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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  O7 Honda crv - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By rdfarster - July 24 - 9:11 am

  I have had my honda for four ys.now.It is good on gas but for this summer it is not.I had to replace my tires at 34000 miles already because they dry rotted and i just replaced my back breaks and rotors at 40000 miles,they were completely gone.The rims are steel painted and is coming off-looks like crap!It rides shaky and you feel everything on the road,it is not a smooth ride.I would not get another one.The cloth on the seats also are not good quality.It does handle in the snow and rain real well.If I rated this on a scale of 1-10 i give it a 7.

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  Going for 300,000+ miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By seanstr - July 22 - 10:17 pm

  I really enjoy DRIVING this van and I really drive it very hard for a minivan. What sold me was the sporty driving it provides. If you like a soft cushy ride with no driver feedback from the steering and suspension, then this van is NOT for you. If you like power, agility and sporty car like feel and ride, then youll be right at home behind the wheel. I travel WV and all Ill say is it will hang a curve. * VAN: The back windows quit working, probably cause I never open them and are stuck, other than that everything still works inside as it should. The van still looks very good inside and out. Did the 100K service at 200k but had to replace the A/C compressor at 240k. continued belo

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  This beauty has ISSUES! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By torontoboi - July 22 - 6:17 pm

  I love the ride, i love the styling, and the acceleration of the V6 felt like a 300hp engine! But man oh man, what is wrong with Hondas quality? My transmission (shared with the Honda Odyssey) crapped out on me at 60K, the center HVAC system crapped out on me shortly after, and BOTH my fog lights cracked during the first 2 months of driving it on smooth highway roads. I dont accept "yeah but it was covered under warranty" accuse, it IS a poorly built car and i went back to Toyotas and continued my track record of ZERO defects driving them. Many other Accord Coupe owners at my work had the same complaints so i know its not a fluke.

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  Honda Heaven ??? - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By vstanley - July 21 - 11:19 pm

  Being a previous Honda consumer I knew the resell value that Honda brings considering all the problems that Toyota was facing we chose the Honda.. I love the boxy body style, the interior design is not too bad once you get used to the layout. I DO NOT like the quality of the interior. Cheap... Styrofoam in the door jam??? What is that about?? Noise?? The leg room is great for tall people. Front and second row. The gas mileage is average for an SUV of similiar size, no surprises there. It was in B&W. Some complained about road noise. Yes, you do hear it. I was told the tires are to blame. Smooth ride though. Seats are firm, not as plush as some I test drove.

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  Punchy! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By eberleb - July 20 - 12:32 am

  Things Im not crazy about: 1) Body styling- but I didnt buy this car for looks. I bought it for the affordability with a good engine and a manual transmission. 2) Seats are kinda uncomfortable on road trips, but again I bought this car for performance, not comfort. Things I really like: 1) Engine gets up and GOES! 2) 6 speed manual is really responsive and I can get power to the wheels very quickly when some idiot is doing 65 in the left lane and I have to zip around him and make him feel like the moron that he/she is. 3) Interior design is well thought-out. All controls are easily within arms reach. 4) Bluetooth- nuff said. Creature comforts coupled with performance= Great car!

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  Its Been a Great Ride! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bluebugmama - July 19 - 9:33 am

  Bought this car new and have 138K on it now. Has been a great car, very few problems. Drivers door window motor broke, and both rear brake calipers froze up around 75K, but other than that no problems. Great in the snow, comfortable, definitely not a luxury vehicle but love all the room and versatility. It handles like a little go cart...not tippy like some SUVs.

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  Irritating car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By ronn2 - July 17 - 5:40 am

  Just yesterday I finally got rid of my 2011 Civic Hybrid. I had it for 6 months and hated every minute of it. Some people are going to think Im nuts trading a Hybrid in with gas prices the way they are. But I just couldnt take that car anymore. I didnt want it in the first place but when I was at the dealership, and the salesman talking me into it, with the good deal I got, I decided to go for it. Well it made me nuts.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mattshu - July 16 - 8:38 pm

  Ive owned my 2003 Civic Hybrid for 2 years now and so far its been a great car with only a few minor problems. The Good: Handles great Luxurious interior (compared to other non-luxury cars) Extremely quiet 45mpg The bad: Transmission fluid needs changing every 2 years IMA battery will start to degrade after 7 years Seats are very stiff, its like sitting on a bench Overall the car performs well as a daily driver, and if you arent looking to set Nurburgring lap records youll be satisfied with its performance. Even though it is less reliable than a standard civic the blue book value is lower, making it a better value when you factor in the better gas mileage.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By blkngldnj - July 15 - 10:59 am

  I have now owned my Accord for 6 1/2 years. This was my first Honda and because of its value and reliability I have also purchased an Odyssey. My Accord doesnt have a "look at me" appearance but it has been trouble free for 53,000 miles. It gets 26 mpg in mixed driving and once got me 37.1 mpg on a 320 mile trip with the cruise set at 70 mph. I will definitely consider another one when I hand this one off to my nine year old when he gets his drivers license.

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  Not bad... - 1995 Honda Passport
  By sunbird94 - July 10 - 5:32 pm

  My dad got this 1995.5 passport from his parents after our 84 ramcharger gave up.the 3.2 v6 had a roar and thirst for oil,it needed head gaskets at 120,000,then we moved from PA to AZ and it had 130,000 i cleaned it up and it looked like brand new.it wasnt running for 3 months,battery was weak but it cranked right up like it was running 15 minutes ago.at 155,000 the AC went and we replaced the compressor with one from the junkyard,the squeal got worse and one day at 156,874 the ol family truckster gave up.i miss it alot and brought a tear to my eye as it got towed away with its new family,i saw it once more going down the road and on craigslist for $1500 and we sold it for $450.