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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  Perfect Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By nutsnbolts1 - March 20 - 9:19 pm

  2002 that I purchased for $2K, Had to replace the cyl Head due to a Bad Camshaft, Now Im re-ringing the whole motor at 163K. This Honda was not properly maintained, Owned by Teenager that hardly changed the oil. so Im replacing all bearing, re-honing the Cylinders, The best part...I dont have to remove the engine, wish all cars where like this, makes my life very easy, Had it all torn down to the pistons less than 3Hours. Used Head pulled at 43k $250 Piston Rings, Rod Bearings, Head Gasket, Timing Belt, Tensioner, Waterpump $230. New Clutch $125. The Only other car I can rebuild as fast and cheap is my good ole Chevy 350. Love cars with simplicity in mind, everything else is wast a time.

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  Constant jittering except on the smoothest of roads - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jimbo1937 - March 20 - 8:21 pm

  Wow, what a disappointing ride after driving a smooth Prius! Except on the very best roads, the car is constantly jittering and taking road imperfections hard. Watch your right leg it will be constantly moving. Why hasnt Honda corrected this problem? Why do so few comment on it? Dont know why I didnt pick this up on my test drive. Tire pressure at 32. Within two minutes of being in the car, my granddaughter asked me if I HAD test driven it. Love the design and interior, with the heated seats and Bluetooth, but the ride is the key to enjoyment, and the car fails on this test.

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  Honda Lover - 2010 Honda Accord
  By molliebear1979 - March 17 - 7:39 pm

  This is my 4th Honda Accord but my first 4 door. I feel that they down grated on the interior. Everything is plastic. I find the car rattles at times when the ac is running. It doesnt do it all the time. It also makes a loud noise when the temp outside changes when I turn my ac on. Is anyone else hearing any noises kind of like a roar noise when the ac is on? I love my Honda other than the ac noise.

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  PLEASE READ - 2011 Honda Accord
  By nomorhonda4m - March 16 - 10:47 am

  I have a 2010 Accord V6 Nav. nice car. I bought this car because I drive allmost 200 miles a day to and from work. When it was time for my first oil change my car was 3 qts low of oil. Well not to panic thinking maybe it was low from the factory i said nothing. Next oil change same thing so then the tec. tells me to bring the car in every 1000 miles to have the oil checked. Well end result is the cat (2010 Honda Accord) uses one qrt enery 1200 miles and HONDA is saying that is normal oil consumtion. (WHAT) and there is nothing they can do. In reading online about it some people are fouling spark plug and having Catalytic Converter problems! So it is for sale if anyone is intersted. (Cheap)

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  Electrical Lemon - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kiisha - March 15 - 3:58 pm

  I have a little over 120,000 miles on my car. I bought it new and since 2006 I have had 4 electrical problems. It all started w/ a recall on the radio whose screen is currently fading in/out Im certain its on the verge of going black. The entire middle console is no longer illuminated making it difficult at night to navigate controls. The price alone to do just a diagnostic test is $150! The actuator on the passenger window was replaced TWICE under warranty (problem disengaged power windows). The lock on the driver door malfunctioned-covered by warranty. The most recent problem-trunk lock became inoperable-actuator replaced for the grand total (incl. labor) $263. Honda has disappointed me!

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  Great little car for the price - 2010 Honda Insight
  By ledeof01 - March 12 - 11:33 am

  This is a great little car for the price. Dont take any notice of cost comparisons as the often compare it to a Honda Fit. This car is much bigger than the Fit. Its closer to the Civic. I love the instrument display which can be customized. Fuel economy is great. I do mostly stop/start town driving and still get around 40 mpg average. On long trips, I have easily managed over 50 mpg highway averaging 65 mph. Visibility is poor but thats typical of most small cars these days as they increase pillar sizes for better crash safety.

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  Drivers seatback - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By ronnied - March 8 - 2:03 pm

  I have had my CR-V EX-L with leather seats for 4 months and I still cant get comfortable in the drivers seat. The seatback is too narrow and the side airbag is costantly digging into my ribs. I have tried moving the seat position every way I can but I still cant find a position where my back is not on the side of the seat. I have not heard of anyone else complaining about this. I am 58" and 195lbs. I would like to know if anyone else has this problem. Please let me know if it is just me or is it a real problem. Thanks.

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  Great car for the price - 2010 Honda Accord
  By arizgeorge1 - March 8 - 9:50 am

  My 2010 Accord is very comfortable and the 4 cyl is adquate for my type of driving. I have almost 4000 miles on it and the gas mileage is reasonable. Interior and outside design is similar to other vehicles in its price range -- nothing unique. I was disappointed that an outside temperature gauge is only available on the top model. For highway safety reasons, it should be standard across the board! Dont expect any technical support from Customer Service at Honda headquarters. They will just refer you back to your dealer.

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  Gas MPG not as advertised!! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By walden94 - March 5 - 10:02 am

  We traded in our 2000 Odyssey with 120k miles, for a brand new 2010 EX-L. It has better performance than the older model but less room in back. We used to be able to stow stuff under the 3rd seat but the 2010 is now blocked off. Also, the sticker advertises 25 mpg hwy but weve never received better than 20 mpg after 6k miles. Also, disappointed there is no factory option for a hands-free Bluetooth. Other than that ,the quality is good, no problems yet.

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  Road Warrier - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By baba2cj - March 5 - 9:38 am

  I bought my CR-V two months ago and use it for my company car. I travel 1000 miles (NC, SC and GA) a week. I am 61 and a little over 200lbs. I do own two other Hondas (05 Pilot 190k miles, and 07 Accord 120k) so I may be a little biased. The CR-V is the best automobile I have ever owned for my use. The power is more than adequate. I am averaging 27.2 miles a gallon over 6k miles so far. The initial seat comfort is a little harsh but, within a month of driving regularly, has softened. The steering is dead on and tight. I havent felt any of the "vibrations" I read about in other reviews. Maybe Ive just been lucky but I have never had an issue with my Hondas.