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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  99 ody - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By canuck1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Minor problems all covered by warranty.No problems with tranny which has been a problem on some(2%) ody. in the early models.Might buy a new one in 05,06 if this one stays ok

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  Think before you buy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Robert - February 2 - 1:13 am

  Overall a very good SUV. My major complaint is the poor legroom. Honda put a 3rd seat in the back, and the front legroom was shortened. I am tall, and cant come close to stretching out my legs on either the drivers or passenger side. A long trip would be a strain. This car is for my Wife, and she fits fine. There are also air leaks around the doors, and the inside is noisy. It will go back to the dealer soon for repair.

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  Not completely satisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By lumbmas - February 1 - 1:13 pm

  -Good: a powerful 4cyl engine makes for a fun drive. Great mileage for such a heavy vehicle. Very spacious trunk and interior seating. Comfortable for a long drive, although lumbar support is a tad too excessive. Aggressive exterior styling (specifically the front). -Bad: rear brakes gave out at 30,000km, and, as I near 60k, another change seems imminent - very disappointing. Sunroof and windows open all on their own when car is PARKED and OFF - Honda couldnt diagnose the problem. Batteries in the remote entry died within the first few months of ownership. Overall a good vehicle, but does not live up to the legendary Honda reputation for quality and reliability.

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  Still room for improvement - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By twilight901 - February 1 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my new CR-V for a week and unfortunately its already in for service with a noise when turning. Other than that its a decent vehicle. On the open highway I made about 26 mpg whereas 18 mpg on in the city which is well believe what they are saying as an estimation. hopefully it will improve in the future with different driving habits. The interior is decent although it would be nice to have a middle console. The display with mpg and oil remaining is very useful. All in alll its a nice vehicle to drive and is very sporty.

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  Honda CRV AWD - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jack Russel - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Having had this car for a year now, I probably would have purchased another vehicle due to just one thing and that is how uncomfortable/noisy this car rides and handles. Everything else is fine, especially the styling and quality. If I drive this vehicle for more than an hour I am ready for a break. Dont take your eyes off of the road for a milisecond while driving because this vehicle will wander away quicker than I have ever seen another vehicle do.

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  very good, but could be better - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By runswithsizzers - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Too soon to tell about durability, but I have Great Expectations. Overall, Im very happy, but there are a few ergonomic glitches that need work. The dash mount shift lever is too easily confused with the wiper lever, steering wheel is too stiff and heavy for one-hand steering, and the OEM tires are very poorly rated at tire racks website. ABS not avail on LX.

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  not bad - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kammer - January 31 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, roomy, poor gas mileage sticker said city 24, HW 28, the best I get is 22

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  Winner - 1992 Honda Accord
  By sbelong - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car off a dealership lot with 90000 on it, and already 3 yrs.old and if if left me on the side of the road today I couldnt say a word. To date it now has 221000 on it and still has the power as the day we brought it home. we have done routine maint. but no major problems,my wife still drives it 4-5 days a week on avg. of 65-70 miles per day.The body and interior are holding up well. We have no plans of getting rid of it. Everything is still working. with the exception of the power antena. I have a friend who owns one just like it with 268000.

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  Disapointed with City Mileage - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Civic Owner - January 30 - 3:53 pm

  Have only owned for 2000 miles or about 1.5 months. To date I would have to say the Civic Hybrid is great except for the lack of it obtaining its expected fuel mileage potential of 49 mpg in town. I have been averaging 28-32 MPG in town. I was told that mileage will increase after I pass 10,000 miles. I hope that to be true. Also, the braking is a little weak.

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  Good Car But Could Be Great If - 2008 Honda Civic
  By HA - January 29 - 3:30 am

  Goodies: great looks. Great mpg 36-38 hwy@70+mph 30 city. Great handling compared 2 corolla/sentra and other competitors. Highly sensitive steering-feels good. Enjoy driving. Instrument panel is different -l ike it very much. 5SP trans keeps rpm to minimum even @ high speeds. Bad Points: very poor sound insulation - high road noise. Cheap interior, scratchy plastic, lack of padding - rattling sounds. Poor brakes - may be due to 5 SP auto. Stiff suspension - uncomfortable. Exterior paint is very thin - scratches and flakes easily. Poor sounds - very bad with radio. Okay with CD/aux. An economical car.