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 Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By steviez - August 13 - 4:38 pm

  My family has owned several Hondas and Ive had a couple also. I picked this Accord LX 2.2 automatic up as an inbetween car. Sort of a beater, but its proved to be much more than that. I got it with 170k miles on the clock and its really solid and tight. This car has no wind noise or squeeks nor rattles. Its quite amazing really. The gas mileage is also superb at well over 30mpg. While its not going to win any drag races, Its an excellent commuter and highway vehicle. Evertthing works on it and its very comfortable.

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  Love the van but Hands Free Link is the WORST! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By uniforms - August 12 - 5:02 am

  Ive owned four Honda Odysseys all Touring models. I love this 2011 version but have traded it once thinking I just had a lemon. Both 2011 Odysseys drove well, and I loved every feature. I never had a problem with using bluetooth with any previous Odysseys (last one was 2010). Till this one. First two weeks everything was fine, then the calls would go from the car to the phone and back to the car. This was intermittent at first but then has become an ongoing problem. Hands free link does confirm the problem but has yet to find a fix. I bought the car from its introduction. The 2nd one was bought this April. I use an iPhone 4. I would rather keep the iPhone than the car

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  240K Miles and Going To Donate Soon - 1992 Honda Accord
  By jmm11 - August 11 - 2:26 pm

  I drive my wifes 1992 Honda Accord and its been a great car. The things that strike others when the ride in it is how comfortable the ride is for compared to other mid size to small sedans. The current issues I have include: Rotors, Wheel Bearings, Tie Rods..Oil Leaks Rust..Interior rips in seats..Windshield Washer Fluid Dispenser..Pretty costly repairs that arent worth it anymore..Donation Time! I also hate the timing belt...When considering these cars know that every 90K miles you have to get front of the engine removed to replace the timing belt. I think weve replaced it twice and its coming up on a third time...$$$ Original Engine, Transmission and A/C Compressor.....Amazing!

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  2011 Honda Fit - excellent for the appropriate mission - 2011 Honda Fit
  By bobg57 - August 10 - 6:14 pm

  Love it. Great long distance commuter. Rear seats fold upwards or store in the floor creating enormous amount of space. Air conditioner OK, certainly up to 95 degrees outside temp. I passed through Needles when it was 109, comfortable enough. No electrical problems. Coming up on 10,000 miles with 30% oil life left. Trust the engineers, not your SuperLube down the street. Gas mileage is fantastic, without air conditioning I drove 457 miles on one tank at 42.9 MPG at 65MPH on mountainous roads. More usual fuel average is 35. Dont buy this vehicle as a street racer, why people get this thing with a paddle shifter is beyond me and a total waste of money. Note: I drive by myself 95% of the time.

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  Reliable, fast, great handling - 2008 Honda Civic
  By smoothcivic - August 10 - 3:25 pm

  Purchased used in 2010 with 8,000km. Now has 43,000km. Feels like it hasnt aged a single bit. No problems, extremely fast on highways and local roads, easy to zip between cars and get thru traffic easily. Independent suspension makes cornering easy. Ride is slightly bumpy, compared to full size sedans. Drove 10 hours straight from Toronto to Queens, averaging 90mph all the way, and the car gave no problems. Was a very fun drive winding along the mountains at high speed. Fuel efficiency decreases substantially at higher speeds. Sad to see others writing poor comments, they must have received the bad apples, because otherwise the car follows the tradition for exceptional quality for me.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2008 Honda Accord
  By stadem06 - August 9 - 9:03 pm

  I have been a loyal Honda owner for many years, always drove the Civic. In 2008 I fell in love with the new Accord Coupe and traded in my 1 yr old Civic to step up. That was a mistake. I just had to replace my rear brakes, my 4th pair in 3 years. I had to get the engine worked on because it would make a rattling sound every morning when I would start the car. The center console "Leather" is coming apart & the leather seats look stained from my clothes. Overall I am very disappointed.

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  Delivers on the Hype - Buy It! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By thegreatdane - August 8 - 10:46 am

  Bought the E-XL on Memorial day and this review is based off 3000 miles, and one 700 mile trip to Ontario, including 2 adults, 2 children, and a Great Dane. I am a tough critic and feel that this car delivers on most of its promises. Driving 13 hours straight revealed some pros/cons. On the pro side, it was great to see MPG at 27.6 for our trip. In town, our mileage is closer to 18 mpg. Handling was precise at any speed, even with torrential rain. Cargo was amazing - Imagine a full grown Great Dane standing up, along with a weeks supply of clothes, food, and fishing gear. Plenty of room to spare. On the con side, visibility was good, not great. Console has too many bells & whistles.

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  The Last Honda Ill Ever Buy! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By joetomcar - August 7 - 3:26 pm

  Although I have been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years, I will never buy another one after all the issues Ive encountered with the 2008 model. I bought my first Accord in 90, my second in 93. The 93 is still the best car EVER. Sadly the 2008 is nothing but trouble. The rear brake pads have had to be changed three times, the "leather" interior is cheap to say the least and the interior moldings were all cut too short and have had to be replaced. The middle console thats covered with "leather" is in shreds. Can anyone say "Naugahyde?" Both front seats are being recovered. Honda helped me out by paying 50% which is insane! By cutting corners, Honda has lost my business forever!

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  Hope you too dont get stranded. . . - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By cobragolfer74 - August 5 - 10:39 pm

  I was sooo happy to get into this crossover! This vehicle is my 2nd best car Ive ever had. (G6 was #1). However. . . Be aware that rear differentials might not be sealed like they should be. I had about 7000 miles on it when it felt like a flat tire. My son and I were stranded on the side of an interstate for 2hrs. 2 days later I found out that my new CR-V had thrown a differential gear due to lack of differential fluid! Now why would anyone need to by a Honda insurance plan for a NEW car? Little did I know that I would need it at 7000 miles. If you buy a new one, make sure there is a full differential inspection. You will definitely thank yourself if you do.

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  Exactly what I expected - 2010 Honda Civic
  By broncosftw - August 5 - 7:13 pm

  I have racked up 20k miles in my 2010 Honda Civic in about one year. Still have plenty of tread on the stock tires and brakes. So far, no issues. I average 32mpg mixed driving (50/50) during the summer, and 29mpg in the winter. There are some squeaks while driving over rough roads, but nothing that the 360 watt stereo cant drown out. I am very happy with this purchase, and would purchase this car if given a 2nd run. My previous car was a 2002 Audi A6 2.7T. Traded the A6 in at only 70k miles. Though the Civic cant compete with the Audi in performance or luxuries, it wins with reliability. My last Civic cranked out 180k miles, with $0 coming out of my pocket for non-accident repairs