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:

• 

  Super HONDA - 1994 Honda Accord
  By nando - May 26 - 3:29 pm

  I got my 1994 Accord on auction, it had 132,000 miles on it at the time, now the engine gave out due to a busted heater hose, I ran it hot, it had 482,000 miles on it, this baby just kept on ticking. This was my second 94 Honda, my first had 413,000 miles, then I donated it. They had a 4 cyl, great pick-up, and about 35 mpg, and smooth to drive, Honda lover forever.

• 

  The best SUV/Truck in the world! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent - May 26 - 3:07 pm

  Simple: Everything is top notch! I get over 550 km per tank -- about 22 mpg. So fun to drive! Love it ! Love it! Love it!

• 

  Love my new car! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa - May 26 - 2:24 pm

  I have only had this car a few days, but I must say its such a joy to drive. Its also much roomier than I had ever though it could be perfect for me & my two little guys!

• 

  The CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Costa - May 26 - 8:02 am

  This is an exceptional car for the price. And, the fold up rear seats create the room I need in my work

• 

  A lot of car for the price. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Hondriver - May 25 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a 2010 Honda Civic Sedan Auto LX-S in Atomic Blue on 4/24/10. It is a great car for the money. It is no race car, but has decent acceleration. Honda mainly had fuel economy in mind when designing this car. First tank averaged 32 MPG with combined city/highway driving. Handling is good even at higher speeds. Not much road noise noticed as mentioned in other reviews. The only thing I added after purchase was custom tint and front/rear splash guards. You can remedy all the suggested improvements listed below by going up to an EX, but I thought the rims were ugly and buying the LX-S saved me a few bucks. Incentives are good for Hondas right now as it is more of a buyers market.

• 

  Good Choice-Switched from VW - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By wadvout - May 25 - 3:57 pm

  The Hondas are cheaper to maintain than VWs. The reliability has been much better than my new VW was too. Like the extra passenger and cargo space. The road noise has not been bad but wish the suspension and MPG were better. If a good suspension and MPG matter more than price than an Outback would be a good choice too.

• 

  Not reliable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Randy Gilligan - May 25 - 3:26 pm

  I had many issues with the Ridgeline, at 18,000 mile front rotor locked up, 30,000 mile tire pressure monitoring sensor went bad, 80,000 blown engine (supposedly from a loose spark plug) and 90,000 compressor for air conditioning needs replacement (leaking).

• 

  Kind of a mistake - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Patti - May 25 - 1:57 pm

  I drove acura rdx, infinity ex35. Ended up with the CR-V because is was the best deal, thousands less. Best gas mileage and regular gas. The others require premium. I wish I had gone for the RDX. It was $6,000 more and requires prem gas and worse overall mpg. BUT much better to drive.

• 

  My 325,000 mile 91 RS is the better car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By back to bowties - May 25 - 4:33 am

  The 5-speed 4 cylinder is fun to drive. Good acceleration and handling for fwd. Reliability - exhaust shield rattled dealer fixed, outlets failed cant charge phone & gps at the same time unlike every other car Ive owned. 43,000 miles computer failed and put me on the side of the road 125 miles from home. None of my GM cars have broke down on the side of the road with less than 200,000+ miles on them. Honda replace ECM under warranty. Lots of feathers, great comfort, pretty & tasteful styling. Quality and "impression" of quality outstanding, actual quality well below expectations. Wouldnt have the auto with the 4-banger.

• 

  The little engine that could - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Michael - May 25 - 2:47 am

  Got it brand new at 12 miles, around the 7th yr / 70,000 parts start to break down, 2 oxygen sensors (1st around 73k, 2nd around 110k), 2 drive shafts (around 80k), 1 radiator (110k), 1 broken alternator (95k), 1 cracked manifold catalytic housing (around 60k, except for the sound, it drives great). I make many long trip per year now so I decided to get another car and retired the Civic ~125k. Someday Ill fix it up properly which would cost around 1k to 2k. The Civic is really fun to drive, the interior is so simple which I really like. The engine can high rev and goes no where fast which is fun and funny to me. This car was very reliable and have never left me stranded.