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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  oil consumption - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By 2010OdysseyOil - January 9 - 8:54 pm

  I purchased the 2010 odyssey van in august 2009 and it consumed 2.5 quarts of oil in the first 4500 miles. I took it to the dealer and they stated the consumption rate is normal and I didnt believe it for a second. We proceeded to do an oil consumption test which was performed in an unscientific manner after the oil was changed and topped off to the required 4.5 quarts (another story unto itself) and roughly 2k miles later it burned another quart. The dealer stated honda corp has a service bulletin out to tear the engine apart if it consumes one or more quarts per thousand miles. I would have never paid 35k for a vehicle which eats oil at this rate. Honda Corp needs to initiate a recall.

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  just not for me - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By billie - January 9 - 7:57 pm

  I bought this used crv to save money and downgrade from my 2007 F350 Crew Cab PSD. Since Im used to large trucks this was a huge transition. Thought it wasnt bad test driving it, but I didnt ride as a passenger and did the next day after buying and that is when I noticed how small it felt. I felt cramped and the seats became uncomfortable.

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  No more Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AVillarreal - January 8 - 9:06 pm

  Bought SUV brand new. AC went out@ 108000 - Dealer price $4500 out of warranty. Someone else fixed AC for $1500. Engine light stays on continuously, computer attached and fixed twice and engine light goes back on after about a week. Out of pocket $300. Terrible road and wind noise. CD changer went out - $900 dealer, refuse to pay. Never will I buy a Honda again.

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  I want to like it... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Lauren - January 8 - 5:20 pm

  I got this car from my Mom, and when she had it she had 0 problems with it. Now that I inherited it, I am having all sorts of problems. Car idles VERY roughly at start, bucks and shudders sometimes while accelerating particularly between 50-60 mph, sometimes hard to accelerate. This problem is intermittent so its been hard to diagnose and so far no one has been able to fix it. It makes driving the car a huge pain when its happening. Check engine light has been on for a while now. Always took care of it and brought it in for routine care. Really, really disappointed.

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  Not up to the mark - 2008 Honda Civic
  By greg - January 7 - 7:46 pm

  The mileage is not that good. On average it gives only 35 and in winter its worse. Its only around 30 or some times less. Even Honda sent out a settlement notice for the poor mileage. Initially the mileage was good when u drive on hwy, but within city is not that good. Also the auto stop feature doesnt work always. And when u are in a slope the vehicle goes back even when the transmission is in drive. Overall very dissatisfied with the the price I paid for, i.e. almost 24k for a small car.

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  A Mixed Bag - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By AGS - January 5 - 12:13 pm

  Bought the Odyssey while stationed overseas and brought it home with high hopes and initial satisfaction. While cavernous, easy to drive, powerful and full of many great features such as power doors and dual air, reliability is becoming a concern as it reaches 80K miles. Paint has peeled twice and dealers have not been receptive to repairing the damage in our area. Left sliding door continuously needs grease to quiet the chatter. Oil changes are a bear. A/C filter changes, too. CD player died. Clocks light went dark. CD and clock are very expensive to replace. Overall, a disappointment cant recommend it any longer and wont be buying another Honda :( This is a "Monday" car, for sure.

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  Good but not Great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By wmacork - January 4 - 5:51 pm

  Great Utilitarian vehicle, even in the EX-L trim. Not a thing wrong since buying over 2 yrs ago. Everything works well but just not excited about driving it. For the price there are too many things it doesnt have standard (lighted visor mirrors, fog lights, roof rack. Great around town but get ready for that "Singer" sewing machine engine on the highway.

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  Poor mans prius - 1990 Honda Civic
  By netpokerstar - January 3 - 11:34 pm

  I bought this car because I live in California, the state with the highest gas prices in the continental U.S. I would recommend this car for gas mileage only. No appreciable luxury. Dated styling, unless you put a body kit on it. O.K. performance if you are willing to push the motor to the max, which is very unwise if you want an old car to last!

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  Spend Your Money Elsewhere - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fit2006 - December 29 - 10:15 am

  Purchased Honda Fit 8/2006. LOCK: After 2 years, the drivers lock stopped working. Honda did not stand by the lock. Passenger lock also failing. BRAKES: Passenger brake caliper stuck causing the pad to wear down on that side only. Honda fixed it and promised it wouldnt happen again. This time, slider sticking, brake pad on passenger worn again! VISIBILITY: The side curtain airbags cause two very large blind spots for people my size (under 53"). HANDLING: The car has a high center of gravity. Wind causes the car to dance a bit on the highway. BODY INTEGRITY: Any kind of minor collision causes this car to crumple and the bumper to come off! The car is very boring.

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  Big Disappointment - 2009 Honda Civic
  By ed hill - December 27 - 7:16 am

  Well if your in the market for hybrid, I dont think Honda has its act together. The performance is not any better than a civic, maybe a couple MPGs. Its under powered, I dont know what the eclectic motor does, seems nothing to me. They only way you save any money on gas in town driving is when you stop the gas engine stops, thats about it.