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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  Civic has grown up - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jayhawk82 - December 11 - 12:03 pm

  Bought the Civic LX-s because I liked the combination of features that it had for the price. The interior looked much better than the EX, with the Si seats, leather wrapped wheel. Audio is a little weak, but it can be enhanced easily with aftermarket. Only filled up once and with a combination of city and hwy, got 30 mpg. Road noise is a little more than I expected, but ok. Instrument display is great, handling is quick and acceleration is what you should expect for this class. Interesting to note that the Civic is now just about as big as the previous Accord that we had (1993), although it weighs a lot less.

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  Cold weather starting - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Battery life - December 11 - 11:07 am

  Original battery replaced 10 months after car bought. As soon as -20+ temp hit there was no life in battery. Again Dec.2009 same thing happened. Car driven daily. Honda replaced first battery but advised that this battery only falls under original time frame of warranty and not from replacement of battery in Dec.2008. Apparently no larger battery with better cranking power will fit the space. Hondas suggested solution is to put battery charger and battery warmer on.

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  An Excellent Car if you dont Dog it - 1999 Honda Accord
  By John - December 11 - 10:29 am

  Bought this thing with around 45K miles on it in 2004 and drove it until some kid parked his Blazer in my trunk last week at 127K miles. Great car. Not the most fun car Ive ever driven, but still not bad. No issues other than the cheap factory GM alternator had to be replaced at around 50K miles which I was expecting. No tranny issues. Drivers side leather seat started looking rough but not bad considering it was a 10 year old car. All in all no complaints other than the alternator and maybe a tighter, sportier suspension. Super reliable, what you can expect from a Honda.

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  Time To Sell - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt T - December 10 - 1:33 pm

  Great family vehicle. Plenty of room for all. 3rd row is a great option to have and its easy to work with laying seats into floor. Front seats could be more comfortable. Fairly thin on padding. Leather appears cheap and hard since day one. Could be better insulated from road noise - DO NOT BUY IF THE MODEL HAS RUN FLAT TIRES. I am irritated at Honda for the decisions on tires but will probably buy another Honda (Pilot) based on value.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Diane - December 10 - 12:36 pm

  With gas prices being so high, I thought my next car would have to be a hybrid until I drove the CR-V. Wonderful vehicle, we even splurged & bought the rear spoiler, fog lights & auto dimming mirror. Im not normally a big freeway driver (I avoid it at all costs) but the CR-V handles so nicely its just a shame to keep it on the side streets only. Its very roomy & has all the features that will spoil you. (I cant wait for winter so I can try the seat heaters!) My husband is 6 1" and has plenty of room to ride in the front or the back seat. Very peppy & cute, its a very nice ride.

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  Good Car for Morning Drive - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scott Rines - December 10 - 12:16 pm

  This Civic has been a great little vehicle for my morning, and afternoon, drive to work. The fuel economy is excellent, mid to high 30s. The vehicle has been very reliable, has required no maintenance other then routine and no repairs. I live in Houston and I chuckle every time I drive past a huge SUV or truck at a gas station. I drive 26 miles to work each morning and another 26 home each afternoon. I fill up each Monday, for 8-9 gallons.

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  Best car for drivin around - 1997 Honda Civic
  By best drive around - December 10 - 11:26 am

  Got this car a while ago. Still please with it today with 247,000 miles and purr like a cat. I got a good deal with it and decide to use it as a work car since I live 30 miles from work. Guarantee u will never find a better car than this.

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  Too much cost cutting - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Reviewer - December 10 - 11:23 am

  Poor build quality. Poor fuel economy. Rough feel while driving. Honda seems to have attempted to perfect the process of cost cutting. Unfortunately the quality of the car has suffered greatly. A lot of rattles, very rough road ride. If you tap on various parts of the cars, like the mirrors, they are loose and rattle. The front rotors needed to be turned after 17k miles and the dealer would not cover it. Its my wifes car and she is an easy driver. The dealers have extremely poor customer service. I can not get a service rep on the phone to make an appointment for warranty work. Functionally this car is great for us. As it is now I will trade it in when it gets to 60-70k.

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RStipe - December 10 - 6:10 am

  Have owned this truck for 6 weeks and have 6500 miles on it; most from a 3500 mile trip from Chicago to Oklahoma, to New Mexico, to South Dakota, and home. My wife noted how enjoyable the trip was and attributed it to the ease of driving the truck (shes not a truck person). It performed flawlessly. Overall MPG averaged 18.5 with a high of 21 and low of 15.7. Through the Ozarks at 75 MPH, in mountains between 6500 - 9500 feet the engine never missed a beat; caught her driving over 80 a few times. Plenty of room for 4 - both sons say it has more room than our 4Runner. My 16 y/o loves to be seen driving it. All around a solid vehicle - a good replacement for my SUV.

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  DONT BUY! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Michele - December 10 - 5:13 am

  Since we bought this car the transmission has gone out twice, the radio/cd went out and the A/C went out. Our transmission was replaced at 55,000 miles and now at 120,000 miles its out again! Honda says they know this is an issue, but are not willing to help. We are looking at another $3500!!!