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 honda is pulling into overdrive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HECTOR - June 24 - 4:31 pm

  Based on Hondas reputation, I bought this Accord. I owned it new but, in the two years of service, I have had constant brake problems (car shakes under braking and the brakes wore out early). and the other important issue is that the car pulling into overdrive. The dealership says that maybe could be a spark plug, but they changed it and the problem continuous. Other answer was maybe the computers is not working well. But I still have the problem.

• 

  Great mpg, excellent handling, reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By clg22 - June 24 - 3:27 pm

  We bought our 2002 in 2005 with 40K on it and we have been very pleased. Seating is very comfortable on long trips and cargo space and versatility is excellent. Gas mileage of a car, but high like an SUV - great compromise. Nice pep when needed. Great in the snow (the Rav4 was awful). No major repairs at all yet! We have had the break pads replaced, the tires replaced, and all the other regular maintenance. No problems with AC as others have mentioned. Weve been very pleased with this car and would buy again.

• 

  My New 2010 Honda CR-V AWD with Nav - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Maria Karam - June 24 - 10:17 am

  I just got this vehicle a few weeks ago and am really very satisfied so far. Mileage is good and ride is comfortable.

• 

  Dont have to spend a ton for a good car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FitLover - June 24 - 9:20 am

  Bought my Sport model with 5-speed in Aug 2006. Have no complaints about its performance. I bought it for the gas mileage and it hasnt disappointed. In mixed driving, I still get about 35-36 mpg, and it has 80,000 miles on it now. Taken trips from ATL to: Memphis Pennsylvania WV (in winter) FL. Average about 41 mpg on these trips. Also haul around 3 kids. It may not be extra spacious for them, but you dont have to drive a gas-guzzling SUV when you have more than 1 child. I cant stand seeing big suburbans getting 10 mpg while my Fit hauls 3 kids just fine. So far, all is well with my Fit. I highly recommend it!

• 

  Glad I Done It - 2010 Honda Accord
  By BobMcK - June 23 - 1:56 pm

  Had this car for about 5 months now. The Belize Blue exterior/beige leather interior combination still knocks me out. All the whizzbangs (moonroof, heated seats, sat radio, etc) are nice, but the curb appeal of this thing is just amazing. Glad I got rid of a 2009 xxxx and got this.

• 

  Most reliable car Ive had - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ellery - June 23 - 1:09 pm

  Purchased my 99 Civic EX with 60,000 miles from a dealership in 2003. Over 7 years later shes still running like a champ at 190,000 miles. Ive only had to replace the belts once and have the routine oil changes and fluid flushes. She has survived three minor accidents without damaging anything mechanical - just the window controls/trunk seals arent up to snuff now. Hoping she makes another 100,000! You cant beat the value/longevity of this vehicle!

• 

  Great overall, needs some updates - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By AP_From PA - June 23 - 10:02 am

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday, but I have driven similar Odysseys owned by friends and family. The vehicle is probably the best overall of all minivans in the market, but if you start picking out individual characteristics, you will notice that its not the best at everything. Its like jack of all, master of none in my opinion it may not earn number 1 spot in many of the aspects, but earns a second spot in most of them, and the first in a few.

• 

  Great Car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By cjs - June 23 - 7:10 am

  I love the Accord EX-L 2-DR coupe. Its sporty-looking but still practical enough for a middle-aged mom like me. You cant go wrong with this one!

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By T - June 23 - 12:47 am

  We bought our Pilot brand new and we love it! We are a big trip family and have put about 71k miles on it. We love the comfort of the seats, and being able do car pool. The quality of the interior is great. Honda did a great job building this SUV

• 

  So close to perfect, yet so damned far - 2009 Honda Accord
  By sbowden99 - June 22 - 11:26 pm

  Love the styling. However, this is a BIG car, and it handles like one. Poor rear sight lines make you fearful to change lanes. Cheap touches in the interior abound (the steering wheel and gearshift would probably work in a Dodge, but are sub-par for a Honda). The one thing I HATE about this otherwise vanilla and inoffensive car is the brake squeal. My brakes sound like theyre made of steel wool. They literally grate on my nerves. What was Honda thinking?