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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  There Are Better Cars Out There - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Nick - May 14 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car last year for my wife after she was in an accident in her Honda Civic. I knew she loves Hondas and Honda has a reputation of having safe, reliable, fuel efficient, and fun- to-drive vehicles. So, we purchased a fully-loaded v6 and regrettably, I wished I went with my first instinct and got something else. This car has been in the shop so far 4 times and now the check engine light comes on. I have not been impressed with the mpg either. Avg city/highway is 20 mpg. There are plenty of better vehicles out there so dont waste your money on this one. If you have low back problems, this car will hurt your back on long trips. Very uncomfortable.

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  Great Car and Speedy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wes - May 14 - 12:22 pm

  I purchased the V6 Coupe b/c I needed a car that was comfortable, fast, and reliable. It also has Nav which I love (I drive a lot b/c of job). The Nav is very easy to use and I like the touch screen for all other controls e.g. AC, Audio, Nav, Trip computer etc. The car drives well, corners ok, but it has a lot of pep in it. 0-60 just under 7sec, stock. Leather could be better, drivers side bolster is showing wear, but its covered under extended warranty so I will be getting it replaced. Service not expensive, tires not bad, less than $100 each. Console does not click closed properly, started after 16 months.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By chadbo - May 14 - 11:36 am

  We generally keep our cars for at least ten years. Were hoping the Pilot continues the streak. So far the its been a pleasure. Its our road trip vehicle, our hauling vehicle, and our dirt road vehicle. To this point its performed well in nearly every area.

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  its okay - 2006 Honda Accord
  By someone - May 14 - 10:05 am

  Loud road noise. Annoying. Radio is too week for proper adjustment of road noise. Problems with the heater, runs hot and cool. Remote sucks, I need to be up against the car just about, might as well use the key. Tires on this car are too expensive and not necessary for this model (speed rating wise). Pick up lags a bit. Pulls to the right even on flat roads with the explanation by trained factory techs "all Honda accords do this and we like to call it the 6 second rule", thats stupid. Did I mention the poor remote reception? Cool looking radio minimum features, no speed volume increase, mute. Wipers are poor and the defogger works 1/3 of the windshield. Otherwise great color!

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  Poor Transmissions.... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By snosrfr - May 13 - 9:36 pm

  Bought new Feb 2002 - Took to dealer twice in Oct 2005 for transmission slipping at 35-40 mph. Dealer couldnt find problem. After evacuating from WILMA, transmission fails 6 hrs from home in Nov 05. Local dealer replaces under extended warranty (54,000 miles). Similar problems come back in Jan 07. Dealer finds nothing first two tries. - In Dec 07 dealer reports transmission is bad and needs to be replaced. Covered under extended warranty. (89,500 miles). Feb 08 extended warranty expires - Apr 08 problems resurface. May 08 dealer reports transmission bad and needs to be replaced. Covered under Honda parts warranty (1 yr). Google for more info on 02 Odyssey transmissions.

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  16 years and 234,000 miles, running well - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By V Backman - May 13 - 5:13 pm

  This van has been amazing. Still reliable, still 24mpg on the highways, about 18-20 in town. Always had seat covers, so they look new. Its hauled kids, bikes, camping stuff, dump loads, lumber... everything. Still only preventive maintenance except for normal items like headlights. The ONLY problem weve had is the door seals sticking for the two sliding doors. Theyve been replaced, treated with a variety of non-stick films. Get worse after a rain. Luckily weve had a drought in CA. No reason to get another, its the reliable box.

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  pereira - 1993 Honda Accord
  By pereira - May 13 - 5:13 pm

  I simply love driving it especially the five speed one, I love the way it shifts. Its a lot of fun. I have one that used to be automatic but I changed the transmission to a five speed one.

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  My 99 Accord V6 Coupe - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Tim - May 13 - 5:11 pm

  My family has owned many Hondas, all of which have been very low maintaining vehicles, except for a big problem in my 99 transmission. The car used to be my moms. She had to replace the tranny at just below 100,000. Very disappointing coming from Honda, one of the most reliable manufacturers out there and way above German and American made cars. Now at almost 170,000 miles and up to that Ive been noticing the transmission problems again, and just today it went totally out of gear, and then back in after I jabbed the gas a few times about three seconds later. Not been a fun experience driving in fear with this car... possible my driving habits dont help it either.

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  civic ex auto 2001 - 2001 Honda Civic
  By reyes1978 - May 13 - 2:11 pm

  I got my vic brand new and the only problem that I had was the driver seat rocking back and forward, the dealer replaced the part and until now no problems was so ever. I do keep all my maintenance current,,,, great car!

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  100% Recommended! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Justin - May 13 - 1:16 pm

  Im 100% confident that the Civic is one of the finest cars on the market. The cars gas mileage is astounding. The civic is engineered to provide exceptional gas mileage as per the EPA ratings. Ive read some negative postings about the Civics gas mileage. However, I urge you to take into account that these ratings may be flawed. Superior gas mileage is not only dependent on a cars mechnical structure, but it is also dependent on its driver. Quick acceleration, driving over 60 mph, and constant breaking, for example, will significantly lower your gas mileage. So if someone is quick to say that the Civics gas mileage isnt great, I would question their driving skills.