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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  Would have bought something w/fewer prob - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Anderson 5 - June 3 - 3:23 am

  I always wanted a Honda odyssey, so when I was finally able to own one I was ecstatic. Now I wish I had bought something different. I have had the whistling noise fixed three times. I have had the brakes fixed three times starting at 7,000 miles and now at 34,000 miles they are starting to grind again. I just had them replaced a third time a month ago. Everytime I bring it in for service there is a recall. I also had to have the dvd screen replaced because it kept darkening. All in all, it has been a very disappointing experience. I wont buy an Odyssey again. May be I will buy a Sienna next time.

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  3 Years of Driving - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By zzedo310 - June 2 - 10:21 pm

  As the title states, Ive owned my 03 for 3 years. In that time, Ive put 60K miles on it and drove it from AK to FL and several trips in the CONUS. No major issues. Minor issues: recommended tune-ups are costly, both the 60K mile tuneup and 90K mile tune-up were around $1000 each. To get fully installed towing package, another $1000. Drive train belt, another grand. At 100K miles, just as another owner here stated, my speaker system is going downhill. During long trips, I notice a buzzing sound coming out of the speakers. Annoying enough to shut music off. Great storage cubbies in front for maps, flashlights, etc.

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  Lookin good - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Tanja - June 2 - 10:17 pm

  SI is a civic all grown up with all the bells and whistles. Had a 95 with 145000, ran perfect when I sold it. Just rusted. This car has good pick up even in fifth gear. Gas mileage is decent, use the cruise control. Better features inside, cup holders etc. than older models.

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  2001 Civic sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By KJ - June 2 - 12:50 pm

  Great gas mileage car, very reliable. Weak front ends, but other than that great car. Love the gas mileage - 36 mpg.

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  Keeps going and going almost 200,000 miles - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By fred scott - June 2 - 10:49 am

  I purchased it new back in March of 2001. It is the best reliable little truck I have ever owned. With regular oil changes this baby will go forever. Change the timing belt at 100,000 miles and that clunking noise in the front end is minor - just replace the sway bar end links and bushings, no more clunking. I will not part with the crv great in the rain and snow with high ground clearance. Recommend Yokohama trz tires... Buy it used, you dont even need a warranty - great reliability.

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  Deeply disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Mr. Heiberg - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Third review and it has all been down hill. Latest problem entailed an engine rebuild that took 2-days. Taking back for forth time now (already had brakes redone, and seat belt problem),to have door alignment fixed, temp gauge/sensor replaced, and address paint color match fade issue on plastic parts. In my opinion this car is a disgrace to Honda and should not be called an Accord. I have the White Diamond Pearl finish and it is clear the paint on all of the plastic components were done from a separate batch and mix. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! I write this third review out of extreme disappointment and frustration. Our last Honda (Civic) was fabulous for 11 car-free years. We traded it in for CT.

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  love my CT - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Maryellen - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Love the Crosstour, had a CR-V and was tired of the bumpy ride , but loved Honda so traded. Have had lots of compliments on the car. Was on the freeway and a Honda Accord occupants passing me gave a "thumbs up" about the car. Love the two driver setting as I share the driving on a trip. Also like the side view mirror droping as I back into my garage. That way I dont hit anything. Great car to drive in every way.

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  LUV my CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By VS007 - June 2 - 9:57 am

  When the time came to dump my Civic, I had Rav4 and CRV in mind. Edmunds and others all give Rav4 higher marks, but I found Rav4s small steering wheel very discomforting and the dashboard controls were not that intuitive. Test drove CRV and felt right at home and in fact was more zippier. Rav4 is more powerful, quieter, roomier, fuel efficient and my brains were for it, but my heart went for CRV and still happier after two weeks. Of course CRV looks better too and is exciting to get into CRV and take it for a spin.

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  My Little Big Car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By D.Stephan - June 2 - 7:13 am

  I bought my Honda Fit after my 1997 Chevy Blazers transmission went. I wanted to get something that had a much better fuel economy and better track record as far as maintenance (Honda). I also still wanted to have a vehicle that would allow for cargo in the back. The Honda Fit met all of the criteria. It is so easy to drive, and the fuel economy is great (remember I drive a Blazer, so this is a shock). The only thing that bothers me is the acceleration is delayed and it seems like it races before it kicks into gear. Maybe its because it a 4cyl and Im used to a 6cyl. I also have noticed its worse when you have the AC on. Other than that, I love my Fit. I hope to have it for many years.

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  Terrible radio! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rick G. - June 2 - 5:44 am

  This car has a radio issue that has yet to be addressed by Honda. It crackles, fades, and volume fluctuates. It seems to go in and out of mono and stereo on a radio station that is right down the street from me. The speedometer is too high on the dash and from my seating position I can only view it when I look under the top of the steering wheel.