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:

• 

  Love performance and space - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rterry - August 15 - 2:35 am

  I bought it used - 1 year old - and have had for almost a year. Just love it. Great handling. Bought it because I can put grandmas wheelchair behind the drivers seat without having to lift the chair. But come to find out it holds more than our Honda station wagon. Great headroom. Zips up the mountains. If there is a high wind, you can definitely feel it. Just slow down. Only had routine maintenance done. No problems at all.

• 

  Traded in Element for Civic, loving it - 2009 Honda Civic
  By talktozee - August 14 - 11:40 pm

  Traded in my Element for a Civic because of gas mileage. I looked at Corollas, Scions, and even a Ford Fusion. In the end I had to fall back on the reliability and resale value of the Civic, and boy am I glad I did. The Civic isnt a performance car, nor is it entirely comfortable on long rides. But the interior is top notch, the steering and acceleration is responsive, the USB iPod interface is a nice touch, and the OVER 30 MPG average that Ive been experiencing over the last 2000 miles has been amazing. Sure, I cant haul as much as I used to, but I never really did, and the Civic is a great car I will use for years to come.

• 

  Great but slight timing glitch in Nav - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Johnny - August 14 - 11:27 pm

  Car is great. When nearing a turn with the nav it tells you when you are 1 mile away and 200 ft away, nothing in between. I have already missed a few turns due to this. They should add a 1000ft warning.

• 

  Just purchased our 2nd 2009 CR-V LX AWD - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lebogal - August 14 - 11:02 pm

  We purchased a CR-V LX AWD in January and have been so pleased with it that we just purchased an additional one today. Price was right - $21,100 for an LX AWD plus tax and title. We have about 4,000 miles on our other CR-V and still have 60% of our oil life remaining. The CR-V was easy to drive in the winter and we didnt have any trouble with driving in the snow.

• 

  Totally Disappointed in Honda Quality - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Martha - August 14 - 6:54 pm

  Like other 2003 CRV owners, I bought with expectations of "Honda quality." My air conditioner went out at 56K miles, and to their credit, Honda paid for parts I paid for labor. At 118K it went out again. I was told it was "too far out of warranty" for them to replace the AC again. I assume keeping a Honda for 200+K means replacing the AC every 55K miles??? The oxygen sensor is also out, so I am a soon-to-be EX-Honda owner. Had planned to buy a Civic next, but not now. Detroit should be a lesson on squandering a good reputation and letting quality slip. I dont know what it costs for Honda to get a new customer, but it cost them an AC replacement to lose a "Honda for life" customer.

• 

  My Mafia Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Radmanaustin - August 14 - 1:15 pm

  If you can be in love with an inanimate object then I guess I am. My Black EX V6 Accord is just a lot of fun to drive. The 105 degree Texas weather does not bother me. Two clicks and hold on the door unlock button lowers all windows. The jet black paint needs frequent washes but this car deserves the love. Gas mileage is as advertised, 21 mpg city. I work for the State Environmental Agency and I tried driving green but decided that fun was the better choice. Buy an Accord used and save your money. Mine was two years old and it looks brand new. They are built to last. I call it my mafia car and my wife just laughs.

• 

  Great car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mikhail dynin - August 14 - 1:05 pm

  Didnt make any repairs- changed oil, 2 times brakes, onetime tires. Great acceleration.

• 

  Very nice car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Wendy - August 14 - 9:46 am

  We have not owned this car very long, but my husband and I both love it and love to drive it. I love the look, and it is a lot of fun to drive!!

• 

  Great Car!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Art - August 14 - 9:31 am

  I just own the car for about a week and I love the way it drives and handles. What a great idea to offer navigation on a car for less than 20K. The only problem is the suspension is a little stiff and does not ride as smooth as my daughters 2007 Corolla. No problems so far. For you do-it- yourselfers the oil filter is in the front, air filter is accessible but Honda does not tell you where the cabin filter is hiding. In the owners manual is say take it to the dealer. Not me I will find it eventually.

• 

  Amazing little van - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Flopek - August 14 - 9:28 am

  We bought our Odyssey over 3 years ago with the addition of a new family member (with 5 you have to make the jump to a "mom mobile" or SUV). We didnt have the budget for anything too fancy, but when we came across a used 96 Odyssey, we were sold after simply looking at it and test driving compared to all the other vans we were looking at. At the time it had 95K, and weve put an additional 30k. Very reliable.I changed the timing belt as a precaution. Ive simply changed the oil and put good gas in it, no cheap swamp gas stations. I replaced the rear shocks and exhaust manifold since they finally failed after 13 years of service. Repairs less than $200-$400 when I do it myself, very easy.