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:

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HawaiiFive0 - June 18 - 8:27 pm

  I have the V6 and it is great, has 190,000 miles and still goes. Of course I have changed a few sensors and alternator but nothing before 100k. Gas is ok in Missouri I got 28 mpg but now here in Hawaii I only get about 21 but she is getting old. No major problems but you must be sure to take it to someone who knows Honda or else.

• 

  Not so Comfortable! :( - 2006 Honda Accord
  By charlie83 - June 18 - 5:57 pm

  I just bought a 06 Honda coupe lx and man I should have driven it for a longer period of time. The seats are upholster with no lumbar adjustment and hard as a rock. I have a lower back problem and the seat makes my leg go numb. Ouch. Over all it is a good car. It is a nice drive but a little bumpy and a lot of outside noise. It is very pretty on the outside, but watch out for the seats....

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Walker Boh - June 18 - 2:34 pm

  I traded a 1998 Civic EX for this, so I LOVE the seats- even after 18 hours of driving. Cloth seats may be more comfortable than the leather ones. Love that this car does NOT stand out, especially given my long break-in history. Motor is perfect: Smooth, powerful, and upper 20s in mixed driving. I feel a shudder from 1st to 2nd when the car is warmed up and vibration in tires from 45-65 when temps are 60 or below. The former appears to be caused by a TSB that my dealer says only applies to 03-05 Accords, and Im guessing the flat spots reported on another reviewers tires may be what I have on mine. If I can fix the former and confirm cause on the latter Ill keep her. I LOVE that motor!!

• 

  Wish I still had my 91 - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Redrock - June 18 - 12:38 pm

  Bought this DX without test driving because I loved my 91 DX. Mistake. Honda completely changed the ergonomics: being 51" tall, Im unable to rest my right heel on the floor, am too close to the airbag, and the seatbelt cuts across my throat. I hate having to drive with my toes while my arms are cramped against the wheel. The throttle cable kinks and needs cleaning or replacement twice a year, otherwise the accelerator sticks. Whenever it rains hard, there is a gallon of water in the spare tire well. Mileage went DOWN from my 91 from 39 to 33 MPG average. Middle of the line stereo speakers blew quickly.

• 

  Buy one while you can - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Taysean - June 18 - 10:36 am

  I drove an 01 SE till late 06 and was very satisfied. I just recently, 6/5/09, bought an 06 EX w/ 14k miles on it. Needed 4WD to get to WV but wanted the mileage too. Definitely not disappointed. Drive 30 miles to work each day - averaging 32 MPG. Drove a good distance to buy vehicle which was described as "pristine". Was not even close w/ scratches, chips, etc. Saw CR- Vs with 50k miles in better condition. But overall, I am pleased w/ the vehicle.

• 

  Could be better? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fitty - June 18 - 5:13 am

  Nice kick when starting out. Fun to drive and is rather nifty. But after the initial kick and going up any sort of slope, the engine kicks in pretty loud. I have small inclines when driving to work and I have to rev it up to go up those hills. Mileage is very bad. Only getting 26-27 mpg. Was hoping for above 30. A/C is pretty weak, does not blow "cold"air but rather "cool" air.

• 

  Molten Lava - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Christine - June 18 - 4:34 am

  Love the color, Delaney Honda in Indiana Pa. have been great!!! Going to get a hitch put on next week. Feels and handles like a luxury car with the turbo really has some power feels like a sports car.

• 

  Problems with A/C - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bobbo63 - June 17 - 7:52 pm

  I recently had a problem with car such that the a/c was blowing only hot air. A trip to dealer showed an undiscovered leak in the refrigerant from the system. They were unable to find the leak after 4 hours and have placed a dye in the refrigerant to try to find the pin hole leak. Ive never had this problem with a Japanese vehicle. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I now am supposed to drive the car for 3 months and return the vehicle for discovery of the leak.

• 

  Watch Out for EGR and Transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jasony - June 17 - 6:03 pm

  I replaced an aging Toyota Corolla with a gently used 2001 Accord. I read that there were problems with the V6 trans so we steered clear of those and got a 4cyl. We were deeply disappointed when the transmission on the car went out at 139000 miles. It was the same failure that the V6s had. We also had the dreaded EGR valve issue and spent weeks tracking it down and getting it fixed. I currently drive a 1992 Chevy S-10 that has been far less trouble, and far less expensive to maintain, than this supposedly "reliable" Honda. I dont want to curse all Hondas because I know they had a bad run, but if we had it to do over again we wouldnt have bought it. And its soured me somewhat on Hondas.

• 

  A Good Value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ted - June 17 - 5:06 pm

  Ive had the car for just over a week now, and I like it a lot. It is very quiet, the handling is sporty, and the build quality is excellent. Its also a lot roomier than the last time I tried a CRV (although that was back in 2001). I had been considering the Mercury Mariner, but the CRV won me over with its good looks, superior resale value and Hondas reputation for reliability. It also just feels a lot more solid; the doors close securely and do not feel as flimsy as the Mercurys.