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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  Bad score for 07 Civic LX Auto - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Art - May 16 - 5:24 pm

  Well get used to a lot of problems and recalls, like your front wheels (axle lube recall) falling off. Your door handle (inside) breaking, your windshield wipers not working on intermittent position. (recall) Your engine block cracking. Your bolts backing out of the fan pully and fatal to the radiator if they do come loose. Interior sun visors (this is a good one) being replaced multi times, seems Honda cant make enough replacements. Your broken (or missing) transmission bolts, recall. The list goes on man! Better check your recall list!

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  2006 civic lx - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jay dubs - May 16 - 3:26 pm

  I test drove an Accord and a Civic with my wife. We could not tell the difference between the two. So we saved a lot of money by buying the Civic. Our intention was to step up from our 2002 Civic and buy an Accord. Now that we have had it for a while, my wife who drives it every day (48 miles) loves it. It clearly is the car of the year from Motor Trend magazine.

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  Good Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike - May 16 - 1:58 pm

  This car rides better than the 2004 Camry we had previously, but road noise is worse. This car has outstanding brakes. The EX has 4 wheel disc ABS brakes and a very sensitive pedal. The automatic transmission hits into gear and also into Park with a clunk, but at higher speeds it is smooth and effective. I make extensive use of the rear view mirrors in order to back up, and it works. The mirrors are a perfect size. The climate and radio controls are the easiest I have even seen. I love the large speed display which is at eye level. The seats are a bit firm, so we use a foam cushion for long trips. Steering is quick and sporty in town, but too sensitive for my taste at highway speeds.

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  Bought used at 112,000 miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By first car for son - May 16 - 10:53 am

  6 months after purchase, the pcm computer and transmission failed at 118,000 miles. Appears that the computer told the trans to downshift into 1st and stay there. What seemed like a good used car now cost 50% more than we paid and is no longer a good deal. We are quite disappointed we bought this car.

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  I love it!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By happyridgeowner - May 16 - 8:53 am

  I couldnt be happier with my Ridgeline. I wasnt expecting "great" gas mileage. NO truck will give you that. But it is better than most. But the comfort, sound system, and general quality was way above the competition. With all the magazines saying it was their choice for Truck of the Year I knew I couldnt go wrong. The week after I got mine Consumer Reports comes out and makes it their Truck of choice. If you want a farm truck forget it. But if you want a middle duty truck and comfort you cant beat it.......period..........

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  Great car for the price - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ct, new york - May 16 - 1:43 am

  What can you say, it is a Honda. Love the accord vehicle since 1990. My family has been driving them since. I owned an 84 accord too as a beater and raved about that one too. My 07 replaced an inferior 00 civic ex. So glad for the upgrade, now the wife has taken it from me until I get her the pilot she wants. SOLID, RELIABLE AND DEPENDABLE. Whats not to love.

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  Love this Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Helen - May 15 - 5:29 pm

  I had a 97 CRV and I really liked it a lot. When the new version came out, I was stunned at how beautiful it was. Nonetheless, I had to shop around, because thatd be crazy to buy the same car again. After looking at everything else on the market, I went back to the 07 CRV and bought it! I couldnt be happier. I love it! (And The green tea color is gorgeous!)

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  2007 Odyssey issues air condenser/shakes - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Seaside, CA - May 15 - 3:47 pm

  Two issues with my Odyssey. First it shakes when you are slowing down. The dealer stated it was due to tire pressure. Took it in and it still shakes. Second my van was steaming and hissing one day. I took it into the dealer. The service guy did a 15 sec. look over and informed me that it was probably a hole in the condenser caused by a rock. He said they would have to perform a check that would take an hour and that this would not be covered by my warranty as it was not a factory defect. Guess what, yep the check revealed that it was a small hole caused by a rock. How he knew that was beyond me. Cost with the check was over 1200. I found out that many many people have had the same issue.

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  Could use some improvements - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By AB Minnesota - May 15 - 1:55 pm

  This truck has been a good solid vehicle for me. Its handled better in the snow and ice than any other car that Ive owned. The interior is spacious and the trunk is a unique touch that Ive utilized quite a bit. There are two downfalls that Ive experienced with this truck however: gas mileage and road noise. Ive experienced dramatic swings in gas mileage once the temperature gets below 30 degrees. Im not sure why, but my average mpg drops from 20 to 17. I had a mechanic check the tire psi and all of the filters, but it came back inconclusive. Additionally, this is one of the noisiest vehicles that Ive owned as well. Once I reach 50 mph or so, the wind and tire noise is too much.

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  1994 Honda Accord EX 2d - 1994 Honda Accord
  By wpederson - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle, I bought it when it was 4 years old and have loved it since. Great gas mileage, great reliability, and awesome resell value!