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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  Honda Accord LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TB1 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Not as quiet as my 92. Lots of wind noise around front windows. Road/tire noise is more than my previous accords. Drivers door doesnt always want to close as easily as the other three. Automatic Transmision is 5 star. Engine has more power than my previous Accords. Dealership very concerned about customer satifaction.

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda Insight
  By heidicat - October 2 - 12:30 am

  So far I really like my insight. Only real problem is plastic on hatchback broke part with light so I have to get it replaced. Love the mpg and enough room for my two kids and shopping. Wish she had a little more power on the hills but Ive learned to be light on the peddle.

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  Best Ive owned, but could be better - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By AJFromMaine - September 30 - 9:09 pm

  We really loved this van the first year, but it does not age well. The sliding doors feeze often in the winter, front tires wear unevenly, EGR has been replaced, and on our second battery. Ive found the biggest problem is the sliding doors - when they freeze, I have to climb in from the front seat and give the door a "body-blow" to get it to open - then it is okay. Tire rims collect extra dirt inside so that after a carwash the tires feel like they are unbalanced. So you have to go back and wash inside the rim to get all the dirt out. Overall though, I would still recommend it - especially the newer models.

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  Not as good as I thought it would be - 2001 Honda Civic
  By usseoul - September 30 - 7:04 pm

  A previous Toyota owner. Bought brand new. Driven for almost 5 years. Consideing its a small car, accelation and braking is fine and spacious inside. Easy and simple to use inside layout. Check engine light came on and off and stayed on. Turned out a major tranny(torque converter) problem covered under warranty, which would have cost close to 2K at dealer. Squeaky noises from suspensions on and off. Driving is very bouncy(No. I dont mean smooth here. still felt every bump, though. whats up with this?) but straight. Rattles from behind somewhere on and off. MPG is not as good as advertised. Overall decent but not excellent. Honda reliablity and sporty driving. None there with this Civic.

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  Excellent Choice - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jatayu - September 29 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 36K miles on it. I have put 20K miles on it and the car has been great so far. The fuel economy and reliability are outstanding!! I get 33 miles/gal during winter and 36 during summers. I drive 75% of the time on highways. If you are looking for a great car with great mileage in this time where gas prices are high, this is it! The best alternative to an hybrid, that costs less to buy and maintain.

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  Its ok, but needs much improvement - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By its ok - September 28 - 5:00 am

  So I have about 8k miles on this cr-v. It is ok so far but is begging for improvement. First off the gas mileage is no where near advertised unless you are going to drive pure interstate which I rarely do. My driving is 65% highway (at 65mph-70mpg) and Ive been averaging 20 mpg. I did drive this car pure city before and got approx 18mpg. Next is the engine. Do not even think about passing someone with this SUV. The engine is very underpowered, its almost like this car is begging for a v6. However, the engine is very smooth, and very quiet below 75mph. Ride wise this is a firm ride, Honda could have made the suspension a little softer. Finally THE ROAD NOISE! On the Highway it is very loud.

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  Good car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By wrdrennan - September 27 - 6:24 pm

  I picked the Honda Accord for reliability and safety. The 2001 Accord offers good, but not great mileage. The ride is reasonably smooth and the EX offers 6-CD changer, certainly a plus. Handling on the vehicle is acceptable, but a bit of a dissapointment. Stopping distances seem a little long to me, especially if the anti-locks kick in. Turning isnt as smooth as Id like either. The exterior, as with Hondas offers no excitment, but one cannot complain about top safety ratings and few-- in fact no mechanical problems at 65000 miles.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Average Driver - September 27 - 4:46 pm

  With all the Honda Odysseys good points; like features, build quality, resale value,etc. They are quickly forgotten when gas consumption is lousy. This van gets barely over 15 mpg/city. This is dissapointing for a current vehicle.

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  From Jeep to Honda.... - 2003 Honda Element
  By EVS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First time Honda owner. I really enjoy the fun-to-drive, eye turning quality. Not as dependable as my Jeep in terms of comfort and pick-up. MPG performs poorly when the car is fully loaded (only got 250 miles on one tank with full car, 3 people, and luggage on roof). Otherwise, a fun ride. Great for soccer moms or people with pets. Ideal for local travel and short trips to the hardware store.

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  H3- Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By BBs - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room, drives very good, MPG is ok,rides good in the wind.