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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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By George - January 29 - 5:40 pm

  A good car almost a year old. Although the sticker indicated a fuel economy of 22/27 mpg, I have never been able to get better than 17/22 mpg -- very poor for a car this size with a 4 cylinder engine. My 2002 Lexus RX300 gets 19/25 mpg and it is a heavier car with a 6 cylinder engine. Have been generally please with the CR- V otherwise. When the rear seats are down, it has very large cargo space for a car this size -- bigger than my Lexus SUV

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  Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By duncanscott - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Wind noise

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  Crosstour Exploding Sunroofs - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By CT Exploding Sunroof - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This performs and feels well. Unfortunately, my Honda Crosstour along with others online have had a problem with spontaneously exploding sunroofs. In my situation, American Honda and Gillman Honda had no intention of analyzing the situation with concern and they seem to be experts at ping ponging customers back and forth.

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  My Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AFB - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Honda for 5 months now and its been great except for 1 major issue. My gas milage. 90 percent of my driving is strictly highway and I have not gotten over 19.5 mpg. I even filled up on the highway and topped it off when i got off. I got 20.4 mpg. I have had it back to the dealer and was told nothing was wrong that the car has to break in. Ive got 6000 miles and it should be broken in. Why then is the car advertised at 22 - 28 mpg

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  Old Faithful - 1999 Honda Accord
  By chellie88 - January 28 - 3:25 pm

  This car was my first new car purchase and after six years I am still pleased. I have been grateful as I look back and realize I never spent over $500 for any repairs. There is scheduled maintenance to keep up with but I didnt do all of them and am still blessed with a good performing vehicle.

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  Not impressed but keeping it real - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Ex-pecting more - January 28 - 12:28 pm

  Purchased an 05 ex cloth 12/05 immediatly began hearing a buzz or rattle coming from the "b" pillar both sides of vehicle just above the front seat belt pivot anchors. Service department, Honda rep and design engineer say it is an "Inherent characteristic of the door seal design" and they can not fix it. They will not buy back the vehicle, so I get to live with a "Buzz" in my ears. @ 310 mi have a rattle from front passenger dash @ the airbag. My mileage is 14.7 mixed driving. Radio reception & sound quality is marginal. Size and seating flexability are near ideal. The engine and tranny work together well. The steering is vague with too much on center play. Honda should be better for $30k

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  My Third Honda Accord...! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Rich5150 - January 28 - 4:33 am

  What can I say...This is my 3rd Honda Accord. Its still the best bang for your buck! This is my first 6 cylinder Honda. Plenty of power to accelerate out of situations. Love it & fun to drive...

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  Satisfied - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Ann - January 27 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my 1999 CRV new and have been very satisfied with its reliability and functionality. I haul around a dog, groceries, sports equipment and kids with backpacks. I cant think of another car that is better suited for what I need. I owned two Camrys prior to this CRV and I can say for sure that the CRVs interior features are poorer quality than Toyota and here are some examples: stereo was horrible in the CRV but good in the Camry, air conditioning is horrible in the CRV but awesome in the Camry. The CRV doesnt have much "get up and go" if I need to accelerate quickly from a stop. I LOVE the AWD feature and it is fun to drive in the snow.

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  Honda engineers read this!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By martian - January 27 - 7:26 am

  I LOVE my new car! Ive put 5k miles on the Accord. Traction control prevents burning rubber, but whatever. What is fun is going from 40 to 80 in like 2 seconds. Dont worry about the "click" when shifting into DRIVE; they all do it. When snow gets in the wheels, they vibrate at > 50 mph. Windshield wash fluid only holds <1/2 gallon - and the pump is wussy. The drivers seat is not comfortable. I have some suggestions in the section below. Sound system rocks. Visibility is fantastic.

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  Honda = Reliable? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DK - January 26 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased this van as used at 37k right off factory warranty expires. Dealer recommanded "extended" warranty but i owed other hondas and did not think i needed one. Now i kinda regret it. About a day after the purchase, i noticed a high pitch noise coming from somewhere in engine bay. Took it to the dealer and they said it is Bad tranny and it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, Honda covered it by hondas good will warranty. Bad thing was dealer did not put enought tranny oil and i had to go back to get it fixed. 2 weeks later. ball bearing on left front went out. spent $200 to fix it. Since it has been about 20,000 miles, and so far no problem.. well hope it would last^^