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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  Love at first sight - 2008 Honda Civic
  By FD - May 28 - 9:46 pm

  Ive only had my Honda LX for 2 weeks. The moment I sat down in it and put my hand on the 5 speed shifter I fell in love. On my first trip I got 37 mpg and since I have gotten 44 and 45 mpg. I drive conservatively about 60 -65 mph. I have always bought Toyota but couldnt find a 5 speed in my color and thought Id look at the competition. Glad I did. Beautiful car. It came with a slight problem with the am radio reception but Im getting that repaired at the dealer. Dont drive the civic five speed or you wont be able to turn it loose. I had a Toyota Supra and this car is just as much fun to drive and I find myself looking for an excuse to drive it.

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  Great Van, Poor Gas Mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Illinois Customer - May 28 - 7:10 pm

  This is the 5th Honda I have purchased and for the first time what was promised has not been delivered. They post a 28 mpg average and we are getting 20 mpg consistantly with predominately highway driving. It has been reported to the dealership and we are not alone with this complaint. They are working on the problem and hopefully it is just a correctable glitch with a couple of vehicles. It is also noticeable when the engine goes into the economy mode while driving. It would be okay if the gas mileage was improved, but to date we have not had the pleasure of improved gas consumption.

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  Good Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By DJ - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Honda since 1979 and have put over 200,000 miles on all 5 Ive owned. This car is by far better refined than ever before. However, I have had some small problems the check engine light related to the new in 98 LEV emissions. I have 91,000 on this one and am going for 300,000. There is no doubt it will make it. It runs the same as the day I bought it.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By carnut0118 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife has driven the EX w/Navi since new. The navigation system is extremely useful and user friendly. Weve had only two irritants. 1. The rear AC knob has broken off twice. Poor design in my opinion. 2. A piece of the roof rack fell off. The dealer did fix both items under warranty. We are no longer under warranty.

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  Job well done by Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By samy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Altough I have to admit that the previous version has better exterior looks, this re-designed 2002 surpases the older one in every aspect. So roomy and commanding. Too bad it is labeled as a Females car otherwise I would have kept it for myself. My wife loves it.

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  6000 miles with 02 CR-V LX 2WD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By R.B. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good all-purpose vehicle. I have a commuter car, weekend junk hauler and a good long-distance vehicle rolled into the 02 CR-V. I am still being annoyed by the "engine light" problem when the outside temp. is below 60 degrees F. Also, Ive been getting less than advertised mileage. I use a K&N air filter and drive reasonably. My mileage is 21~23 city and 25~27 hwy. To Honda: Truth in Advertising.

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  Need better Quality control. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ericchoe - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best mini-van so far. But still it squeaks and rattles on non- perfect road. All mini-van does this, but I was expecting better from Honda, especially from almost $30,000 vehicle. The front coin and cup holder is on same slot. When this try is out to hold cups, coins are visible and rattles. The second row seats can use better cup holders. One on each side of seat is to clumsy to use. The shifter is too close to the front panel. When I shift, Many times radio power button was unintentinally pressed. Power sliding doors has some logic problem. It would not open and close sometimes.

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  2002 Honda Civic Ex 4dr - 2002 Honda Civic
  By luvmyhonda - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Although I have only had my Civic for a few weeks, I am really impressed with this car. It is a good balance between comfort, economy and performance. This car will certainly not win a drag race but even with the a/c on it still has enough power to keep me happy, not to mention that on my first road trip it managed to get almost 41 mpg! The ride is supple and well controlled. The steering is nimble and the turning radius is short. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and does not bog down or search between o/d and 4th while ascending a hill. The interior is laid out well and feels like good quality to the touch.

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  So far so good - 2002 Honda Accord
  By henry007 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Im reaching my 100 miles odometer and everything seems pretty cool. Im learning how to use the "D3" and "D4" automatic gear , so at freeway always use D4 and once I get out of it I change to D3... Is that how its used ? The only thing Im going to buy pretty soon is a steering wheel cover to make it a little bit thicker. Is the "granitize process" recommended ? P.S. I just hope Honda keeps this body style a couple of more years so that It keeps its value. (Civics have a new body style) What alarm system do you recommend for this car in the aftermarket ?

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  Less reliable than a Yugo - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Irwinbenz - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I must admit that I listened to the hype and bought this car purely because it was a "honda". Two weeks after purchasing this car the engine started making a wheezing knocking sound shortly followed by a loud BANG! Well the loud bang turned out to be a piston ripping thru the engine block. I ended up getting a new engine, a new transmission, and a new stereo (the old one flamed out second time I used it) all this with less than 3000 miles on it. Maybe I just got stuck with a lemon, but one things for sure, Ill never buy a honda anything ever again!!