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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  Excellent Reliability, Excellent Mileage - 2004 Honda Civic
  By oldmandasilva - May 30 - 11:17 pm

  I purchase this car new based on the reliability and gas mileage reports and have not been disappointed in the least. In the 6+ years that I have owned it I have put on 144,000 miles, mostly commuting (86 miles round trip) to and from work. I regularly get 43-45 mpg. Granted, I am gas mileage conscious and try not to drive over 60 mph, avoid "jack rabbit" starts and constant braking and maintain the tires a little over-inflated. All I have spent on this car in the 6+ years I have owned it, besides gas and regular oil changes, has been to replace the front brakes and, at 125,000 miles, replacing the original Bridgestone tires (which provided good gas mileage but were mediocre in the snow).

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  Second Updates - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Owner - May 30 - 10:50 pm

  This is my second updates for 2010 CR-V after 3000 miles of road trip from Bay Area to Yellowstone National Park, then to Las Vegas and back to the Bay Area. Quiet/Comfort: don’t expect to have quiet level as Acura/Lexus, it is little bit noisy on high speed. The seats are very comfortable and supportive (some reviewers complained too hard for them, understandable. But I like them that way) Handling/Maneuverability: I used to have Honda Pilot, but found it too big and was not as much fun to drive as CR-V. This CR-V handles the winding/twisting roads easily. The suspension is just right, but it can be harsh when runs on unpaved roads. Design: don’t like much the exterior design.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By waikiki - May 30 - 10:58 am

  At 30,000 miles, heard the brake wear indicator and had to replace the rears. The fronts have several thousand more miles left. The VCM is terrible. The transmission hunts even in cruise control and is jerky and slips often. A danger when you are in heavy traffic. Dealer finds nothing wrong and that Hondas do not have smoothest trans. Both front windows rattle, the road noise is quite noticeable, and rain rolls off the top and right on to the controls. I dont see why people rave about Hondas.

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  The Best - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By CARS+ - May 30 - 8:23 am

  Very Happy with this runabout! Attractive yet sleek, has all the bells and whistles,comfy,excellent sound system. Have them add fogs, and auto dimming mirror and its loaded. May not be as fun to drive as say a turbo but this car makes so much more sense and it is still fun. You will not be sorry!

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  My First Car "Love It" - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Kyle - May 30 - 8:12 am

  I love my Honda. Its my first car. i bought it used in 2008 and i havent had any problems with it what so ever. The only thing wrong with it right now is the A/C but thats not really a big deal it just has to be recharged.other than that its been a great car for me and i wouldnt think twice of buying a brand new one.

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  My First Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By HalBill - May 29 - 11:55 pm

  Purchased my 2006 Accord LX Cope, 5-29- 10, This was a pre owned with a one previous owner. I fill that I got the best deal possible. I have driven it only about 80 miles so far. But it is great car, Drove over a few rough roads with no rattles. Great Looks, love the moon roof, cd player, power seats, 17" wheels. Lots of get up and go. Havent driven it enough to tell about the Miles per gallon. Hopefully the v6 will provide that. In the past I have owned a Toyota Camry and a Nissan maxima. After one day of ownership I can say that the Honda is the better car.

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  Nice for the price but needs improvement - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Peter O - May 29 - 9:38 pm

  Very low depreciation makes lease payments as low as much cheaper entry level vehicles. Build quality is better then other cars under $20k but still needs improvement. The rubber weather strip molding along the roof keep falling off. The body panels seem to be very delicate. Just stare at them and theyll get a ding. I feel like it wont age well. The paint finish is just OK. I noticed several imperfections while waxing it. The interior is nice but again, doesnt seem to be hard wearing. The Auto Stop is annoying and despite the many custom settings in the computer, it cannot be disabled. Steering wheel blocks the view of the digital speedo.

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  Love the Toaster! - 2008 Honda Element
  By run_jon_run - May 29 - 6:26 pm

  This was my wife and Is first new car. Got it initially because we have 2 great Danes and they grew out of our 88 civic. Was drawn to the safety features and the 2.4 L 4 cyl, since it has a timing chain and not a belt. We use Hondas synthetic oil and put a k&n air filter in it and have gotten 29 mpg (doing 65 mph) before. Most trips we average 23-26 doing 75 though. The 4 cyl. is punchy and I most always have plenty of power.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda user - May 29 - 6:00 pm

  This is the second accord (2002 SE 4 Door we owned), after my mom totaled our first one. We got it from a local used car dealership, the transmission started sliding when we hit 82k miles. While it is not worth it to have it replaced anymore, we can only live with it, and expecting jerking while step on the acceleration paddle.

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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Honda Civic
  By JK - May 29 - 11:23 am

  Drove this car for about a hundred miles and I hate it. The seats are uncomfortable, when I get out of this car after a short ride I feel like Ive been through a war.