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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  Think Carefully Before Buying Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Concerned Customer - October 9 - 11:56 am

  We love Honda, and we love our Odyssey. We were excited about the extra features of the Touring model, but we wished we had not bought it: 1)The parking sensors have malfunctioned erratically, but never at a dealership. 2)The PAX tire technology is not widespread. If you get a flat (even a nail), the entire wheel must be replaced by an authorized dealer (very few are certified and have them in stock) and cost is approx. $500. Dont have a flat tire unless you are within 150 miles of an authorized dealer! 3)There is no way to manually open the power lifegate if the power malfunctions. The power liftgate is also difficult and time consuming to repair.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By M Case - October 9 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V has been an OK vehicle, but by no means great. Evidently designed to be a grocery-getter. To accelerate, it almost always has to downshift. Its the easiest vehicle that I have ever owned to slide while going around a corner. Had to replace brakes at 33,000 all 4 tires at 35,000. In retrospect I wish I had bought something bigger.

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  My Accord Experience - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Lord_darklantern - October 8 - 6:03 am

  The Car has been pretty good so far. Its not bad for a 4 cylinder. The ride is ok. You can tell they cut corners from the previous generation model. Its bigger than I would have liked it to be but I did not like the styling of the civic, and I thought it was a little smaller than I wanted. Overall not a bad car, but not Hondas best in my opinion having experience with 3 Accords before. Also the braks wear out prematurely (my back brakes wore out after 17,700 miles) only owning the car for 10 months. Buyer beware the brakes have a design flaw noted in the currant issue of Motor trend. They got only 15,000 on a set of 4 brakes and were quite shocked when they took it into the dealer.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Thuan Dinh - October 7 - 2:00 am

  It was one of the best SUV that I own, and it handle just like the honda accord that I own. Great SUV to have.

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  Not worth the money, but great idea - 2003 Honda Civic
  By aknight53 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car thinking I could save a bit of money with its great fuel economy. However, I found out later that every 10,000 miles it needs a $100.00 mainenance fee with an expensive oil change in between. Gone are my hypothetical savings. Not worth what I expected to get out of it.

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  VG Overall/a Few Annoying Deficiencies - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By shuttsmeup - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Drivetrain seems tight, adequate power, gas mileage vg for this size vehicle. Holds resale value better than other vans. Handles very well for a van. Seems to be a very reliable product - I currently have 18,000 miles on it, with no significant defects.

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  Mixed Experience - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MatthewJ - October 6 - 2:00 am

  When we first bought out CR-V I loved it and considered buying a second one. Interior space, standard features and performance were among our likes. Since then, it has been recalled 5-6 times, and one item with the shifter has been a recurring problem. I also had to replace the back brakes, including rotors, at 25k for about $400 due to a stuck inboard caliper that dug up the rotor. The paint quality is terrible, it scratches very easily. I notice others with the same problem of scratches around the door handles. The door switches also keep failing (3 of them) which has caused us to leave the lights on more than once and kill the battery.

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  dissapointment - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gabemar - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Right after manufacturers warranty expired, V-Tech oil pressure switch failure, driver side electric window mechanism had to be replaced and AC compressor had to be replaced. This is my 3 Honda and by far, the biggest dissapointment...

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  van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By TMMG - October 5 - 2:00 am

  good condition, power doors, rear air, cloth seats, cd, 43800 miles,new tires quad seating

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  2007 Honda LX 4dr auto - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jmewb - October 4 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my Civic LX 4dr in June of 06. It now has 6000 miles. This vehicle suffers from front wheel spin, a bumpy ride (considering its lack of performance) but gets really good gas mileage. I get between 25-26 mpg in the city and 35-26 hwy. The seats are more comfortable over time. Great paint job. Overall, a good buy & much better for the environment than the Mazda3.