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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  Great car! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Karis - June 2 - 1:06 pm

  Just bought the new 2010 Honda Civic dx-vp. Pretty happy with my choice. I had a Ford Focus before for 8 years and drove it into the ground and it was time to get a new car. I was always interested in the civics because its an attractive car and has a great reputation. The look of the car is great both inside and out. I got a great deal also about $15,500 out the door. The only changes I would make to the Civic would that there be an arm rest, (which comes with the next model up) power door locks, and cup holders in the back seat. Other than that Im really happy and its been fun driving around town and on road trips.

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  Honda CR-V Its okay.. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Chrispy - June 2 - 10:06 am

  This was the type of vehicle I was looking for. I considered a number of vehicles from different manufacturers, but went with Honda for the quality and reliability. I like the interior and exterior designs. Disappointed in the power and gas mileage. Mine hesitates on acceleration and that bothers me.

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  Month One - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By K from Ohio - June 1 - 10:02 pm

  This is our fourth Honda, and our first small SUV. This is a very practical vehicle and is fun to drive (no sports car, but fun). Unfortunately, the build quality of this car is much worse then any of the Hondas that we have owned in the past (all Accords). We didnt seriously consider other brands during this search because of our past experience. After one month I am regretting that decision, missing interior trim pieces, loose exterior trim. Body panel alignment that is spotty and tonight when pulling into the garage, a new sound from under the hood. I am going to ask the dealer to go over it with a fine tooth comb. I used to enthusiastically recommend Honda, now I am not so sure.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - June 1 - 8:52 pm

  Excellent all around vehicle. Great around town, great on highway travel. Good gas mileage for all wheel drive.

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  Hybrid Good and Bad - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JAD - June 1 - 4:27 pm

  The ONLY reason to even consider the Civic Hybrid is for the great gas mileage. You must drive it differently, pay attention and respond to what the instant mpg gauge and battery gauges tell you. Learning to anticipate lights, allow some slowing on hills, feathering the gas, avoiding the use of brakes and staying at the speed limit yield great results. No lead foot gas use, wont go fast anyhow. Winter driving conditions and sloppy driving habits destroy mpg. Large interior, but VERY noisy and not comfortable after a couple hours. Cheaped out on auto on head lights, dash layout, seat adjusters and tires. Did I say it was NOISY? First, and LAST, Honda.

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  What happened to Hondas reliability - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiff - June 1 - 4:08 pm

  Bought this van to replace a worn out Chevy Venture that we had driven for over 7 years. We went with Honda for the 8-passenger option and the assumed reliability weve heard about Hondas hoping to make it another 7 years with this van. Within 7 days we started having issues: transmission catches, road vibrations, sliding door rattles and creaks, anti-lock brake noises. You name it. I am sorely disappointed that this will be my vehicle for the next 5-7 years, especially when I read all the other similar complaints about this vehicle. Whod have thought a 1999 Chevy Venture would turn out to be my dream car?

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  Good Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By hellcatholly - June 1 - 1:42 pm

  I have had my 09 base/ Fit for about a year now. I love the car! I average about 38mpg. Even on major road trips, packed full of gear I averaged 36. Not the most powerful car, but Id rather have good mileage. My husband is over 6 tall and he has plenty of room over his head(hard to find in a small car)The road noise is considerable on highways, but my previous cars were Saturns so Im used to that. I had to get used to not seeing the nose of the car (since it is so low). I had never had a hatch b. before & had to get used to the corner blind spots while backing up. I also noticed a blind spot at the front window bars while turning into a deep curves, just a matter of moving your head.

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  Get one with low miles! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dillon - June 1 - 1:03 pm

  Got this car after I wrecked my 93 Mustang for $1800 with about 165k miles on it. Its a good car, not much more could be asked for with the price I paid. The AC went from freezing me out to not working in a few weeks, the variable speed sensor is going out (a common problem with this model), the trunk is leaking, needs new CV joints, a tune up, and I have had head gasket work done, a new battery and alternator, and a new timing belt. Its a great car still, but its a money pit. Once something goes wrong, everything starts to follow. The gas mileage is the saving grace I get about 40 highway and around 32-34 in town.

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  Good Little Car and Fuel Efficient - 2000 Honda Civic
  By BV - June 1 - 12:58 pm

  I bought my Civic in 2000 brand new and it lasted me for 9 years until I got in an accident and totaled it. The battery went out within 3-4 years with about 35K miles, the tires had to be replaced twice (could be because I drove to school through a lot of construction), and the air conditioning went out at about 80K miles (Purchased everything new because it went totally out and I live in Texas so I cannot drive without air). Was a very reliable, dependable and stylish at the time type of car but can be very easily broken into by bad people. They break in through the windows easily and they dont roll down again until you get them fixed. Always do the maintenance on this car and get an alarm

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  The perfect vechicle except ... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By northporter - June 1 - 11:33 am

  Gas is 22 mpg, sometimes 21.9. Hard to take after owning three 40 mpg toyotas. Too bad toyotas are made so cheaply and badly now. But the Honda is a hoot to drive, has adequate power and amazing comfort and room. Gas mileage is not good tho. But you cant have everything, I guess.