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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  What took me so long? - 2006 Honda Element
  By BOXERMOM - October 20 - 6:25 pm

  It took me two years to finally decide to buy the element, and have not been sorry since. Have two dogs that spend all their time with me, in office, out seeing customers and so we spend at least half the day in and out of the car, we love it. It turns on a dime and if you know how to use the transmission I have left 8 cylinder cars eating my dust when climbing hills. Its been in the snow at 11000 feet in Utah and didnt even need snow tires. Gas mileage improved once I took off the good years and put on tiger paws and keep inflated at 42lbs which the tire specifies. Have been off roading with it too, although a little low there are ways to work around that. Next trip New Mexico the whole state.

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  This is one big people and stuff hauler - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharan - October 20 - 1:34 pm

  The 2005 Honda Odyssey EX w/Leather and RES is a true value for money. I love the leather seats, the 2nd row captain seats with center 8th seat and the spacious 3rd row bench seats. The engine is powerful and can accelerate very quickly on highways. The tires and track are wide to give you a comfortable ride. The RES (Rear Entertainment System) being fully integrated with the audio system is really nice, and the sound quality of the audio system is quite good. The controls are ergonomically placed. The headlights are very intense and provide good visibility. The 3rd row seats fold flat and allow you to carry lotsa cargo.

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  This Will Be My Last Honda!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jcwouts - October 20 - 7:29 am

  We have about 65 kms on it. First off paint quality is garbage, the hatch has been repainted once already because of rust around the license plate trim. The car is full of rock chips, my sisters 05 Civic had the same paint issues! Had the rear diff fluid changed 3 times at 3 diff Honda dealerships as a precautionary service. They refuse to admit there is a problem. RIDICULOUS!! Still makes a noise! Rear pads and rotors replaced at 45kms! Sometimes the car wont even crank over on the first try. My 94 Accord winter beater has 300kms and has never had any serious issues. Honda better wake up and do something fast because they are losing very loyal customers. They lost us!! Time for a Subaru.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - October 20 - 3:36 am

  I dont spend a lot of time on the road, but when I drive, I love to drive this SUV. It handles like a car, and is easy to get in and out of tight spaces. Internal cargo space is good, with enough seating flexibility to carry larger items. It gets good mileage, and has enough power under the hood for all driving needs.The seating area is flexible and comfortable. Over all, I am extremely satisfied with my Honda CR-V, and I know I will get years of reliable performance from it.

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  My First Car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Robetross - October 19 - 9:57 pm

  My 1996 Honda was my first car and still is my one and only car. My parents bought it new in 1996 and gave it to me when I graduated college and started living on my own. It is a very reliable car and if you follow the maintenance schedule and spend the money to maintain it, it will last a long time. I will be hitting 185,000 miles soon and will never sell or trade this car in....too much sentimental value and besides, its just a great commuter car. Gas mileage is above average and it being my only car, I know it will still start every day, despite its age.

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  Greatness - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Borntodrive - October 19 - 8:01 pm

  This car is amazing, I actually like taking this car out, and Im only 18, it drives very well. I was recently with a big group of friends and we wouldve had to call up a 3rd car if it wasnt for the Odyssey... it hauled the required 8 people with ease. I was very pleased. The car is far more planted and composed than the Pilot that I usually drive, its very sure of itself, it has good grip. My friends seem to love the car as well, they find it very comfortable, as do I. It is a road trip maestro. However the brakes are a little wonky compared to the Pilot, the pedal travel is far too long, and it stinks when it comes time to park this thing because its so big, vs. the just stick it Pilot.

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  Very uncomfortable seats - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By John Fairborn - October 19 - 7:45 pm

  Im 6ft 4in, with a 34 inch waist -- not that big, but I find the drivers seat very uncomfortable. Its too small and the outside ridges are too hard. Ive driven older Honda Pilots and liked them, which is one reason we bought a new one. Dont know what they changed, but it was not for the better. My wife has no problem, but if youre my size, or larger, beware.

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  Honda not as reliable as I thought - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By stolla - October 19 - 7:36 pm

  Likes: Looks, performance, handling. Dislikes: Oil consumption: recently began burning off oil. About a pint every 2000 miles. I used castrol syntec 5w20 since new and had it serviced by dealer. Dealer reply that this oil consumption is normal. This is the first vehicle I ever owned including a Dodge caravan with 130k miles that ever burned this much oil. I am not a Honda believer any more. My hyundai elantra 2002 with 140k uses no oil between 5k synthetic oil changes. Brakes: Rotors resurfaced at 20k miles and replaced at 45k miles. The brakes are already shaking again at 50k miles. Road noise, rattles (doors and moonroof).

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  Get the extras - 2009 Honda Fit
  By happy owner - October 19 - 3:42 pm

  Compared to and test drove Mini Cooper, Mini Clubman, Scion D etc. to replace a 1986 Toyota 4 wheel drive xtra cab pick-up used for personal and small real estate business. With back seats down it works well to transport my mutts and for business. Did not like "paddle shifting" standard is very responsive. Had dealer install moon-roof similar to those on accords and it is fabulous. Get all the rubber floor trays. Navigation system very useful and stability control makes my wife feel safe. Also got Plexiglas strips on doors for shade and rain protection as well as fancy door strips and a black rear bumper protector strip--all the bells and whistles.

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  Look for something better - 2007 Honda Civic
  By seang - October 19 - 12:16 pm

  Decent car but not worth the $. Poor radio, poor ride quality and extremely loud interior. Im 6-2" and fit comfortable in car. Ergonomics are good but the position of the e brake is bad and uncomfortable on leg. Good thing is I got 33 mpg average. On long highway rides, almost 38 mpg. I got sick of the road noise and harsh ride and traded this car in. You can get more car for the money. I traded mine in for a Legacy. For $2K more, you get all wheel drive, awesome radio, awesome ride.