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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  Not bad, could be worse - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Lia - June 4 - 12:14 pm

  Cons: Within the 1st 6 months, I had to return it to the dealer to fix the ball bearings? in the back of the car. It came loose, I was told. Paint job is crappy and I got it detailed 2 months after buying it - to try to protect its color. I basically hwy drive. To keep the gas needle from jumping, I use cruise control ALL the time. Even as low as 30 mph. Driving at 25 mph on certain roads will use more gas. Within 2 yrs, it lost its pick up when accelerating. It hesitates when changing gears.

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  Hybrid Good and Bad - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JAD - June 1 - 4:27 pm

  The ONLY reason to even consider the Civic Hybrid is for the great gas mileage. You must drive it differently, pay attention and respond to what the instant mpg gauge and battery gauges tell you. Learning to anticipate lights, allow some slowing on hills, feathering the gas, avoiding the use of brakes and staying at the speed limit yield great results. No lead foot gas use, wont go fast anyhow. Winter driving conditions and sloppy driving habits destroy mpg. Large interior, but VERY noisy and not comfortable after a couple hours. Cheaped out on auto on head lights, dash layout, seat adjusters and tires. Did I say it was NOISY? First, and LAST, Honda.

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  Honda EX-L 4 Cylinder - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Honda EX-L 4Cylinder - May 31 - 7:38 pm

  I bought the car brand new and have been driving it for the past 18 months. The following is what my experience has been with this car: The car is noisy. The road noise is so loud and bothersome that it soon make you tired of driving the car. Also, makes you feel unsafe driving on busy highway. The leather seats are not comfortable at all. It feels like not enough springs are used for comfort because of toughness of the leather. The engine suffers when A/C is on. Even though I have driven the car 12,500 Miles and the engine is broken in, the MPG stands around 20 in town. This is my first Honda and with the current experience, I would reconsider purchasing it.

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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Honda Civic
  By JK - May 29 - 11:23 am

  Drove this car for about a hundred miles and I hate it. The seats are uncomfortable, when I get out of this car after a short ride I feel like Ive been through a war.

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  6th and last Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Disgusted - May 27 - 8:40 am

  Piece of junk since day one. The brakes have squeaked. Heard all of the Honda excuses. Entire dashboard has illuminated 3x after a car wash. Warranty covered the first two times and had to pay $50 the third time. Really? For taking it through a car wash. I was told the drying system is too powerful. Im not kidding. The check engine light has gone on numerous times and the cause of the last one was due to a poor air filter. Paid $115 and drove off the lot. Re-appeared within 5 miles. Told dealer that a mechanic tested it and said it was the oxygen sensors. Dealer says no way. Honda Cus. Svc. told me today it cant be that bad because I had 60K on it. Thanks for caring. Bye

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  Honda Odyssey 2010 poor perorming vehicle - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By mitchlu - May 24 - 1:19 pm

  With all the talk about Honda quality, I was negatively surprised with this NEW Honda Odyssey 2010. Although ride is not bad, I would still say that judging by HondaÂ’s past reputation, this minivan scores average or below. The overall feel of a quality build car, is not present here. Main disappointment is the extremely low fuel economy. While Honda states avg about 20 MPG (17/24) is simply not realistic. I am hardly getting 11 MPG! I have had several older vehicles and none of them provided such low MPG. Some other minor issue which all add up to regretting of buying this: I would recommend: I fuel economy is important to you, do some research on other minivans before getting an odyssey

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  Honda 2002 Accord V6 - never again - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Ray94903 - May 23 - 5:18 pm

  Accord 2002 V6 is apparently a lemon with regard to transmissions - 385 reported failures around the 110,000/120,000 mile mark. No recall because its not a safety issue, and no class action (YET!) Timing chain went at 100,000 - $1,500 - also a "known issue". Paint is starting to fail - also a known issue. How many known issues with this vehicle do I have to know about? Im looking at $4,000 for a new transmission. Weve been a 2-Honda family for the last 15 years. We will not even be a 1-Honda family ever again.

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  Worst seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tmf2 - May 22 - 12:35 am

  The accord always starts even after Ive let it sit for ages. The problem is that I let it sit for ages because the thing is so darned uncomfortable to drive. The head restraints are miserable, they push my head forward and cause intense neck pain, while the lumbar support just makes my legs go numb from putting so much pressure on my back. I sincerely regret the purchase of the accord. Seriously, I chose to ride my bike on a 20 mile commute nearly every day this winter in snow and sub- zero temperatures because that was more comfortable than the seats in the accord.

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  Hot Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By grenadian - May 21 - 7:50 pm

  Good drive around car. Not too sporty so not fun to drive. Great mpg. 2000 Civic is better. Can hold a good sound system.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Sandi Wilson - May 17 - 1:31 pm

  I had a 2007 CR-V and just loved it but I put a lot of miles on my vehicle so decided to trade it in for a new one-- so so disappointing. I have had Hondas for the last 20 years but this will be my last one and cant wait to get rid of it. Terrible quality and gas mileage is so terrible compared to mine 3 years --only getting around 23 combined hwy/city where my old one would get me about 27. Supposed to be same vehicle.