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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  Excellent compact sports car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MTG - March 23 - 11:50 pm

  This car replaced a 2005 STI Impreza; before that I drove a 2001 S2000. The Civic isnt a muscle car like the STI, or a demanding, purpose-built sports car like the S2000, but it is a well executed sports coupe. It is fast when I want it to be, but its a Civic when thats appropriate. The suspension is well tuned, the front wheel drive works surprisingly well, the brakes are reasonably good, and having the 6000- 8000 vtec power band is fun and effective. The navi system and premium stereo are both treats. All in all, a well executed package. I will keep this one for 5-7 years.

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  My Chevy Venture was Better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ksull - March 23 - 11:20 pm

  Had the vehicle for three years now. No significant problems, several annoying things. The steering noise that others mention - dealer said fluid change would fix it (it didnt). The breaks are insufficient for a vehicle this heavy. I feel like I need to throw out an anchor to stop it. Vehicle is fun to steer at highway speeds but is difficult to steer at low "parking" speeds. The fuel economy stinks. We get about 19 in average driving and about 22 on the highway. My 99 Venture would get 26 easy.

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  Most perfect small car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Geoff - March 23 - 10:27 pm

  This car was always there for me. It pulled through snow when pickups foundered. It averaged 38-41 mpg, and I had the original clutch for 180K miles. It now has 253K miles and only died on me once when the water pump seized. 16 wonderful years, but now with a family of 4, we are going to buy midsize. It is a classic. I wish I could keep it for Sunday drives the next 30 years.

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  2007 Honda Odyssey- Vibration problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ET - March 23 - 9:32 pm

  Have owned several Honda vehicles. Top of the line, always satisfied. Theres a resonant vibration problem inherent to the Odyssey vans based on blogs I have checked since the dealer has not been able to resolve the issue. I have bought new tires, balanced, etc. Check websites for honday Odyssey vibration problem before you buy.

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  Transmission Problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DP - March 23 - 4:41 pm

  After owning many vehicles I decided to take the Minivan plunge. Thought I was going with the best after all my research. Odyssey has been in shop four times for transmission problems. Seems to surge at specific times and speeds. Dealer has said this is "normal" but it is to the point it is so noticeable I cant drive this vehicle. Other than this issue we have not had any other problems. Road noise is an issue but it is a good family car. So much for the Honda "Quality".

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  Good, but not great - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Masjevo - March 23 - 2:06 pm

  Purchased the car after getting a new job and losing my company car, a 2002 Ford Taurus. The Honda is definitely better, but not as much as I expected it to be, especially the build quality. There are already rattles and creaks coming from the interior and the sunroof and the car only has 100 miles on it. Dont get me wrong, the quality is good, I just expected more.Also, not happy with the dealership at all. When I took delivery, the car was not totally clean and there was a ding and scratch in the rear bumper. To get me out of his hair, the salesman told me that if they could not fix the bumper to my satisfaction, theyd replace it completely. Well see what happens...

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  Solid inside and out - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By kdilkington - March 23 - 11:45 am

  My wife and I have owned our CR-V for over 2 years and couldnt be happier. Its perfect for running errands around town and can handle just about any New England snow storm. The gas mileage is great 22/city, 30 highway but the trade-off is less power that is most noticeable on the highway. If youre more concerned with 0-60 then you want to look elsewhere. But if youre looking for a small SUV thats priced well, gets good gas mileage and can lug around big pieces of furniture when called upon, you cant really beat this one.

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  CR-V is reliable - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By dogrunnr - March 23 - 10:44 am

  This is such a reliable vehicle. I decided to purchase the 2006 to avoid getting stuck with a 2007 (thought the new body design was kinda ugly). I typically put 15-20K miles per year on this vehicle and it has held up wonderfully. I love my CR-V.

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  Surprised me! - 2005 Honda Element
  By russ - March 23 - 1:40 am

  I went to the dealership to buy a CRV but stopped and looked at the Element 4wd EX on my way to the office. It is red and I got on the goodies put on it to make it really sharp. The roominess was the 1st impressive feature, followed by the functionality. What a great car/truck! It took me about 3 weeks to get used to its looks but I did and think its cute. I am a Realtor and my clients love the car when they get in. It is perfect for me, my wife and the 2 dogs as well. The stereo system is another bonus along with the seats folding up fairly easily. And I certainly dont care if it gets a bit dirty on the interior because it is so easy to clean! Fun car and its a Honda too. What a perk!

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  Its all great - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rajith234 - March 23 - 1:10 am

  Love this car, fun, quick, great ride for a car this size. I test drove several different models before selecting the Honda Fit. I studied reviews of all models for fuel economy, price, resale, and environmental impact. The Fit was my choice and is a purely fun to drive.Handles great!!! Honda has done it again.