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:

• 

  great car - 2003 Honda Element
  By atorreon - April 1 - 3:33 pm

  great utility car! this thing can do it all without any worries. not the geatest looking car but can fill any need. the element is honestly the best snow handling car ive ever driven

• 

  129,000 miles - never a big problem - 2002 Honda Accord
  By chris082087 - March 29 - 4:04 pm

  I purchased the car used from a dealer in 08 at 93,000 miles. While I owned the car, it was maintained well. I had the oil changed every 3-5k. I had the timing belt and plugs changed at the 120k mark ($900ish). I never had a problem, and I drove the car pretty hard. I ended up getting T-boned around 129k and the car was totaled... Every few months, something would come-up (vibration, check engine light, funny engine sound), but it always turned out to be minor and I dont think I ever spent more than $100 each I took it into the shop for any of those problems.

• 

  Honda Civic Ex Navi @100k miles.... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bschaffer - March 29 - 3:42 pm

  This is my daily driver, mostly highway (70%) driven. Avg. 36-39mpg in Summer, Winter mileage suffers due to fuel additives in my cold climate (32-35mpg, still great!). Best recorded mileage 42mpg average with a tail wind driving across Iowa at 75-80 mph. Im happy with my car overall but if I didnt have such a comute I would drive something more sporty and/or luxury minded. My biggest complete is road noise followed by ride quality, although its probably better than most "compacts". My co-workers Mazda3 is not nearly as refined! Rear tires tend to wear on the inside due to fixed camber. The Navi is great although the joystick up and left movement quite on me a few months back.

• 

  Love My Accord Coupe, Just NOT the Bluetooth - 2011 Honda Accord
  By really1 - March 27 - 8:16 pm

  I love the car. The Ride is great because of the excellent double wishbone front suspension (wish it was still in the back also). The 4 cyl needs more torque. The Bluetooth is the worst of the manufacturers systems. My Ford Sync was FAR superior. The Accord is a better drive though. No Satellite radio without leather! Really??

• 

  Toaster can GO! - 2006 Honda Element
  By toastergirl223 - March 27 - 1:29 pm

  This is my first car and we had it about 3 years prior to it becoming mine, and this is one of the most reliable cars you can get. A couple of years ago we were on a long trip when we were almost out of gas and this car kept going way past empty until we reached a gas station. The only problem is the exterior. I mean, come on, its a toaster.

• 

  Best Little SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jcihak - March 26 - 2:07 pm

  Ive had my CR-V for six month and driven it through a very snowy Pennsylvania winter. Overall, I love the CR-V and would not hesitate to buy one again. Pros: - Part time AWD was great in snow and icy conditions. Never got stuck even going up icy roads. Got wind-blown into a snow bank and drove right back out - Great MPG for AWD SUV - averaging almost 26 mpg mostly rural (29mpg on the highway) - Leather seats are very very comfortable on long drives - Tons of cargo capacity Cons: - Mine and many other CR-Vs have poor fit and finish. Doors and trim dont line up right. - Jarring over bumps - more like a truck than a car - Nav is primitive and overpriced

• 

  Does no one else care about the harsh ride or am I just an old guy who doesnt like the feel of the streets? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jimbo1937 - March 26 - 10:26 am

  I posted once before about the harsh ride of this car. Only one other post refers to it, yet to me it is very noticeable. I traded in an 04 Prius, which, although a lighter car, was MUCH smoother over road imperfections. All other family members notice the difference. If youve ever been in a smooth driving car, you know what I mean. Cant believe Honda hasnt fixed the problem by now. Tire pressure at 35. If you go over a speed bump, the rear end flies up with a noticeable bang. Maybe Im just an old guy who expects more comfort that an under #30,000 car provides.

• 

  Some drawbacks but pleased - 2010 Honda Accord
  By wyomatt - March 23 - 12:37 am

  Glad for a car this loaded under $26k. Snow tires for these 18s are $1k so we just relied on ESC/ABS. No winter problems but Id be torn if still in the Dakotas. With spirited driving expect 19mpg city/27 hiway @82. Use low octane for best results. Dont use high-octane on Accords as they do not have high-compression so not only is it wasteful but actually reduces mileage. Low octane doesnt mean inferior gas....it means it burns quicker. Accords all suffer with road noise, even after using several can of rubberized undercoating its still almost unacceptably loud. This is surprising as they obviously attempted an upscale feel. If you want peace and quiet better get the Acura.

• 

  Best Car I have owned - 1996 Honda Civic
  By sfluver007 - March 22 - 10:18 pm

  I bought my 96 Civic about a year ago, used, after not owning a car for 7yrs. I live in San Francisco. Everyone thought I was out of my mind because the car had 257K miles on it.....I did take it to a mechanic and he told me that he has Hondas coming in with well over 300K. So I bought it......it now has almost 300K on it and shows no signs of slowing down. Its still very quick, solid, reliable and most of all, a damned lot of fun to drive. Oh, and I have spent less than $400 bucks in maintence and repairs. I will buy another Honda before anything else....ever!

• 

  Was this car built on a Monday after intoxicated weekend? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By pierre6 - March 22 - 8:54 pm

  Bought this 2011 Honda Accord EX 4cyl in Jan 2011. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but am getting use to it. The Drivers door does not unlock every time the car is put in park, maybe its getting broke in? My biggest concern, is the Air Conditioning. The Car has 1400 miles, and the AC is barely Cool, not cold.My 2004 honda accord EX A/C is perfect. My 2011 Honda Accord is spending the night at the dealership because I did not want to go another day with a disapointing A/C, so left it with them! Today was 80F outside and the A/C was barely Cool. I traded in my 2004 c230 Mercedes for this Car, just hope this Honda is not a lemon! No problems with my 2004 Honda. Very concerned!!