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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  09 CRV EX (compare to 02 CRV) - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ALK - July 16 - 1:53 pm

  Upgraded from an 02 CRV EX to an 09 CRV EX. The 09 "seems" smaller in the cargo area - but upon putting the cargo tray from the 02 into the 09 - its actually the same size. The difference is that the 09 has support shelves for the cargo shelf that stick out into the trunk area. The hatch also slopes - so you lose some space. In addition, the EX is missing the hooks that the 02 had (to hang grocery bags). The 09 is missing dash storage - but the dash is much better designed - I can reach the radio controls without leaning forward. Note - the Honda supplied floor mats are junk! After 1500 miles, Ive worn out the carpet pile. The mats on my 02 looked brand new after 7 years. Overall, B+.

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  All wheel drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pedro Cortez - July 16 - 10:20 am

  The car is great. Except the All wheel drive maintenance! I change the engine oil every 3K, but the differential HAS to be changed every 5K (6K). This is pricey at every other oil change. Other than that, I would probably buy another one, in 12 years. I also found and replaced the air filter with a cold air intake. A little bit better gas mileage, and bit better performance off the line.

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  Smells great! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By valerie5425 - July 16 - 10:10 am

  Ive only had mine for about 21 hours, but I know Ill love it. It could be more comfortable inside and could have a more quiet ride. However, its still the car Ive wanted for over 3 years, so Im thrilled.

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  2002 Honda Reliable?? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bolinlamar - July 16 - 8:07 am

  This is the third Honda Ive owned and I must say the worst one, Ive purchased 2 used Hondas in the past and theyve been fine and I still have a 2003 Honda Odyssey van 138,000 miles on it, doing fine. But this 2002 CR-V is the pits, not because of its driveability but because the compressor in the air conditioning system blew up after the second week of ownership, its presently being repaired at a cost of $1974.00. Honda America is paying $500.00 I guess as a matter of goodwill because they know this has been a defect with these models. I wont buy a used Honda again, one sting is enough for me.

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  Fun for 7 years - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By GFR - July 16 - 8:03 am

  CR-Vs are fun, comfortable, workhorses of a car-SUV-Offroad vehicle. Very, very low maintenance costs - less than $800 in repairs in 120,000 miles plus being towed 50,000 too. Great gas mileage - 28-30 mpg when on the highway and 25 in town. Good comfort, easy storage, easy to maintain, easy to cleanup and easy on the pocket book too. Only one complete set of tires plus two for front due to towing. And it is still worth $7,000 after paying $20,000 for it 7 years ago - cant beat that! We have used only synthetic oil and change it every 7500 miles - again real simple and inexpensive. Could be a good college car for a guy or gal. And Honda has a great rep too!

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  Horrible Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By rsteder - July 16 - 4:13 am

  We purchased our 2007 Odyssey to replace a 2004 Toyota Sienna and I wish I could trade back! Fuel economy is unbelievably bad. We live in the country, about 30 miles from anywhere, and have yet to exceed 16mpg. Ive tried setting the cruise on a relatively flat road and then reset the mileage calculator -- it still wont get better than 17. The instant fuel economy often drops to below 10mpg on level roads and seems to get worse when the ECO light is on. The dealer said its within the stated range so too bad. This performance should be embarrassing to Honda. The Odyssey is only marginally (1-2 mpg) better than my full-size, full-time 4x4 Expedition with a 5.4 liter V-8.

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  Just got my 2004 with leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ritch_M - July 16 - 2:00 am

  So far, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It handles like a dream and gets respectable fuel mileage for an SUV. The sound system in the EX model is fantastic with the sub woofer. The front seats are extremely comfortable. The 3.5L engine combined with the 5 speed transmission gives you all the power you need in both city and highway traffic. Its so smooth, I dont usually even notice when it shifts. I got the midnight blue pearl color, and it is the prettiest blue I have ever seen on any car. The metal flake really sparkles in the sun.

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  honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By wp - July 16 - 2:00 am

  grossly inadequate power in all ranges. transmission searches for gears constantly. front bumper paint coming off in sheets

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  Reliable and ages well - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Cmurp - July 15 - 11:24 pm

  Bought the 2005 4Dr LX automatic new. My wife used it as a work vehicle for four years and it was bulletproof. Similar to other reviews, the brakes are the Achilles heel, had the rotors resurfaced twice so far. After the 60000 mile service, rear brakes replaced and new pads. Now no problems. Only replaced the battery and have done normal maintenance up to this point (76000 miles). Interior is simple laid out and the seat cloth ages well. Four cylinder has plenty of power and we average about 25mph in mixed driving, 32 on the highway. Very pleased with this car. So pleased that we bought another Honda product, Acura TL used this month.

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  Bubba-build quality cant justify price - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By teamsc10190 - July 15 - 8:10 pm

  Honda has always exacted a brand premium and the Odyssey is no exception. I wish that I could say after 22,000 miles of ownership that the car was worth the premium, but its not. Chevy build-quality at Cadillac prices. The car is built in Lincoln Alabama and the assembly quality shows that Bubba needs to study a lot harder before hes ready to build a premium product. Im very disappointed in the cars fit and finish. Ive never had a car before where I needed to rehang half of the body panels to get the car to fit together properly. The paint has poor luster and horizontal surfaces are filled with dirt. The hood has splotchs where the factory attempted to wet-sand out some of the dirt.