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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  Love this SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By magster - August 12 - 3:13 pm

  I was planning to get the Honda Civic hybrid, but after test driving that and the CR-V, the CR-V was the clear winner. The CR-V has a very comfortable interior, the nav system is awesome as are the speakers and audio system. I wish it got better mileage in the city. Im averaging about 17 mpg in downtown DC. On the highway recently, I got 33 mpg.

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  I love this truck! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By NoWhiners - August 12 - 2:55 pm

  If you are looking for a truck that can do it all - go drive the Honda Ridgeline for a day or two. I did & I was sold! Honda has done a great job designing this truck to be so many things. It hauls (I have a boat it hauls w/np), its a passenger SUV, and you can store an unbelievable amount of items. The back seats flip up creating an enormous amount of room to store items you dont want in the truck bed. Even with the back seats down you have ample storage under the seats which is nice on trips where people in the back can store articles they want to access during the trip. The TRUNK (THE TRUNK!) under the bed is what sold me on this truck - after the ride and many amenities.

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  First Honda - Cant Stop Driving - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kyle - August 12 - 1:54 pm

  I find myself looking for reasons to drive somewhere, simply because driving this car is so fun. This is my first Honda and it has been a treat. I wish the hybrid still was able to have fold down seats in back but that is currently where the batteries are located. I have had to relearn how to drive because if I drive normally, I wont get near the high MPG I bought this car for. If I watch what Im doing, its ok. Drove a 150 mile trip, mostly freeway and got 47 MPG. In city, I get a solid 40 MPG. Car is really jerky in the 7-9 mph range. It feels like it cant decide whether to shut the engine off or not.

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  Great Car But Has Transmission Issues - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tinkbot - August 12 - 11:54 am

  I have a 2003 Civic and currently have 83,000 miles on it. I do all maintenance and oil changes as recommended in the owners manual. About 6 months ago I noticed the automatic transmission was having problems shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 3rd to 4th. Transmission is now having major issues accelerating and going over 60 mph. My mechanic says the transmission is slowly dying and has to be replaced. Cost will be around $3,000. WHAT!?! This car is only 6 years old. A transmission shouldnt have to be replaced before 150,000+ miles and especially not on a Honda. Honda whats happened to you? Buyer beware!

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  2006 Honda Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chelsea - August 12 - 11:46 am

  I love this car, it drives like a much more expensive car because it drives quietly and smoothly. It also feels spacious in the front.

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  Transmission Issues TOO! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jennybecky - August 12 - 11:36 am

  I purchased in July 2009 a used 2007 Honda Odyssey with 30k miles on it. After driving for two weeks, realized it has vibrations and skipping from the transmission. Will NOT keep a constant speed and vibrates at 40mph. It had no prior warranty claims and clean carfax. Love the van, but I have a transmission on order and havent even made the first payment. Thank God for warranty! If we continue to have problems, we will seek help from the dealer to get us out of it. Honda needs to recognize this problem. I am sick to my stomach but thankful for the Certified warranty...it is covered til 100k miles.

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  Should have kept the Mazda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By 2004honda - August 12 - 11:31 am

  Before buying my 04 Honda ex I owned a 2002 Mazda Protege. The Mazda was much funner to drive, faster, sporty and gas mileage wasnt that different. This Honda is gutless I cant believe how slow it is. I hate the automatic downshift while breaking down hills. There are so many rattles in this car I dont know where to start. Road noise is really loud, same with the engine sounds like its working to hard. I think this is a good commuter car but not much past that. It looks pretty good but the build quality is not up to par for what a Honda should be. I would rate value to cost at a 5-6 with 10 being greatest value.

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  Nice vehicle, but specialized intent - 2009 Honda Element
  By Mike - August 12 - 10:05 am

  Purchased my Element new as part of cash for clunkers program, after looking at it for several years. What attracted me to this car is that it has a very flexible interior that allows you to haul lots of different things. Both rear seats fold up or can be removed, leaving you with a totally flat load floor. Access to the interior is very good from both the back and side. The interior is very practical with rubber flooring and an excellent sound system. The EX now comes with XM satellite included, and also has a power port and aux jack in the dash that works great for an ipod. The exterior is a box. But I like it.

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  WOW - 2004 Honda Element
  By Billy82665 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Love It - 2002 Honda Civic
  By bigbobgrande - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for about a year and a half and have loved everyday of it. Once you lower the car it changes the entire look of the exterior. Driving a car with the conventional lower console manual shifter seems odd now. The car gets good gas mileage for how I drive it. I always get compliments from everyone who sees it. The interior has got to be the best I have ever driven in. The seats are supportive in tight corners and comfortable on long trips. The hatchback just cant be beat for hauling large things. I would recomend the Si to anyone who might be considering one. You just have to go drive one for yourself to see what its all about.