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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  On the road to Lemondom - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DisappointedbyHonda - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned an Integra, CRV, and Civic prior to buying the Accord and loved them all. Our new Accord has been back to the dealer at least 6 times for rattles, brakes, and skipping CDs. THe car still rattles, the brakes vibrate, the CD skips and the rear passenger door now can not be opened from the inside. We are in contact with Honda USA and the Washington State Attorney Generals office to have the car declared a lemon. Honda USA has been slow (38 days) to respond to our concerns, and today asked for another chance to fix the problems they have been unsuccessful at fixing 6 times.

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  wonderful little civic - 1992 Honda Civic
  By samcivic - October 17 - 2:57 am

  Brought the cute Civic for good gas mileage, reliability and low cost to operate and it delivers. I had a fast prelude, the Civic has little performance, but is fun to drive and light weight very good on the snow. The Civic look small, but very roomy and comfortable even for tall a person like myself. The Civic is the best bargain I can think of. Very happy to own a cute little Civic.

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  This Car Will Surprise You - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By DG - October 16 - 10:20 pm

  We have had several SUVs and still have three along with our new CR-V. When we went to buy a Honda, we had our heart set on a Pilot until we walked into the show room and looked at a CR-V on the floor. We were amazingly surprised at what we saw. Great comfort, styling and looks. After the test drive we were sold. Absolutely love it and cannot find one thing that we dont like. It is our first Honda in a long time and we were very pleasantly surprised. IF you are thinking of it [CR-V vs anything else] you cannot go wrong with the CR-V. Fantastic car for the money. Tremendous value and options for a vehicle in this class.

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  Not living up to the Honda reputation - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe - October 16 - 3:33 pm

  Own a 2005 EXL. After three years we have gone through many tires, two dvd players, and two motor mounts. Currently the brakes make a whistling noise when turning. The battery does not hold charge and now I have an issue with the VCM. Oh, the paint scratches too easily and the road noise is ridiculous. Dont hit a bump too fast because the whole car feels like it hit a crater. Whats with the glove box not lining up with the dashboard leaving a gap? Oh, one more thing, drivers side seat (leather) is wearing our already and I condition it several times a year (garage kept too). I bought a Honda to last me 200K plus but Im thinking of trying a Yota soon. It couldnt be any worse.

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  Most versatile SUV available - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bob - October 16 - 12:48 pm

  If you want a luxury sedan, its close. If you want a work truck, its close. If you want a tow vehicle, its good there too. I just towed a 4200 lb. trailer over 4,000 miles with my Ridgeline, and encountered no problems. Going over the Rockies sometimes required full power for several minutes, but the temp. gauge barely moved. Very stable, even when semis. passed by. The cab is roomy, and it is fun to drive. I average 19.3 MPG commuting 80 miles, but the mileage dropped to 11.2 towing. The Ridgeline is, in my opinion, the most versatile, high quality vehicle available.

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  Far from excellent - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rrratch - October 16 - 4:03 am

  What a let down for Hondas top model! The engine performance is excellent and fuel economy very good for a V6 but the rest of the package is less than outstanding. The leather interior is not very comfortable, seats slippery not soft, like the vinyl in dads old Chrysler. Interior heats up quickly in the sun the AC cant cool it down fast enough. Windows squeak and rattle in the tracks and the dash & console are full of annoying squeaks (made worse in the cold). Thank God for the stereo to drown it all out but forget about talking to anyone. ABS chatters over the smallest bumps and road noise is prominent, even with the factory undercoat. Too many blind spots from big pillars.

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  Civic is the Car of the Year! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Frank - October 16 - 2:40 am

  The car rides great, feels like you are on rails going around corners.The looks inside and outside of this car is great. Pretty comfortable with good seat adjustments.The car looks and feels more expensive then the selling price and of course the fuel savings. Honda did a good job in bringing this civic to market no wonder why it is rated Car of the Year!

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  06 civic Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 06sicoupe - October 16 - 2:33 am

  Over all Im very satisfied with my purchase. Performance, fuel, economy and looks are all up to par on this car. I sold my 04 RSX type S for this and i believe it was a good choice.

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  Recent Purchase - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mike - October 16 - 1:20 am

  Ive owned my Accord for 2 weeks. This is our 3rd Honda and I purchased based on reliability/performance Ive had with other vehicles. I averaged right around 25 mpg on first tank of gas. I really like the fit and feel of the interior and like the way the controls are layed out. Ive seen other reviewers cite it as boring, but I like it. Ive seen others cite the brakes as an issue-but not so! (but even with the price didnt think it could match Honda). Love the car, especially in beautiful royal blue pearl!

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  Grandpap - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sirrdavid - October 15 - 5:10 pm

  The more miles the car gets, the better miles per gallon. Yes you have to drive like Grandpap to receive the below. At 55 miles per hour when it was new: 53 highway and city mpg. At 5 months old: 69 highway/59.5 city mpg. I never let the tach go over 3k rpm.