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:

• 

  Another Honda Lover - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Mary - May 13 - 7:39 am

  This is my third Honda. I just love the quality, reliability and feel of the car. I got 34 MPG with the first tank with mixed driving--only had it for 2 weeks. Got some fog lights thrown in (not installation) and a great price! I am very happy with my purchase.

• 

  Favorite Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By civicacct - May 12 - 5:39 pm

  I absolutely love my 2008 Honda Civic EX-L. I have had several cars - VW, Acura, Pontiac - and the Civic is the best car I have owned. Its fun to drive, its plenty peppy and its comfortable. The price is great for the quality of the vehicle.

• 

  Not so great! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cel5000 - May 12 - 3:58 pm

  Traded my Lexus 06 IS250 for this based on Hondas reputation and the fact that my wifes 04 Accord has been a great car. I was initially impressed with the styling which led to the test drive. Power is impressive and the ride is harsh but the payoff is in the handling. I just turned 14K and have noticed a slight brake shimmy at highway speeds so there may be something to all the complaints logged here. I also have the "bumpy" feel to the driver seat when adjusting forward or back. My dealer told me that Honda is working on a solution for this - well see. Overall its a good car that is reliable but, in my option, not as great as its predecessor.

• 

  Still Wish I Had It - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Billw - May 12 - 2:33 pm

  Just had my 03 EX-L totaled Monday. Had 122K on it, never a mechanical problem. Transmission recall done. Towed jet skis, 21 Maxxum boat 150+ miles in Ozarks for years. Never a problem. Had problems with passenger sliding door. Had intermittent problems with steering wheel audio controls. Cabin was nosier than Id prefer, but was bearable. Consistently achieved 25+ mpg on highway across I- 70 with family (4 persons) and luggage. Good in rain/snow for what it was for lacking todays modern safety equipment. Motor mounts were suggested by dealer to be changed out at 90K, but independent mechanic said they were fine, showing some wear, but, didnt need to be replaced.

• 

  Great MPG and Comfort - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Dale - May 12 - 2:27 pm

  The Ex model I have gets great MPG, about 24 city and 32 highway. The MPG gauge is great I try my best to keep it at 30 or above whenever I drive-sure does help to coast to stops and be gentle on the gas pedal. The car is very comfortable on around town trips- longer trips do make you stiff, but hours in any car can do that. The fit and finish is wonderful and the layout of the dash is good. I had a 1998 CR-V and this one is much better overall.

• 

  Honda Fit 2010 Automatic - Great Vehicle - 2010 Honda Fit
  By HomeDesign - May 11 - 10:31 pm

  We bought this new Honda Fit within a 3 day period in which we also purchased a 2010 new Scion xD. Both vehicles are closely matched, with only subtle differences. Neither my wife nor I have a preference. We like both of them. The Honda has nice lower back built-in non-adjustable lumbar support which I like a lot. The Scion does not have this, but is still also comfortable. The Honda and the Scion have adequate legroom, even for 6-2" tall me. The Honda, however, has a steering wheel that both tilts and telescopes. The Scion tilts, but doesnt telescope. This makes a difference, as you can pull the Honda seat back some more. Very good interior room for such a compact vehicle.

• 

  Performace Car Update - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lin Red - May 11 - 10:10 pm

  Reviewed in Dec 06 and now providing an update. The car has definitely lived up to Honda quality and reliability. I use Michelin Pilot PS2 tires on 17" wheels during the summer and the ride quality and handling is tremendous for an Accord. I havent had any problems, but the dealer did recommend I replace the rear brake pads at 30k miles. As many have noted the gas mileage is not as high as expected but it is still excellent for a 6-cylinder car. I get 23-24 mpg in city and 34-37 in the highway. Setting the cruise control at 65 mph gives the best mpg. I paid a low price for a new car 4 years ago and it was well worth the money.

• 

  had it for 4 days and radio light went b - 2004 Honda Accord
  By km - May 11 - 9:01 pm

  Hi, i just bought a used 04 honda accord ex with only 49,000 miles on it. The car has power and it drives really nice. The only problem that i have had is that the radio backlight just went dim. I guess this is a known problem with this year Accords.and the dealer said they would fix it. Other then that I hope to have a good time with this ride because I like it and Hondas are supposed to be good cars.

• 

  Best performance car for the $$$ - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Tris Speaker - May 11 - 2:44 pm

  Ive had my Civic Si now for almost a year and can say that it is the best car for the $$$ that Ive ever purchased. Ive owned many sporty cars before, too. The reviews that Ive read that were negative were from people that probably shouldnt have bought this car to start with. The car is made for DRIVING, not commuting to and from work. The regular Civic is what they shouldve bought. You get WAY more than what Mazda, VW or Subaru can offer for the $21,000 that I paid for this car even with the navi. I drive long distances for work and average 33 mpg on those highway trips and get about 25 in the city. I would definitely recommend this car to just about everyone.

• 

  Poor Quality! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim Laidlaw - May 11 - 2:41 pm

  We are very disappointed in this vehicle. So far weve encountered the PAX tire fiasco (tires wore out early and are over priced to replace). Under powered battery for the vehicle which gave out early. Rear backup sensors break easily and are also overly expensive to fix. Left rear shock is leaking. Also, in the shop for two recall notices so far (soft brake pedal, transmission shudder). All of this in a van only 3 years old and under 45K miles!