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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  Reliable After 4 Years of Ownership - 2008 Honda Fit
  By strawberries - September 20 - 2:40 pm

  This car is our daily driver. We have had zero issues with this car. The car is still using the original light bulbs from day one! Just regular semi annual service at the dealership. This car can hold a lot of stuff with the seats folded down.

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  It checks the boxes but almost impresses - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By psychic99 - September 17 - 11:47 am

  OK my 2005 Sienna XLE needed new --loved it. First thing, I cant believe how the interiors of these vans have CHEAPENED over the years. So much so I couldnt stomach the new Sienna. The Ody was just passable. Already the door switches are scratched because of the cheap plastic. I almost pulled the trigger on the Quest but couldnt get over the ugly stick and the suboptimal tranny (CVT). I have a Maxi CVT, its just the load killed it. In any case driver console is just cheap. All the rest of the car is great. What were they thinking? Also should have 110 in 2nd row, not 3rd. Lots of finishing not good. Had to slap a few panels in, pull some plastic and carpet fibers. Hmm...

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  EPA estimates are way off - 2012 Honda Civic
  By pstanger - September 14 - 11:16 pm

  I was hesitant to commit to the 2012 SI because the EPA estimates are not very impressive. But I took a gamble figuring if I was disappointed, I could easily trade due to the high resale value. I have just under 6000 miles on it so far in about 6 weeks. In mixed driving my worst tank of gas was 32 mpg. Best so far was over 37 (with a bit of neutral coasting at exit ramps, etc). As the car "breaks in", it really feels like its getting quicker. Its great fun to drive. Much more torque than my 08 EXL. Interior noise is not quite, but is acceptable. My 08 interior is a bit classier. But Im getting used to the 12.

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  DTD - 1992 Honda Civic
  By harrowing_lane - September 14 - 6:38 am

  I drove this car until it died. I got the car in 1998 and I got my 350 dollars out of it that I definitely owe Honda some money (Dont tell them that). The car currently has 298000 miles on it. They really dont make cars like that anymore. Sometimes it was really hard to start but always kept me safe. I drove this car from NY to PA, TN, IN, GA, SC, FL, CT, OH to name a few places. I loved my car rust and all. The thing is the engine is still alive and kicking .Thing is the car will fall apart but the engine is really built to last. Its just water is coming in now and the alternator has finally died. Bottom line if I could get a semi new 1992 Honda Civic. I would buy it yesterday.

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  Pros and Cons - 2005 Honda Element
  By hondaelementex - September 11 - 1:45 pm

  Nice car, great for a tall person and carrying groceries and other stuff including smaller bicycles. MPG is about 20.

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  Excellent Car - Comprehensive Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jc92 - September 10 - 11:10 pm

  Note: I have owned this car for several months, though my father owned it since March of 2005. The 2006 Honda Accord is a pleasure to drive. Its pickup is quite responsive and powerful, its 244 HP or so is perfect for this car. I also get good mileage, about 22-23 MPG average. The interior is roomy, the seats have a good balance between cushion and support, and the leather has held up well. The ride is average, but controlled. As far as handling is concerned, it has a light feel to it and takes the curbs pretty well, though its not a German car. I will also comment that the speakers are superior to that of any luxury car Ive been in, including the BMW 5 series, Acura TL, and Lincoln MKS.

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  Fun & Practical, but... - 2008 Honda Fit
  By joshnbecki - September 7 - 11:15 am

  This is a cute, practical little car, but it seems to make a lot of compromises. I would expect a little better milage from the small, overly busy engine. The ride is rough with the Sport setup, harsh even, though this means it has GREAT handling...that the power cant live up to. Just another 20-30 hp would do the trick & more match the MPG. NEVER take it on a long drive--dont even think about it. The constant engine whine and wimpy attempts to get up hills, combined with supportive but rigid and uncomfortable seats, made worse by peddle position, will drive you NUTS.

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  Great car to drive, just not a 4 kid car - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By yinzermama - September 3 - 11:11 am

  Middle row not as functional as initially thought. Traded in 08 8 pass Sienna for it. If you have 2 kids tops who use the middle as "captians" with the center down all the time - 3 in car seats - or 1 in the middle, 2 in the back - it would work. But the 8th spot is not comfy for all the time seating and the outboard seats, when slid to get in the back, still make a tight space and dont revert to their original position once up. Also you have to push the BACK of the seat to lock it so if your kid forgets you are driving with a seat bonking around you cant reach to click back in place. Long term, with 4 kids, I think a true 2 captains chair set up would have been better for us.

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  Love my Ody BUT... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mommabagby - August 31 - 12:07 pm

  I really really love my van. Weve owned for 6 months now and taken a couple of roadtrips with our 2 and 5 year old. It is so comfy and convenient and roomy for just such excursions. The only thing I am not happy about is our A/C. It doesnt seem to blow COLD. Its cool, but not cold. We live in Phoenix, AZ so when its not blowing ice cubes (which I expect from a vehicle I paid around 40K for and is brand new) and its 110+ degrees, that makes for a hot, irritable mommy. It especially doesnt seem to blow cold driving around town or when we stop at a light. Took it to the dealer, and they said the charge was low and recharged the system but I didnt notice a difference.

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  At 4 yrs and 36k miles - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite888 - August 30 - 12:50 pm

  Ive had this car for almost four years now and at only 36k miles, im disappointed ive had to replace the stock continental tires so soon. I got a set of bridgestone duelers at costco which set me back over $600. I cant tell if the road noise has significantly gotten better with the new tires. Next, it seems my brakes are about to go...we dont drive with a heavy foot, but maybe it was all the city stop and go traffic. Havent had any problems other than regular maintenance - rear differential was a must because it was making an odd noise. MPG has been in low 20s in mixed driving.