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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  Overall very good with a few annoyances - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By J - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this has been a nice little SUV. The paint quality is sub par it seems like new scratches appear every day. Also, for an I-4 engine powering a Civic platform, I expected better gas mileage than what I get, which is usually about 20 around town and never better than 23-25 on the highway. Other than that, it drives well, its comfortable, it carries everything we need it to carry, and it is reliable. This is one we plan to keep until it is "driven into the ground."

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  Still Love This Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Shelly in W Michigan - March 17 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this car new in 2000, my first Honda after driving Fords. What a difference a brand can make. Honda dealerships have been great. Treat women like people, unlike Ford. Car is the best auto investment Ive ever made. 10 years later and 177.000 miles, it runs better than some of the used cars Ive just started test driving. Also being offered $4k for trade-in. Am now thinking about keeping car (rust and all) for another couple of years. Now gets ~25 mi/gallon. Only got ~20 mi/gallon for first few years. Not crazy about styling, but car is dependable. Had front end repaired a few months ago and muffler pipe replaced last year. Other than oil changes and tires, thats it.

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  Modern classic - 1995 Honda Accord
  By jim n - March 17 - 7:15 pm

  Bought my Honda in 2009 with 125K miles. For piece of mind I had the timing belt service done. No worries since. I get 30 mpg highway and its very comfortable. The styling on these cars still looks up to date and I`m surprised how many of these 15 year old cars I still see on the road. There is a fair amount of road noise and the AC is marginal. Overall if you get one that has been taken care of you can`t go wrong.

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  Insight after 5000 miles - 2010 Honda Insight
  By cd - March 17 - 4:30 pm

  The car does nothing to clue you in that you are driving a hybrid except shut down when you stop and return excellent mpg. I have gotten from 40 to 62 mpg on trips and of course the cold start, short trips get the lowest and the under 55 mph longer trips get the best. If you go 70 mph on the highway you will get better mpg with the econ mode off. As for the paddle shifters I have not made use of them except on a trip through the Great Smoky mountains. I would downshift to keep the car from running away on the long downward grades, otherwise I would have worn the brakes out because the regenerative braking was not working because the battery was charged to the max due to the downward grade.

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  Solid car with significant shortcomings - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CZ - March 17 - 9:58 am

  I have purchased this car a certified used car from a dealership in Brooklyn, NY with 27k miles on it. Overall it is a very good car with excellent driving characteristics. Handling and power are great. Interior ergonomics and style is very simple and elegant. Almost Teutonic, perfect for my taste. Fit and finish is also among the positive features.The dealership concealed the fact that the torque converter was previously replaced under recall, it seems it wasnt installed properly and is the main cause behind mediocre mileage (15 mpg city). The cars transmission is also of inferior quality, it hesitates and jerks when engaging 2nd and 3rd gear. Quality of shifting decreases with temperature

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  Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - March 16 - 7:59 pm

  First Honda ever purchased. Best vehicle ever owned. Over 100,000 miles and never been back to dealer for any problem. Still has original brake pads. Will buy another one.

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  You will not get your money worth - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Not happy - March 16 - 2:06 pm

  I had to buy new tires after 20 K miles. Honda puts cheap tires on the vehicle (less thread) to get better gas mileage. Also, you will be very disappointed in the mileage. Very poor mileage in the winter.

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  Noisy, squeaky - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Alisande - March 16 - 12:21 pm

  I owned a 1980 Civic that was one of the best cars Ive ever had. My new Civic is a disappointment. After only 1000 miles, I have rattles and squeaks in two places in the dash and the drivers side window. The road noise is fatiguing on long trips. I dont think Honda is making them like they used to. I dont even feel honest selling this car to someone so Ill keep it a couple years then trade it in for a Kia Forte, the car I should have bought instead.

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  Excellent Investment - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bruce - March 16 - 11:52 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and I have not been disappointed at all. Other than just oil changes and tire rotation this vehicle has never let me down. I feel very safe with my family in this car. My wife takes coumadin that thins the blood and she bleeds very easily. I trust the safety of this car.

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  Wasnt worth the hype - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By taveling man - March 16 - 11:17 am

  Bought it because it was a Honda. At least they covered the transmission the first time it went out at 70,000 miles even though it was properly maintained, better than GM or Ford would do! But, between the sticky rear door, front brakes every 20K and timing belt (why have one not a chain) the money spent is like a Chrysler. Higher resale was a joke because if I had bought a Chrysler for 3,000 cheaper I could have taken advantage of the Cash for clunkers and ended up ahead.