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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  Im converted to Honda!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fieldschild - May 22 - 8:58 am

  After my auto accident in 2007, I needed a vehicle easy to get in and out of. The Honda Fit was just the right height. I didnt have to climb in or out, just sit and twist my legs in and out. I love the folding rear seats. I am single and have to tote groceries, landscaping supplies for my yard, mulch and soil. Even the salesmen couldnt believe I got so much in my little car! They were impressed.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Love My 99 Civic - May 22 - 12:12 am

  I purchased my 99 Civic EX coupe with a 5 speed manual transmission back in 2001 with 32,000 miles on it. It currently has 122,000 miles on it and has never given me any problems. I did replace the power window regulator and the CV axle boots (a very common problem on this generation Civic), however nothing else other than routine maintenance. My previous 87 Civic was still running well at 241,000 miles when I sold it, so I believe that this one will last at least as long. I love my Civic!

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  What a great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By HONDA MAN 06 - May 21 - 9:46 pm

  I have only had this car for a few weeks however my wife has an 06 EX V6 which is a great car however I love my EX 4 cyl. as its is just as smooth as her V6 but gets better gas mileage and feels a lot lighter as I drive it and really feels just as powerful This is one great car.

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  The Good, the Bad, the Ugly - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dk - May 21 - 4:19 pm

  The Good - performance, visibility, function and utility. Reasonably comfortable on long trips. The Bad - initial fuel mileage was poor and took close to 30,000 km before an appreciable difference was noticed compared to my 1992 Aerostar. Short carpet- tearing in rear well. At 43,000 km - power steering pump started making a growling nose was replaced. Bad road noise in mid to rear compartment of vehicle, even after under coating. Needs a better stereo system..no MP3. The Ugly - nothing yet.

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  Beware of Transmission Problems - 2001 Honda Civic
  By JasonM - May 21 - 2:16 pm

  Transmission had to be replaced at 63,000 miles. Do your research online and youll see that the 2001 Civic (and the V6 Accord) have the transmissions go bad frequently well under 100,000 miles. Additionally the SRS light may go off due to faulty seatbelts (mine did). Lastly, as is often the case for Honda, the brakes need to be replaced a bit more frequently than other car manufacturers. This is all coming from a die-hard Honda fan with multiple Civics. Go ahead and get a Honda, just dont get a 2001 Civic (2002 wasnt much better).

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  Great overall vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jesse Burque - May 21 - 12:34 pm

  The safety features that come with the Honda Sensing is well worth the value I use the ACC and LKA on a daily basis. I agree with others that the FM radio needs an upgrade, but overall this is a great family vehicle and fun to drive.

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  Transmission problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By SandyG - May 21 - 8:27 am

  The van is surging or hesitating around 60 m.p.h. so we brought it into the dealer and said that is "normal" for the van. Said its the overdrive system and ECO saving gas. I just dont believe that and they also said every new Honda with O/D system will do this. Please, if anyone else is experiencing this and have actually had it fixed, please let me know or tell us what they did to fix the problem. Everything else is great about this van but I dont believe the surging is "normal". I just dont think they want to put a new transmission in it!

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  Space, the final frontier. - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By HM - May 21 - 6:36 am

  I have had this car for exactly 3 years and 69000 miles. Its used for around town and many extended rides of up to 3 to 6 hours each way (the distance to our daughters colleges). No problems. Handling surprisingly good, better than RX300 we had. Interior is huge, cargo space deceptively large. Perfect back for Golden Retrievers. Fabulous visibility. Very good in bad weather. However, road noise becomes tiresome after an hour. Sound system is just adequate. And my 57 yr old rear end gets sore on long rides (Im 58" and 143lb). If youre going to spend lots of time on commutes or long drives, treat yourself to something more luxo. But for around town and near, it cant be beat.

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  I Loved My Little CR-V! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kaylee - May 20 - 6:20 pm

  I bought my 2002 CR-V EX 2WD used, in 2007 & I absolutely LOVED it. It ran beautifully, never once had to undergo repairs, got wonderful gas mileage & was just an overall reliable vehicle--the perfect first car! They are cute little SUVs, typically owned by more females. The interior features are eye-catching & unique & for a smaller SUV, they have impressive storage capacity & spacey passenger room. Mine ran beautifully up to the day I was involved in a head-on collision, and even then I found good news--its a pretty sturdy little car! I am now searching for another 02 CR-V I wont drive any other vehicle!

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  Great Vehicle to Drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sp - May 20 - 3:04 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda Civic & Ive loved them both. They have both driven well & perform very well. As w/ my 1st Civic the mileage gets better as the car gets older. Id buy another Honda any day!