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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  No more Hondas for me - 1994 Honda Accord
  By NoMoreHondas - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had two 94 Accords and both had similar and dissimilar problems. First the transmission is the worst I have ever felt in my life. Both Accords I bought had over 100k miles when I bought them. They both had a/c problems. The first one never got cold, the second was cold until the evaporator core busted ($700 problem if Honda does the work). The first one also had a mysterious voltage problem that dimmed the lights at night like the battery was dying. The second one wont start intermittently. The ride quality/handling was sloppy in both cars. Maintenace is expensive - for ex. timing belt and brake rotors are headaches compared to most cars.

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  Trouble-free - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Winz - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a european 1400cc/90hp version. Yet its quite fun to drive, and can carry 4 adults w/bags. The handling is good, w/ a nice shift (manual). The interior is still as news after 3 years, though the grey color is kinda dull (IMO). I would highly recommend this car, especially used, because of superior quality, reliability and small price. Winz, Paris, France.

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  1st time Honda owner - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Roy Gunter - October 17 - 7:20 am

  Bought my first Honda yesterday, drove it home, and am not displeased at all. I am 6ft 1 inch 240 lbs and was totally comfortable in the drivers seat. I am long waisted so head room is a biggie and the car has it in spades. Very pleased and am looking forward to a long ownership with this car..One thing...what is the deal with no armrest for the passenger? Anyway, great car for the money and the right car for the right time.

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  Ok car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jambu - October 17 - 3:30 am

  I bought this car in a good deal. This is my first Honda. The fuel economy is pretty good. I got over 31 miles in my first few trips (mixed driving in city roads and highways). This car has manual driver seat adjustments. It took a while to adjust the position of seat to get a comfortable posture. The ride is bumpier in bumpy roads. There is lots of road noise in cement roads. The 99 Camry that I owned previously had good suspension and less road noise. The sound quality of the music player is mediocre especially for mp3 songs. I liked the style and it is fun to drive.

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  CRV Evaluation - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Ymmot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is not a true off road rig. But as a winter vehicle for northern climes, it cant be beat. Fairly godd AWD. Adequate power. Always starts in below 30 temperatures. Good visibility and above average handling in slippery conditions. I really like it. Last vehicle was an AWD Ford Aerostar van.

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  Best in its class??? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lu - October 17 - 1:33 am

  Honda did a very good job with this new Civic, but their marketing department really went into overdrive. I like a lot of things about the design, and the road noise isnt that bad. Some things however dont add up right. First of all the mileage is way below what they claim. Im getting 29mpg doing 75% highway 25% city driving. Thats without the AC and driving conservatively. The extremely slanted windshield makes for poor visibility on left turns (due to the post).

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  First Car Decent, Yet Lacking - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Hondas4Life - October 16 - 2:00 am

  First car Ive ever owned, and its great to drive. Started having problems around 45,000 miles with the automatic transmission not downshifing to 3rd when drop in RPMs in 4th gear, causing the drive train to "lug" as a manual transmission car would if you failed to downshift and were driving it too slow. Causes a massive rattle that shakes the whole front dash, VERY annoying to deal with when driving around town. Other than that, very peppy car, gotta love the horn, and at 100,000 and still going strong.

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  Basic Transpo - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Fudbutter - October 10 - 10:03 am

  My 99 Accord was finished at 155K and I needed a replacement fast. In this economic environment, I did not feel fiscally justified to get a higher end car. Honda offers very affordable leases (thank goodness for a weakening yen and high Honda residual value) that are unmatched in this class. The Accord is now too large so we downgraded to the Civic. Value for dollar is astounding, but it is still a basic cheapo transportation device. Interior materials are a preponderance of plastic. Trunk has no nooks and cranny space. Interior storage bins are smaller. All what one would expect at this price point. Ride and handling OK at best.

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  Swiss Army knife for the family - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By dogwork - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle...NO transmission/major problems at all. The ultimate "family mover"!

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  Do your home work - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Roadie - October 9 - 9:03 pm

  Ive always liked the Honda Civic. Its got great looks and the mag tests say it sets the standards for other small cars to match but Im disappointed. The road noise in the cabin is just horrible with the Civic and for me its really a big distraction thats keeping me from enjoying this car. Too much gear whine from the drivetrain too. Road noise in the cabin is the biggest flaw with this car. I like the rest of the car, but its not really any better than the other cars in its class and you pay more for a Honda and get less features for your money compared to say a Toyota. The Civic is a nice car, but its a noisy car and pricey for what you get. Do you homework before you buy.