back seat. Super loud road noise. replace the back struts at 45,000. Goodness! We paid good money for this high quality vehicle. What happened? I have never reach the MPG recommended by Honda. we get 17-18 in town.

• 

  In market for economy hatchback - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Gene - June 28 - 10:13 am

  After renting one for a long trip I was very interested in purchasing this vehicle. HOWEVER, I am still amazed that a 2010 vehicle does not come with KEYLESS ENTRY. For this reason alone I have eliminated the Honda Fit from my list and it is very unfortunate. The interior cabin with full folding rear seats is very unique.

• 

  Nice car EXPENSIVE Oil Changes! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By 2010 CR-V EX AWD - June 28 - 10:07 am

  This is my second CR-V. I love the look of the car and I truly enjoy driving it. I had the 2007 and was offered a great deal for a 2010, so I bought my second CR-V. My first oil change with Honda was free but the second oil change was $69.95 with Honda. I was shocked. he dealership told me they use 0-20 grade oil now for the 2010 and it is more expensive! I was angry and wish I was told this BEFORE I purchased the vehicle. I asked if this expensive oil means getting less oil changes, the dealership said NO, every 3500 miles! Why the change? Why have an Oil life indicator? What is the advantage? The car really does not perform any better than the 2007 with regular oil.

• 

  Honda is the best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By brian - June 27 - 10:23 pm

  I own 2002 accord and I love it. This 2006 model is great too. I am finding the fuel economy close to the 2.3l in the 2002 if I dont drive it hard. But its nice to have that extra Hp from the V6 when you need it on demand. I am very impressed with it. I am not sure why it did not come with side moldings, that would prevent a lot of door dings from other parked cars . But overall I am very pleased with this used car with only 42,000 km on it.

• 

  Vtech solenoid & Motor problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Boyoboy - June 27 - 3:52 pm

  At 30,000 km I started having issues burning through oil, oil light came on & not a stitch of oil was left - this after 2 months of having a certified Honda dealer change the oil. Took it to the dealer 2X before they found the problem - the piston rings had ceased. Also, the vtech solenoid had to be changed. Note to those having oil problems - there is a bulletin about a faulty solenoid on the 2008 so fight the dealership to get it replaced. Our solenoid was replaced and they repaired the pistons, honing out the cylinders - not at all confident that this car is now safe for me to drive with my children sitting in the back. It shouldve been replaced. Still fighting that battle.

• 

  Great Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Daniel - June 27 - 3:36 pm

  Ive really enjoyed this car. It is very reliable. At first, I probably didnt take the best care of it, but it really hasnt given me a lot of problems. Other than routine maintenance and accidents, I can only think of a couple minor things that have broken. It really is worth paying a little more for a Honda because youll have to pay so little on maintenance.

• 

  odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By vtecrazy - June 27 - 11:46 am

  i love odysseys especially because of the vtec v6 that you can actually hear the vtec kick in 0-60 in 7.7 seconds the muffler sounds like a g35 a little. its a very useful van you can fit alot of stuff in it. i dont know why people complain about the sliding doors because they are slow its says no where on the sliding doors type R

• 

  Awesome car, just get the EX trim - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hammond - June 26 - 10:31 pm

  I tried this car and the Toyota Prius and this car was the natural choice. It gets almost as good MPG (about 45 MPG city) and highway too. Along with the car being more fun to drive, the interior layout is actually the closest to a non-hybrid that youll get I love the ECON system that allows you to drive more efficient and the "trophy system" with rewards. Kudos to Honda for that and the paddle shifters put some REAL fun into driving the car. One suggestion if your going to buy this car: Get the EX trim. The $1500 is worth what you get: cruise control, 15" alloys, vanity mirrors on the sun visors (Dont why those arent standard), stability and traction control with USB con. and 6 speakers

• 

  Honda is not keeping up - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bb - June 26 - 6:05 pm

  The CR-V drives nice when tires have less than 15k miles. After that road noise continues to increase to the point of major disillusionment. Its not the tires fault. Its the design. Honda relies on very soft, low mileage, tires on the CR-V to smooth out the harsh suspension. Do not put high mileage or fuel efficient tires on this vehicle! The suspension, or lack thereof, turns the CR-V with high Mileage or fuel efficient tires into a giant tuning fork. Steering feel is disconnected from the road but does react quickly to driver input. Makes me think of a video game. Lower end models with steel wheels do a little better. Already had to replace the AC compressor.

• 

  Prettty good trunk - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By harley1211 - June 26 - 11:59 am

  I have owned this 2010 Ridgeline for about 1 month and I love it. Before this I had a Mazda 2300 and it did its job. But with my kids getting bigger I needed a crew cab. I did a lot of research and the Ridgeline was the better of the trucks. I looked at the F-150 and the Silverado but the Ridgeline was the better choice. It had the room I needed which was to hold back seat passengers comfortably and it has a car like ride. Very decent on gas (19-21 mpg). I dont pull or trail anything but I can if I need to and its a 4 by 4.