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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  Great Investment - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Wayne - April 28 - 10:10 am

  I have driven several luxury vehicles, decided to try a civic out after hearing all the good things about them. The only thing I can say is a negative is that after 3 or so hours, it is not as comfortable a ride as other vehicles I have owned. However, it is attractive, gets 40 mpg (which is more than the sticker states), is cheap to insure and has a great factory sound system. It shifts like a dream and I have no complaints.

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  Drive it like you stole it - 1998 Honda Passport
  By faceplant - April 28 - 9:56 am

  I bought it used. Loved the feel of the strong V6. Not strong anymore, 56k to 152k. Gaskets and seals are now a problem. It is burning a lot of oil. The car really started to act up. No idle, stalling. Cleaned carbon out of the throttle body, replaced the MassAirSensor. Fuel gauge broke. Drivers window broke. Rear door key broke. I put the largest tires I could on it for a better ride. Feels good. AC is always perfect. Water pump, alternator, fan pulley all replaced. Installed electric fan with thermostatic switch. I really feel Ive got all I can out of this car and it still runs OK. Auto auctions love these cars because they sell great in S. America.

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  A/C compressor blew up at 55k miles - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ed C - April 28 - 6:41 am

  A/C condenser blew up with 55k miles requiring a complete replacement of the entire A/C system costing $3500. Honda refused to pay for any of the repair costs although this is a common issue. Car had other minor quality defects with the window controls and control panel. I liked the way the car looked and handled but the overall quality for this model is way below what I would expect from any manufacturer.

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  Awesome - 1992 Honda Civic
  By joetron - April 27 - 10:48 pm

  We bought this car with 125,000, and it has been faithful to us for 7 years and 75,000 miles. We have done standard maintenance for a 17 year old car (new muffler, changed the belts, new clutch). Other than that, nothing but standard maintenance. The car has never broken down, all the electronics still work, and it still runs great.

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  Honda let us down! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry-from Cloquet - April 27 - 11:34 am

  My wife and I considered the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna, but liked the overall looks and reputation of Honda. The one option we both wanted, living up here in the frozen north, are heated seats. At first we only wanted the EX model, but had to purchase the EX-L to get the heated seat option, along with the other options that came with the EX-L. This cost us over $3000.00 extra, all because we wanted heated seats. After buying the Honda, taking it home and reading into the owners manual, discovered that only the drivers seat was fully heated, not the passenger seat, which is only heated on the seat portion. Honda should have had this information on their brochures.

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  Its Elemental - 2005 Honda Element
  By elaygee - April 26 - 9:23 pm

  We liked the Element we bought in 2003 so much we bought another in 2004. His and His models. They are versatile, super functional and really zip around. Can cruise at 90 on turnpike or slow go at the beach.

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  This will be my last Honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By ajaca5 - April 26 - 8:59 pm

  Horrible interior and exterior fit & finish, rattles and hard wind noise. Been in the shop for 3 times (replace misaligned top & bottom glove box, streaks on passenger window, and rattles from both front sash trims), bought for steep discount and good experience w/ my current 2002 Odyssey, poor fuel economy, dangerously soft brakes, so-so road handling, cheap plastic interior, poor front ventilation controls for rear, uncomfortable bucket seats (too short for my thigh) poor paint jobs, and etc. Been driving hondas since 1990 (1990 civic, 2000 accord, 2002 oddysey), this will be my last.

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  I Love My Honda CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dr of Golf - April 26 - 6:32 pm

  This has got to be the best Honda that weve ever owned. The mileage is fantastic for an SUV-type vehicle and the space is great. The mileage compares to our old Honda Accord. Our new CRV is fun to drive and we love taking it out on the highway where it gives us about 32 mpg. We average about 25 mpg in town. Cant say enough about the great gas mileage and the fun it is to drive. Best economical car weve ever owned. Like it almost as much as our Mercedes 560SL ... almost.

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  Rocks!!!!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By DownUnder - April 26 - 5:52 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 5 years and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. 125,000+ miles and the only think I ever have to do is oil changes, tire rotation, and 1 set of new tires and brakes. VERY, VERY reliable and goes great in snow.

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  Good Transportation - 2006 Honda Civic
  By D Hare - April 26 - 5:38 pm

  RATING 3/4 of 5 - DX-G, MAN. TRANS., CANADA BUILT, 27K MILES. Overall a good/very good car for city/highway driving. PLUS: Styling, Fuel Efficiency, Maintenance/Reliability, Road Feel/Turning, Drives Straight, No Vibration, Starts at - 45! Great for shorter drivers, Fun 2 Drive. MINUS: Fit & Finish - paint, plastics used (scratches easily), Some parts slightly misaligned, Front end is low to ground some people may have difficulty entering/exiting car if not aware, may easily hit concrete barriers while parking, trunk space good for small jobs, Suspension has started to squeak over small bumps, Factory tires will need to be replaced due to softer factory tires.