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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  Glad I got it.... - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Gringotimo - April 1 - 7:26 pm

  I got my Fit at the end of December and have driven it through ice, snow, rain, and dry. So far, I am completely satisfied in every way. As many reviews I read stated, it exceeds the stated gas mileage under all conditions. By driving around 65 mph, it usually gets around 37-38 mpg on the highway. No dragster, it still has enough pep to handle most situations easily. One of the few negatives Ive noticed is the design of the rear roof posts. When backing out of a diagonal parking space, the one on the right rear corner obstructs the drivers view not enough to be a hazard, more of a nuisance. Overall, its a nice handling, comfortable, little car that feels like a much larger car.

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  Love my CR-V! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - April 1 - 1:06 pm

  When I was looking at cars, it was between this and the RAV-4. The rides were similar, but set this car apart was the interior comfort and style. Love the heated seats and still use them in Florida on cold mornings. Versatile back seat positioning allowing me to pack full to the brim with stuff. Great handling in rain and snow. Love how the car slows itself down when decelerating and the design of the gear shift.

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  2002 Honda Accord EX V6 sedan.. A++ - 2002 Honda Accord
  By david - April 1 - 10:30 am

  I bought this car 5 years ago with 48,000 miles on it from a friend who buys cars from the dealer only auctions.I did my research and saw the 02 EX V6 came with a lot of standard items that were options on the earlier years. I also saw that the earlier years had transmission problems. The V6 has plenty of power for this car.I have had no problems with this car. This is a GREAT CAR! I change the oil every 3,000 miles, the car just turned to 92,000 miles so I found a great deal on ebay for a COMPLETE timing belt kit. Local dealer cost 450.00 eBay 325.00 including shipping from a Honda dealership. Thats the biggest expense Ive had to put into the car.I Would definitely buy this car again. A+

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  Good on gas - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ms.Jones - April 1 - 10:30 am

  Drives well, no serious mechanical issues even though it was a salvage, One issues have been the damage done before I bought it when it was stolen. The rear shock is leaking, thinking about having the gear box looked at changing gears isnt as fluid as when I first bought it.

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  No Buyers Remorse - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By indyfamily - April 1 - 8:02 am

  We checked out both the Highlander and the Pilot as replacements for our aged Tahoe. For the money we felt that the Pilot was far more spacious & practical in its interior arrangement. Now, after several months, we have not had any problems with it. Its power is impressive and the 4WD has proven capable too. Even the kids like it.

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  Want Another - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mike - April 1 - 12:02 am

  I will buy another element this year. The thing that I like most is the headroom and the ease of regress and egress. I have a fused neck so I cannot bend it and with the Element I dont have to bend my neck to get in or out. The car is a little noisy from the lack of carpet but you get used to it. Many nooks and crannies that coins get wedged in but not that much of a problem. All around a great car. Replaced a passenger window motor, a battery and was serviced regularly. Still have it 50k miles.

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  Brakes for Life - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ron graz - March 31 - 9:07 pm

  Many people are talking about the 2007 brake recall on thousands of these mini vans. I got an extremely great deal when I purchased this vehicle used that I knew I would be putting a few bucks into the van. Having said this I realized right away that something was not right in the front end. Long story short, air is finding its way into the brake lines. As a mechanic I remedied the problem by bleeding all 4 calipers and also a full rotor and pad replacement on all 4 wheels. Immediate results and to date has not recurred. I did not use genuine Honda rotors as they have a history of being thin and warping easily. I used a quality after market.

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  Polite, Pleasant, Professional - 2010 Honda Civic
  By J Kucyn - March 31 - 5:37 pm

  Phillipsburg-Easton Honda here in NJ provided a very positive buying experience. The Honda LX I purchased is giving me exceptional gas mileage, the car is tight, the ride is smooth and quiet. The design and layout of the dashboard is "different" than other cars Ive had but now that Im driving it, I like it very much. Good thinking by Honda.

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  Happy with my CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jarthan - March 31 - 4:39 pm

  I love the versatility of the CR-V, the AWD capability, and the fuel economy. I bought mine used with 90K miles, replacing a leased Jeep Liberty. The CR-V has a smoother ride and uses a lot less gas. It now has 114K miles, but runs good and looks great. The 2000 cc motor is very reliable, but is also very underpowered. That was corrected in 2002. Still, I am a happy CR-V owner and want to upgrade to a 2005 or 2006 no car is perfect. I believe this car has another 60-70K miles left in it.

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  Edmunds write up correction - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 1uncfan - March 31 - 4:23 pm

  The variable cylinder management system turns three cylinders off when coasting and on flat surfaces or even slight hills.The change is imperceptible. On mostly flat interstates 70 MPH is 2,000 RPM on three cylinders. (ECO light on) All gas has been fill ups and each fill up has been checked using the A trip counter. (30,000) This driving, includes in/out of city/towns, gives usually gives 24.5 - 25.7 and a seldom 26 MPG. Top EPA is 27. Only once was it 32.6 - all day in the rain under 60 MPH on secondary roads) Only oil/filter changes, air filter and cabin filter (self), and tire rotations.