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:

• 

  So far so good - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Tom B - March 29 - 3:40 pm

  Very smooth ride, handles great, tight turning on curves. I really enjoy it so far. This is my third Honda Civic. The interior and exterior finish isnt as nice as my 1995 Civic LX but there are many nice improvements. This is the first Civic I bought with auto transmission and there does seem to be the slightest hesitation when accelerating from a stop or accelerating from idle speed. Havent had an issue with noise on the highway, but it might be because Im just used to it. Overall, excellent car for the money paid. And with dealer cash reducing the price down to $16,400, gotta love the cost!!

• 

  The Honeymoon is OVER! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wmw - March 29 - 2:11 pm

  Let me start by saying I have had many Hondas. Fell in love with the new CR-V and had to have one! I special ordered mine exactly the way I wanted it, waited the 6+ weeks for it to come it, and loved it, now for the part that pains me, I have 36k miles on it and am getting ready for my 3rd set of tires, have had to have the catalytic converter replaced, the fan squeals on low, there is a rattle on the drivers door that they fixed 4 times now and its still making the same noise. The first set of tires they split the cost of them with me cause I went crazy on them, it only had 20k on it. Now these are making the same thumping noise, my mechanic said dump it now! While I can still get some $$$

• 

  My first & last Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By davria - March 29 - 11:05 am

  Bought this car when gas prices went sky high & needed to get out from under my SUV. Seemed like a solid investment, clean carfax, only 55k miles. Only had to do minor stuff to it for the first 20k (brakes, tires, etc). Then the CEL came on and I started to smell gas around 79k miles, took it to a mechanic & car leaking gas, quoted $900 on the low end/$1500 high to fix. No dealership would take it as a trade because they couldnt transport it. Paid to fix it & replaced both wheel bearings, drove it another 2k and the transmission failed. Quoted $2k on the low end/$3500 high, paid to fix it and the CEL came back on, needs new evap canister & TCS keeps kicking on. Id never buy another Honda.

• 

  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Honda Element
  By Albert P - March 29 - 9:47 am

  I drive a lot! I use this car for work and running my kids for sports and it does everything I need. In four years it will have over 100k miles and I will probably get another one. It is easy to clean inside and out. I am a big guy and I love the room. Great head and leg room. Easy to drive and parking is never a problem.

• 

  Could not be happier - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John B - March 29 - 8:33 am

  Love it! Thats just for starters. I honestly report that, on interstate highways, I will get over 24 mpg and sometimes as high as 27. I have the moon roof, luggage rack (not necessary), towing package from Honda. I added a thick rubber flooring to the bed, stainless steel Nerf bars, and a folding tonneau cover from after market sources. The rear passengers say it is very comfortable and quiet. The dual action tailgate is a stroke of genius.

• 

  A Rip for the pice - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - March 28 - 5:06 pm

  Never again a Honda CR-V. Tires need replacing at 31,000, noisy ride down the highway, no sound insulation and no power with a small 4 cyl eng. With the small engine you would expect gas milage in excess of 25 mpg and not 22, which is what we average, which is mostly hwy driven.

• 

  2009 Honda Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Robert - March 28 - 4:44 pm

  This our third Honda (2002 Accord & 2007 Odyssey), and the first time I have been disappointed. Dont get me wrong, this is a wholly capable vehicle big, powerful, stylish, but it just doesnt move the meter for me. We have a family of 5, so room was one of primary reasons for getting the Odyssey in 07. In 09, the wife wanted to look cooler, so we got the Pilot. Other than cool points, the Pilot does not do anything the Odyssey cant. It has less room (something I wanted), but comparably equipped, costs more. If you want more functionality, get the Odyssey (respect the van!), if you want to look cool, then the Pilot is for you.

• 

  Rides Like A Truck - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By DrFerry - March 28 - 3:49 pm

  We had a 2000 Odyssey LX and kept for nine years. My wife replaced our 2000 model with a new EX-L in July 09 - when Dealers were practically giving them away. The most annoying thing about the van is how harsh it rides. It crashes over the smallest bumps. Potholes feel as if the van has no suspension as everything seems to shake and vibrate. The vehicle is way over sprung and over damped in bump and rebound. A road can look smooth, but the ride will be jiggly, nervous and harsh. I have had ridden in Pick- Up trucks that do a better job of isolating road irregularities than a 2009 Odyssey EX-L. I wish we could take it back and get a model with a softer ride. Go for a long test drive folks.

• 

  Mechanical problems - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Disappointed - March 28 - 10:40 am

  After ONLY 300 miles the engine broke down while driving on a highway nearly caused accident. Dealer had to dismantle entire engine. Obviously, this buyer is extremely disappointed and considers the vehicle unreliable.

• 

  Not For Me - 2009 Honda Civic
  By VA Man - March 27 - 11:16 pm

  Mileage is excellent (37 combined) and the engine and transmission are smooth and will last. But the interior design is so poor that I got rid of the car already. Shifter is so far forward that you have to continually reach for it. Between the seats needs an arm rest. Seat belts bind.