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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  Some Issues - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Felt32 - February 7 - 7:14 am

  I really like the look of the older Honda Accords. I am concerned that after I purchased this certified vehicle that a part of the brake stuck,which caused the rear tire to smoke, badly.

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  Disappointed with my first Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Felt32 - February 7 - 7:09 am

  I am highly disappointed in this CR- V. I had heard about Honda being the most reliable and for me that was not the case. My 2008 Honda CR-V ran hot on me damaging an engine head gasket, temp control device, and etc. The battery also died on me, even though it was my fault for not closing the trunk all of the way it should of warned me that the trunk was not closed. Very disappointed with my purchase so I traded it in after 1.5 years.

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  Its a simple hybrid... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By fromguzzlertogreen - February 6 - 11:15 pm

  I chose the insight since I couldnt see myself in a prius. I drove an 2007 BMW M5 that gave me mechanical problems and bad gas. I was looking for greatest gas mileage plus prestige that only came with a hybrid like prius- Insight was just the car. In CA-it was great since its warm. No need for heating. Drove to seattle for $80 in gas. Now, I am averaging 34-36MPG- not happy with these #s. I have to remind myself I bought it for the distinction, otherwise I should have spend less on a civic.

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  Its True...Honda QC is SluMping Fast! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By luvdriving - February 6 - 11:07 pm

  I miss my 95 Accord. It was by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, selling it with 157,000 miles on it. Drove it Coast to Coast and it NEVER ONCE let me down. The 2004 CRV I have now has 57,000 mi on it. Its not horrible..but not great either: Im 61" and can (NEVER) get comfortable due to the lack of leg room...which is primarily my fault for not taking it on a 100 Mi test drive:).. Right! Everything still works BUT the squeaks and bad rattles are Everywhere!..Including Multiple windows, passenger side belt, the front suspension...Mechanic still cant figure that one out! Interior scratches easily, and loud road noise. Im selling it for an alternative Colorado friendly car.

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  many issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mis-take - February 6 - 9:15 pm

  Could not the the Toyota i wanted, so purchased the Odyssey touring. Major probs with transmission, dealer did not want to look at.. American Honda did noting to help.. have issue in lower transmission.. having more issues with tranny when coming off hwy .. car has 37500, nice car to drive if tran would work.. 2nd big issue PAX nuff said...

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  Rough and tough - 2009 Honda Fit
  By oldgrover - February 6 - 4:29 pm

  I think Honda forgot to put springs & shocks in my Fit! The ride is brutal on Minnesotas beat up roads. Hondas build quality is apparent, any other car that rides this rough would have broken in half or at least creak, groan & squeak after 15000 miles. My other complaints are the awkward placement of the cup holders. Being a righty, the cup holder on the left side of the dash is inconvenient. The mouse fur interior fabric traps hair and lint that is difficult to remove. I also wonder how long the cardboard carpeting will hold up.

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  A Great Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Millers - February 6 - 11:58 am

  We ordered it in late July and it came in late Sept. We love it . I do have to watch me head getting as I am tall ,but it is very comfortable it has good pickup in traffic .we get great mileage in mid 40s a gallon consistent and better depending on circumstances. I love the way it keeps track of how you are doing for fuel usage.It also does great in the snow. in short WE LOVE IT .

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  I. LOVE. THIS. CAR. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By teajai - February 6 - 12:12 am

  Prior to my Civic Coupe EX, I owned two Accords and two CR-Vs. I got a little tired of all the money I was putting out in gas and on a whim I purchased my current 2004 Civic Coupe EX and began my journey. This is an excellent car! I was really scared when I was faced with driving it in the snow after being in a CR-V for 11 years...but the car is amazing. She plows through anything and climbs hills that have left other cars in the ditch. Ive owned this car for just shy of 2 years now and I love it more and more each day. I get an average of 36-38 mpg--no matter the driving conditions. I cant praise this car enough. Get yourself one and begin your own inexpensively reliable journey!

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  5 yr. ownership - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Linas - February 5 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car used with 128,000 miles on it. I am very satisfied with it and like the performance and handling of the car. It is a manual transmission and the shifts are smooth. I have not made any major repairs on it. I have taken 1000 mile road trips with this car. I am looking forward to buying a Civic Si soon.

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  So loud!!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Anon - February 5 - 1:50 pm

  This car needs less than a 4/10 rating for "quietness". When you drive down the highway, you expect to be able to still hear your passengers talking. Instead, you have to yell to have a conversation. Forget about being able to listen to music while driving on the highway. Frequent rest stops are needed on travels because the seats are so uncomfortable. This is not a vehicle meant for hwy driving, thats for sure.