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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  Keeps on Truckin - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HondaForever - June 13 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my CR-V new and it has been outstanding. It just received 210,000 mile maintenance. Two minor repairs and scheduled maintenance only. It still looks and drives great. I would not hesitate to take off anywhere in it. Averages 26 MPG. My only issue is my neighbor wants to buy it and I feel bad because Im not giving this one up!

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  Not Honda Quality - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By RiggZola - June 12 - 11:57 am

  Bought this van from my sister who bought it new but after a serious side- impact accident the van held up well. I got a deal. Engine seems underpowered and handling is ok. Ive had constant issues with the van. Worn front tires, front brakes need replacing almost yearly. Replaced the tranny @ 90K but now at 115K its gone bad again. Sliding door problems and EGR/cat converter issues also plague my van. I have an Acura TL and am just hoping it doesnt have the same issues. Im selling for a different brand if I can get out from under these repair costs. I wouldnt buy it again and have definitely taken Honda off the top of my shopping list.

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  First and Last Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Laurie - June 11 - 10:45 pm

  Very disappointed in Honda quality, noisy power steering, paint defect, poor quality sound system, too much road noise, vibration in steering or tires when accelerating and most recently an intermittent starting problem. Im so tired of going to service dept and being told its not happening! This is what $45,000 buys you? never again!

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  An awful vehicle - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark - June 11 - 10:17 pm

  We purchased this Car to replace an Accord. What a mistake! We have spent nearly $2000 on repairs not including the brakes every 20,000. The car was making a noise and shuddering so the dealer said it was the bearings. The AC stopped working The dealer tried to charge $199 to look at it. I fought and they took $100 off the bill. We could not afford to replace the leaking condenser $799! This is a design flaw the ac cond is in an unprotected place in the front of the vehicle where the grille is wide open. If Honda installed a $10 grill to protect it would have never have happened. After owning 4 Hondas I am never buying one again. The quality is now worse than any car on the road.

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  No Rattle and Roll - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  I have driven my Ridgeline commuting to work in all kinds of New England weather. It is very stable in snow, ice and slush. It has excellent acceleration for a truck, especially in tight spots. Its great for a homeowner because of all the space in the rear passenger compartment and the trucks bed. The dealer installed trailer hitch and towing package have worked great on some heavy loads (2 tons). My only complaints are the brakes sometimes "grab" in wet weather when first applied and the seat is not quite as comfortable as my last Volvo wagon. The truck has yet to exhibit any rattles or squeaks in 4 years of ownership. Its versatile and well built.

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  4th Honda, Seems Just Average Now - 2010 Honda Accord
  By avgjoe - June 11 - 10:05 am

  My 4th Honda. Still a good car but not much better than fusion, malibu, sonata. Road noise IS noticeable. Less so with v6 b/c of extra sound insulation on v6 models but still too loud. I paid $500 for an aftermarket sound proof kit for the trunk. Big difference. VCM is not transparent but not intrusive, just drive the car and forget it. Seats are comfy in leather, not so much in cloth. Buttons on dash, not a problem. Isnt that part of the fun of a new car? Learning where everything is? Averaging 22-23 mpg in mixed driving. Handling is great, visibility is good.

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  Terrific car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By al - June 10 - 9:26 pm

  After driving a BMW M3 for 12 years the cost of repairs led to my purchase of a manual Honda Fit. Rather than being a let down, Im thrilled with the car. huge amount of room, great mpg using regular gas, more than enough pep for highway driving and fun to drive.

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  Top notch - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Mooseman - June 10 - 3:46 pm

  I cant say enough about these new Civics. Love em and they have reliability too. What else can you ask for?

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Honda Civic
  By zerostar - June 10 - 3:19 pm

  I had always lusted after the Civic Si back when the 2000s were new. Once Honda went back to the hatch-style I moved on to other cars since it didnt fit my life. As soon as the new "Si Sedan" came out I knew what my next car would be. I purchased my 09 in June and have loved every second of it. This has got to be one of the funnest daily drivers out there, despite requiring premium gas I am still getting upwards of 26+MPG with very aggressive driving. The seats are a magnet for cat hair so I am going to need to upgrade these to leather soon :-) I have also (Eibach) dropped my car about 1.4" in front and back and the handling is much improved.

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  Our worst (and last) Honda ever - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed in PA - June 10 - 1:01 pm

  Honda owners since 99. That all changed about 3 wks ago when my wife was driving our 2 daughters to dance recital about 10 mi from our house. 2-3 mi before arriving, my wife began hearing a terrible grinding noise from the front- end. It sounded like something was dragging. It turned out to be metal on metal front brakes. No warning sign that we were in need of brakes before that night. When she arrived the wheels were too hot to touch. Next day Honda service said we needed front brakes. Duh. They said exp brake life was 15- 20k! Our 04 Pilot weighs 2x as much and we went 50k before needing brakes. Do your research on Honda Civic brake problems. We are picking up Mazda3 today. Honda lost a customer forever.