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:

• 

  And he swore we wouldnt by a minivan... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Luvmydaughter - July 22 - 10:50 am

  This is my second Honda Odyssey. My first was a 2003 Odyssey EX. I have had a history of selling my cars after 2-3 years. My last Odyssey I had over 6.5 years-130,000 miles with nothing wrong with it. Only scheduled service. My husband also swore HE would never buy a Honda OR a minivan. When I was pg with my first child he was completely SOLD with the Odyssey- enough to get him to buy a Pilot a year later. SO when we got the new one it was a no brainer. I didnt even have to shop the market. The leather interior is beautiful. The basics are the same as the 2003 but they made it more luxurious and FUN! Wouldnt trade it for the world!

• 

  A Terrible Disappointment - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lyndongolden - July 22 - 4:40 am

  My test drive of the Si sedan left me smiling, road test reviews were great, and Honda typically has a good reputation, so my expectations for this Honda were very high. But reality set in after 6,000 miles. No torque! Real problems included: transmission jumping out of 3rd gear & grinding into 3rd gear, clutch pedal creak noises, suspension pop noises, and a creaky structure. Transmission made "gritty" chattering & whirling noises at low speeds. Warranty clutch & flywheel replacement did not help. Overall, all of these noises were fatiguing and the car was a disappointment. Traded it in for a solid 2008 GMC Sierra... something with substance, solidity, and guts.

• 

  This car rocks!!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Matthew Dellamalva - July 22 - 12:16 am

  This car is the greatest convertible on the market, value wise and performance as well. The six speed gearbox is a gem and the engine blows off most V8s. Excelent value too

• 

  Wow! Thank You Honda - 2009 Honda Fit
  By RRL - July 21 - 11:48 pm

  Honda had the guts to build an almost radical design, and make it fun to drive. Bravo! It is almost as exciting to drive as my old 87 CRX SI. Quite an accomplishment. Gear ratios make good use of engine power. Hauling space is impressive. AC is plenty cool. Seats are more comfortable after broken in for a couple of months. Weve had our Fit for six months, our actual mileage is 30-32 city and 36-38 highway (not what the dash shows) ours didnt get more mpg after break in, but it always exceeds EPA ratings. Overall this is a very impressive car for the price with typical great attention to detail by Honda.

• 

  Not too satisfied, problem at low mileage - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Homer - July 21 - 11:38 pm

  We bought this mini van 2011 brand new and it was running good at first and when it reach 15,000 miles the problem started on steering and creaking noise on front right of the vehicle everytime it turns and third problem the battery only last for almost 3 years and needed to be replaced right away. Dealership ended up fixing the problem for us due to the car is still under warranty. Its unbelievable that on 15,000 miles you can hear this noise problem on your steering to think that we dont use our van on long driving just city driving and we take care of our vehicles very well and especially when it comes with the maintenance. And when it reached 30,000 miles the same problem came back again (steering noise) and it sucks because our vehicle is no longer under warranty and I can imagine how much money you gonna pay if you will fix that at the honda dealership. Now It makes me compare on the vehicles we have, we own 2007 4runner sport with a 107,000 miles on it and until now we never experienced any problem with that car especially the steering problem, no major issues, just need to change tires and thats it. Its just makes me think if we still gonna buy honda cars in the future, probably not. I dont mind paying more if your vehicle is reliable all the time like my other vehicles. Base on our experience were not really satisfied on the vehicle that we got due to its problem at very low mileage, our van is 5 years old now at 30,000 miles ( low mileage ) and it makes me think if honda are still gona take care of our problem. Its just not good enough.

• 

  Great family car - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By H Patel - July 21 - 9:21 pm

  Great family car with excellent mileage. Gave about 27 mpg when driven to Niagara from Columbus. Love the leather and interior design. Automatic back door and sliding doors are must have feature for minivans. Paid 28,750 OTD price with 2.9% APR! Cant beat the price with the standard features that comes with this minivan while comparing with other vans...!

• 

  Runs Like A Top - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jim W - July 21 - 3:32 pm

  My wife and I were seeking something to drive together (comfortably) on longer trips. After looking around a little we found the Accord. This car has been amazing. A nice, smooth and quiet ride in a reliable vehicle is what we were looking for and is what we got. We used to dread packing things into the old car in order to take a day trip. Now we look forward to it.

• 

  Excellent car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Carol Lea - July 21 - 3:17 pm

  The car is perfect all around. Decent MPG, comfortable, loves the highway, large storage capacity.

• 

  Great car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By HondaFitdfw - July 21 - 1:40 pm

  A great little car. In 11,000 miles I have never gotten less than 33.5 mpg in all-city driving. Highway avg. between 39-41 mpg. A very flexible design and is great fun to drive.

• 

  Best Vehicle We Have Ever Owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard - July 21 - 11:17 am

  This vehicle surpasses all of our expectations when you consider average mileage of 23.10 MPG, no maintenance issues and a comfortable ride. We are sold on Honda if this vehicle is representative of their other models. We do normal suburban driving and occasional trips not exceeding 1000 miles round trip.