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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  Mad Beyond Words - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By twins97 - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  At 60,000, the air conditioning went completely out. Were not talking a simple adjustment - the entire air conditioning had to be replaced to the tune of $2500.00. The bearings ground themselves to splinters of metal and shot through the lines, into the evaporator. No one at the dealership had ever seen anything like it. My warranty company sent 3 adjusters in just to see something they had never heard of before. At 68,000 miles, the entire transmission had to be replaced. Though Honda covered that, they didnt cover the engine mounts that had to be replaced as well. Thank goodness for the warranty company who picked up the $350.00 tab on that one. The only problem is that the "new" trans

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  Great, practical car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By J-Red - June 18 - 3:20 pm

  I didnt expect much from an entry level 4-cylinder sedan, but this car is very fun to drive and very well designed inside and out. Im 6-3, and headroom has been a problem in the past, but I have room to spare. My legs fit comfortably too, not resting against the door and center console like usual. The only thing I need to adjust to is that the car downshifts with light braking, which is causing me to stop too soon. I suppose this is partly because I am accustomed to V6 and partly because the car skews towards a younger, less experienced demographic.

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  perfect for me - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cl - June 18 - 2:10 pm

  The Fit is fantastic. I needed something fuel efficient, and something to transport dogs and bikes. I looked at other hatchbacks, new and used, and this seemed like the most bang for the buck, even brand new. I was in awe at the amount of interior space for such a tiny-looking car. With the back seats folded flat, I can fit 2 bikes, luggage, 2 dogs and 2 people! I can also fit both dogs in the back/hatchback area and 4 people in the car simultaneously. I have friends that borrow the Fit to move furniture (chairs, dressers) - something typically reserved for trucks, but the Fit can handle it!

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  Love This Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JHog - June 18 - 12:00 pm

  I bought this car not to long ago, i am a first time Honda owner and i love this car. This car was well maintained by its last owner, its only had Royal Purple synthetic oil in it changed every 6,000 miles even though its suggested to be changed every 12000 miles. All scheduled maintenance has been done throughout its life time so far. It has 140,000 miles and drives like new. It starts right up, drives perfect. the last owner took unbelievably good care of this car.

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  Good deal - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gunmetalalloys - June 18 - 4:10 am

  Had an 02 RSX-S. This has improved engine and tranny refinement. Shift action is almost perfect (pops out of 3rd on very rare occasions). I have grown to like the dash. Sound system is really nice for stock and in this class - good enough bass I havent bothered installing a sub. Seats are grippy. Limited slip works well enough, neutral handling for a fwd but still some understeer. Tossable. Well placed storage.

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  Highly Recommended! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Louis - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  I recommend the Honda Ridgeline to anyone looking for a nice Truck. It rides and handles like car, but it is a truck. Great in the snow! The gas mileage will remind you that it is still a truck, but it is better than most trucks out there! I am getting about 18-20 mpg, compared to 11-12 on the Durango that I previously owned. I dont have as much power, but I dont need all of that anyway, especially with $4/gallon gas! I am very happy with my purchase, and I anticipate that Honda may change the styling a bit by the time my 36 month lease ends. I definitely plan to purchase another one!

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  Transmission Problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By DogDazeLee - June 17 - 9:48 pm

  I bought a certified, pre-owned 1999 Honda Odyssey from Piazza Honda in Drexel Hill, PA, 11 months ago. Engine light just went on at 77,000 miles and Im being told by (3) transmission specialists and Honda Service that transmission needs to be replaced. Honda dealer refuses to cover any of the repairs. I now understand via the Internet that this has been well documented problem with this vehicle.

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  Very reliable but a bit uncomfortable - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By shawn - June 17 - 8:32 pm

  Great car this one. With oil changes it goes and goes with only minor repairs. I will definitely buy a Honda again just not a CRV. Our kids are getting older and the back seat is the most uncomfortable rear seat I have ever sat in. The kids hate it! Very poor rear seat design. Other than that a good little car. Perfect for two people.

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  Nice, but not a "sport" sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Chris - June 17 - 7:06 pm

  All the normal great things you get from Honda, good design, comfort, reliability. The engine is powerful and smooth, and the 6-speed transmission adds some sportiness. But dont fool yourself, this car is sill a Honda Accord. Youre not getting a "cheaper" sports sedan by going to the manual. Doesnt handle like a Buick, but leaves something to be desired. The car needs a better handling package, upgraded suspension with wider tires and upgraded brake system.

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  Anyone else with transmission issues? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By stressedoutdad - June 17 - 7:01 pm

  After several years of owning Toyotas, )95 Camry, 01 4Runner, 04 Matrix), we traded in the Matrix after we realized we couldnt get three car seats in the Matrix. We found a certified 02 Odyssey w/ very low miles. (my wife cried, knowing that she was driving a damned van). Other than being drab gray, its been a good vehicle. Having a bunch of work to do on my 4runner, I traded it in, and we leased a new 08 Odyssey EX. Weve had it for 4 months, and have had it in the shop three times for a transmission issue: it CLUNKS, then the "D" light starts blinking, and the van continues to shift rough. To be fair, the dealership has given a rental (this one a Sienna! I might trade)