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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  Fun little car! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Heather in Colorado - August 20 - 12:50 pm

  I live on the western slope of the Rockies and had to drive to Denver to get this car (inventory very limited at local dealership). Therefore, I had to drive back OVER the Rockies to get home - about 250 miles of hilly driving. While the Fit isnt going to win any drag races with its power, it handled Vail pass and hilly driving just fine. The paddle shifters were nice for downshifting on those long uphills and downhills (people who complain about the Fit shifting too often should practice using their lower gears on hills). The steering is great - nice and tight and smooth at highway speeds and very easy for slow-speed maneuvering. Its just a fun little car with lots of great features.

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  Great for 8 years - 1999 Honda Accord
  By New Orleans - August 20 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car used with 15000 miles on it (basically new) - I have to say this was the best car purchase I made to this point - possibly because I had owned some lemons previously. Low maintenance, great highway performance. The V-tech engine is such a great feature - until the v-tech engine started having problems - and only a dealership could fix them. Started having tranny problems after the 8th year. I had it rebuilt and still had problems. Honda wanted between $3 & 4K to fix it - at the time it was only worth that much. Friend of mine is having tranny probs on her 2003 Accord so I am a little leery of them now. Am trading it for a Mazda 3 - well see how that goes.

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  Stay AWAY from GEN2 CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By UNICS33 - August 20 - 8:02 am

  It is soo LOUD, no sound proofing at all. Suspension is very stiff, almost the feeling of riding a buggy...my 3 yo cant even fall asleep, thats how loud and rough ride is. GAS mileage is bad too, averaging 22-23 on normal driving conditions. Car is too heavy for 4 cyl and drag factor is too high. My other Buick Regal is averaging 22mpg and comfort is stellar. Bought it almost new (12K mi) but I sold it in a year because it was very uncomfortable and LOUD, esp. with a little one inside. You feel every little irregularity in the pavement, struts are like filled with steel bars not gas, road noise and engine noise are impressively high. Dont trust the word of mouth. Im very disappointed.

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  New Honda Accord - 1,500 miles - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ted Chase - August 20 - 3:42 am

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  Beware cruise control - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dave - August 19 - 7:44 pm

  Never wanted a Honda CRV. Caved into the dealership sales pitch. Took awhile, but really enjoy driving it, very much. Mine has 67,000 miles and will simply keep driving it. Two things, 1.) the CRUISE CONTROL separated from its location in the engine at 57,000 miles. Dealership said "out-of-warranty" and quoted $986.00 to fix, then indicated that this happened to another customer. They said they would supply the part, I pay for the labor. OK. That was a year ago, and even after several phone calls to them, I still have no cruise control. Also, at 17,000 miles the drivers side floor carpet split, Honda said it was due to "usage". No, it was poor installation.

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  Burns 5-6 quarts ever 3,000 miles - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joselito86 - August 19 - 2:41 pm

  Ive owned this car for a year now and its burns 5-6 quarts of oil every oil change which is every 3,000 miles for me. I think thats a lot of oil for every oil change. Ive called a several Honda dealerships about my concern but since Im out of the warranty extension by 400 miles and by 3 months Im not elegible for the repair with the piston the rings. Now Im stuck so with a great car that burns a lot of oil and will end up paying more money to fix or replace the engine then what the car is worth. I definitely dont recommend the 4 cylinder 2008 Honda Accord unless your willing to carry at least 2 quarts of oil in your vehicle like I do. Until Im decided on what to do with this vehicle thats my review

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  Best Accord Honda has ever made! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By John - August 19 - 11:40 am

  Well balanced car all around. The Interior design is astonishing, exterior design is sharp and sleek. Great get up and go power for a four cylinder. Rides smooth and quiet on the highway.

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  Extremely satisfied - fun and frugal - 2000 Honda Insight
  By San Francisco Driver - August 19 - 11:08 am

  You know about the high mileage - 64MPG lifetime average in my case. What you may not know is that this is a zippy little car and quite fun to drive. While it has "just" 100 foot-pounds of torque, its aluminum frame and body weighs next to nothing so it blows away the Prius.

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  Noixe problem - possibly transmission - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MarekB - August 19 - 10:38 am

  This is my second Honda Odyssey that Ive purchased as a new vehicle from the dealer. After about 30,000 miles a problem developed with a noise (sounds like an old clunker). It sounds like a transmission or a valve noise on acceleration, especially on the highest gear when the car is under even slight load. Honda is stating (per Honda Engineer) that this is a normal noise, even thought Honda dealer already replaced shields, transmission torque converter and other parts, but they refuse to actually fix it. They have done about $3,000 worth of repairs and they refuse to replace a transmission, which is probably cause of this noise. I Will Not Buy Honda ever again.

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  2009 Honda CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By R.Kaminski - August 19 - 7:17 am

  Not pleased with overall ride. Gas mileage excellent. Went on a 300 mile highway trip and crv was very bumpy, felt almost every bump on highway. Could hear the tires going over every bump inside the car. Outside noise extremely loud inside crv. Needs more insulation to eliminate noise. Headrest very uncomfortable. Other than that crv is ok. Will wait and see how brakes hold up. Other reviews complain about possible brake pads and rotor replacements sooner than most cars. Would not recommend this crv. Unfortunately daughter bought same car and she also experiences same loud noises.