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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  So far, so good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chuckfromli - October 11 - 7:39 pm

  Picked up my CRV 10 days ago. Have about 650 miles on it, including one trip of 450 miles round trip. I have no real complaints. The vehicle appears to be very well built. The seats are not the best though. I have the leather. They are OK, but I wouldnt really recommend this vehicle for long trips. Maybe mine will get more comfortable as they get broken in. Also the leather has a very plastic look and feel to it. What can you expect, I guess, when you are only paying 26K for a new vehicle fully loaded, especially when that vehicle has AWD. I have been averaging about 19 mpg in suburban driving, and got around 26-27 mpg on my highway trip, and that was mostly around 70-80 mph. Power is fine.

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  Reliable car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By aldiga - October 11 - 4:40 pm

  Bought this car new in 2000 and it has been an excellent and very dependable car. Only issue I had during these 9 years was that a couple of years ago the drivers side window stopped working. Aside from that, a replaced battery and all scheduled maintenance. It does an excellent 34- 35 MPG and handles very well on the highway. You cant go wrong if you are looking for a reliable car.

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  Better than Expected - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Brian - October 11 - 1:43 pm

  Terrific car so far. Best navigation system on the market. Pretty fast for a family sedan

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  LUDE acris - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By SE7EN - October 11 - 12:58 pm

  I love my prelude. Ive had it for years and it still runs like new. Car performs well and handles well.

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  Lemon - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jr - October 11 - 10:15 am

  Most car companies have lemons even if its once in a blue moon. I bought my new Odyssey on a blue moon. The very least a company can do about a lemon after not being able to fix the problem is to replace it. Honda had my van in their shop for a month and still couldnt figure it out. The dealer had the nerve to blame me for the problem stating I put diesel by mistake and saying that he has proof. That accusation ended my claim. After three years of nothing but problems and one near accident when the engine just died on a freeway with my 1 year old and 3 year old inside. I decided to get a Sienna. I called the corporation and told them about the near mishap but did not get any sympathy.

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  Honda Civic is great! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By JPer3030 - October 11 - 9:07 am

  This car is amazing...I have 129000 miles and it starts every time right up. The only maintenance I have had to do is the 3 accessory belts and the timing belt, all costing me under 1000 in total (timing belt and water pump was about 750). If you do the scheduled maintenance to this car, it will just go and go. Also great for driving are Michelin x radials for stock rims. The car is quiet and oh so comfortable, however for taller people it is quite a drop into the car...my wife has a Volvo with the most comfortable seats ever...best car purchase I have ever made though.

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  I Love My FIT! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By BigMac - October 10 - 11:45 pm

  I bought this car with 5,000 miles on the odometer. It has been a real joy from day one! We get 35 mpg around town with the a/c & auto trans. My sister in law owns the identical car & we fell in love with hers. We are both a young 69 years of age. I gave $15,900 plus sales tax. 1st time Honda owner.

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  Biggest Little Car Made - 2008 Honda Fit
  By John - October 10 - 3:33 pm

  Great little car. Easy to camp out of, haul strollers, and lumber alike. Some of the other reviews complain about MPG, mine is great. 36 to 40 MPG in town and 45 to 50 hwy every time. We have 35,000 trouble free miles. Stock tires are worn out already but they did excellent in snow and rain! First car I have ever owned - always had trucks and vans, but I have been able to haul everything the van did, still got my old truck though! Took the car camping and got it down the same trail all the 4x4s, only non truck at the camp site, buddies stop making fun of the Fit, well they have more respect anyway. I dont like that my leg hits the cup holders, but at 61" I am still comfortable.

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  Very good, but not for everyone - 2007 Honda Civic
  By David87 - October 10 - 2:36 pm

  I like the car but its not for everyone. This car is better suited for someone who works at an office, college student (with some cash or daddy) who will mostly use it on freeways. I average on long trips on the highway around 36mpg to 40mpg going at 65 to 70mph. I drive kind of aggressive so I get around 25mpg mixed driving. I work at a shipyard so Im always dirty and carry stuff with me so having a 2door is impractical. Also Im 61 and this car is kind of low and with the moonroof there is not much head room for tall drivers. Also legroom is a bit short. Other than that it drives very good, looks great and many aftermarket options. I have projector lamp and L.E.D tail lights. Test drive it.

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  Finally took the plunge - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BK - October 10 - 2:06 am

  I looked at every car out there to replace my beloved 92 civic si that I have had for 10 years. I considered the Corolla, Civic, RSX, CL, Mazda3 and 6, Altima, the VW line and more. Needless to say the Honda quality and the upscale feel interior won me over. While I am not wild about the front end styling, the interior and ride quality make up for it. So far I am really impressed with the noise dampening. While it is not as quiet as the Camry it is easy to have a conversation with other people in the car without having to yell... such was the case in my boy racer civic. All in all the Accord meets my requirements of being a little more grown up while not being stuffy and old like the Camry