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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  1 of three I own, need I say more... - 1997 Honda Accord
  By scott - June 2 - 11:28 am

  I own three 97 Honda accords, two Lxs and My SE. My lowest mileage Lx has 135,00 and my highest 212,000. And they all run like new. Have had to do very little with any of them. They wear tires like a dream, usually a set lasts longer than manufacture rating. My tip for everyones weak motor widow troubles is to spray some lube on the window channels going vertically on each side, the problem is not the motor, it is binding friction on the glass sides itself. This will make the windows work like new.

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  Honda Redeems Itself - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Alison - June 2 - 10:30 am

  Previous to this 2006 Honda Accord I owned a new 2000 Accord EX 4 cyl. for 6 years. After 5 transmissions and numerous other mechanical problems I was very anti Honda. I shopped around for months determined not to buy another Honda. I test drove everything in its class and I was not impressed with anything. I went to a Honda dealership and drove the 2006 Accord and fell in love with it. Ive had it 2 months now and my only complaints are that the exterior paint chips very easy and the car rolls a little when you go from park to drive. The gas mileage is not bad for a 6 cyl. I get about 300 miles for a tank of gas. Overall, I am very happy with this car and would recommend it.

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  1998 EX V6 Accord 160,000 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By 1998Miles - June 2 - 9:43 am

  Purchased with in 01 at 52,000. Now 160,050. Broken/Replaced: alternator, EGR twice! Thats the only mechanical failure. Shifts hard around 2nd gear, but has always done that. All mechanics have said theres nothing wrong. At 10 yrs old, it impresses friends and mechanics by its maintained appearance. Has held paint real well. Change oil and filter myself every 3k/3 months. I purchased OE spoiler and fog lights. Could do without the spoiler, but the fog lights are great. Come in handy. Very $$ though. Engines still smooth and quiet. has driven between FL and Boston and all points between many times over years. Great travel car, from Key West to NC mountains to downtown Boston!

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  I love this car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By nick7 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this sports car

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  My car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mimi - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Its excellent to have an Accord.

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  Dont buy a Honda Accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Beatrice57 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  What a horrible, horrible car - in the shop, and on the side of the road wayyyy too many times. Ignition switch gone (replaced under recall after being stranded) electrical problems galore, power windows dont work, etc. Hondas are supposed to be reliable - well you cant prove it by me.

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  ONE MAJOR FLAW: SEAT COMFORT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ThomasH - June 2 - 2:00 am

  First: Mankato Honda was great to work with. Seat comfort is a serious problem. Never had a problem with my Civic or Accord on any length trip. Pilot is a totally different story. Lower back pain develops after about 20 minutes. I took my family on a 2 hour trip. I had said nothing about my discomfort to my kids because they were so excited about the new Pilot. My 13 year old got out, arched his back, and said to his brother, "My back is killing me."

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  good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jdsfk dsafjklsajd - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Very nice over all car perfect for a big family with a seeting for 8 nice engine 240 hp 3.5 leeter v-tec v6

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  Perfect Fit - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Steven Guidry - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We have been in our SageBrush Pearl EXL- RES for about 2 months now and I can honestly say that I like it more now than I did when we brought it home. Sure, there are a few things that could be different. Overall, it is the best vehicle I have owned. Only time will tell if the reliability to stay solid. I am betting on Honda and I have rarely been dissapointed in the past. The car gets great gas mileage (in comparison to other SUVs) looks stylish but I am comparing it to my Chevy Blazer. The Rear Entertainment System has exceeded my expectations - it is VERY versatile. I am quite happy with this choice.

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  Great! (if you ignore the wheels) - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AccordSociety Newbie - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In March 2002, I picked up my 02 EX coupe with the I4 engine and M/T (in Eternal Blue). Its a blast to drive. It looks GREAT. Its comfy and sporty and just a little bit different than the other choices out there. I tested both the Dodge Stratus R/T and Toyota Solara coupes. The drivers compartments were unbelieveably cramped ...but I fit perfectly in the Honda. Its not the fastest thing off the line, but on the open roads itll hold its own.