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 Student Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By kSpriss - July 4 - 12:10 pm

  This is a good first car. I bought it off a family member. Fuel economy is EXCELLENT, highway driving can see upwards of 45 MPG. The engine is weak at low RPMs, and passing power isnt the greatest. This isnt too big a deal for a relatively gentle driver for myself. Steering is EXCELLENT; the car is very nimble and easy to steer, with a very logical and intuitive feel to the wheel. I always feel in control of the car.

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  Love it! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Susan - July 3 - 1:39 pm

  I love this car so much that Ive kept it for 8 years! Ill probably have to get a new car soon, because of space issues in the back seat (its too difficult for elderly parents to get into the back seat!)

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  Pleasant surprise - 2008 Honda Fit
  By bpenn - July 2 - 4:56 pm

  This is for anyone like me that was very hesitant to buy such a little car. I wrestled back and forth between the Civic and Mazda3 wagon. When I sold my gas guzzling truck for less than I hoped to get for it I only could afford the Fit. Ive only had this a short time but I could not be happier with the Fit. This thing feels so much bigger inside then what it looks like. I find it to be a huge surprise and Im relly digging this little thing. If you are walking the fence on this car I would suggest taking a long test drive. You may find what I found. This is a great car and Honda will have a huge hit on there hands.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Matt - July 2 - 3:33 am

  I traded in a 2000 Ford Contour SVT for a Honda Accord V6 in 2003 and have been very satisfied with the Honda. There are several flaws in the Accord, the "automatic" air system is a broken piece of junk, the alternater/battery system makes the lights flash (unfixable), and the dummy pedal is too small. The emissions is too far ahead of its time resulting in a sulpher smell. But overall, Ive been really happy with the performance, owner cost, service, and reliability of this car. I had the flawed radio display, which stopped working. They replaced that on warrenty. No critical feature has had any problems for me.

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  Seats to die from - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By linuxrlz - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the quality and solid feel of the car. The stereo sounds great. The seats are to die from. I am 55 and have owned many cars and a truck and these are by far the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had the displeasure to sit in. There is no place to put my feet, so they are usually skewed under the brake pedal or some other uncomfortable place. The front wheel well protrudes into the drivers and passengers compartment area. There is plenty of room otherwise and it looks big inside. The dealer treated me with kid gloves and the salesman even came out to my house to pick me up from my house to drive me to the dealership.

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  Good Vehicle-but not everthing you think - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Taunton02780 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I was anxious to get my CRV-EX (dark blue 5-speed). Had many dealer installed options put in (dealer may not budge on sticker but you can neg on the options). Good all around vehicle and very dependable and lots of room inside for people and cargo (more than youd think). However, gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired (not close to window sticker) and its kind of dismal in the snow (Im used to 4WD not AWD). Ive got 22,000 mls so far (just under a year) and I might get rid of it soon (get something better in the snow - my Saab did better in the snow with just FWD)!

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  Engine & Road Noise and Vibration - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bwang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey has powerful engine. But the engine and road noise is unacceptable. When I bought this LX model, it even came with the poor tires, Bridgestone. When drived above 70mph, the steering wheel is vibrating. I took it to the dealer, and they cannot feel anything wrong. The vehicle is also vibrating while cold start while the speed is lower to 1000rpm, it is not normal. The brake also produced noise while cold start. The noise level is high and make me embarrassed. Borrowed a 03 Dodge minivan from my friend and test drive, I was really suprised the low noise level inside. This Dodge minivan is not high end and even less features than Odyssey.

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  Quit whining! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Joe - July 1 - 1:05 am

  Look folks, this is a sports car, and a four cylinder. The trunk has to be small, it has to be low to the ground, it cant carry four people properly! It is incredible at what it was meant to do which is move you with zest and smoothness. The handling is excellent, the engine very polished, visibility is great, and power features distinguish this car from the others. I always get comments and offers on the car. It has served me well in town and on long trips. It feels great the faster you go, makes all the right sounds, and gets all the looks. Yes, it uses 93 octane fuel exclusively, and it does so to maximize the power it produces if you dont, youll burn out O2 sensors!

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  Most Un-Honda Among Five Others - 2007 Honda Accord
  By HondaVeteran - June 30 - 1:26 pm

  Among the five Accords and Civics weve owned, this one is the most un-Honda. At freeway speeds, the power train has a gear whine like an old bad differential. It whines under load and is quiet when coasting. So on the flat and level, as the load goes on and off, the whine flutters irritatingly. The acceleration is uneven when shifting from first to second. Over moderate undulations on the freeway, the rear suspension feels loose like the boulevard ride on a big, heavy GM sedan in the old days. The gas mileage barely makes the Maroni numbers (altho weve got less than 1000 miles on it.) The speed related power steering assists too much at freeway speed, and not enough when parking.

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  New To Honda Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By MichaelFlorida - June 30 - 9:36 am

  Purchased Honda (Accord)fir the first time. Purchase experience was good. Elected to purchase the LX-P LX-P seems to be cost effective with a base of $24K, reasonable gas mileage and I hope a lower insurance cost. Driver seat LX was very hard & uncomfortable. The LX-P solved this issue with 8 power adj. seat. Mileage from the 2.4 4 is MUCH better than my 2007 Pontiac G6 3.9 6 Noise is a minor factor- you do hear & feel every bump and change in road conditions. Car is base but highly functional.