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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  Honda Owners Beware - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Had the torque converter and transmission replaced with only 89k miles under normal driving conditions. Total cost was over $3600. Better have deep pockets for Honda repairs, as they love their parts.

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  102,000 Miles and Still Like New - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By conroy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our Honda used in 2008. I agree with some of the comments. My wife loves it and its a solid van. Mileage ranges but we get 17-18 in town and 22-26 on the highway. A lot depends on the wind and load. So far 102,000 and we have one repair. One coil went out about 500 miles ago and the back shocks need replacing. Its due for a timing belt as well at about $500. All I can say is that this is by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The interior is way ahead of a Dodge. We will probably buy another one when it reaches 175,000 or about 3-years. Great van and great for road trips with the kids.

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  Good family sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By scoastowner - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Very solid and reliable, and in the EX-L V6, many luxury car features at a competitive price. Comfortable interior, plenty of room. The V6 has plenty of punch and the 5-speed automatic matches well (in the past, Ive preferred manual trans). Handling is fine, if unexciting. Braking could improve. Well worth upgrading from a baseline 4cyl LX. Personally, Id have been happier getting something smaller/sportier like an Acura TSX. I havent needed all of the Accords space. Thats my fault though. The Accord is great at what it is.

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  Reliable - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Bob - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used with 144K miles on it, from someone who commuted 140 miles a day. It now has 226K miles. I am conscientious about recommended maintenance, and of course brakes and exhaust have been replaced. Other than that the ONLY repairs have been a squealing idler pulley, and the ignition switch replaced under a recall. Still rides and handles well, looks good, no rattles.

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  Hurts to drive - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Mamabear - October 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought my 10 Fit in Dec 2009 and after having it for less than a year I regret this decision. While it does get phenomenal gas mileage (36 mpg avg) it has become very uncomfortable to drive. I bought a flat, memory foam pillow to add comfort for my back but this has only made the neck pain worse because of lack of support. When I dont use the cushion for my back, my neck is pushed forward at an odd and very uncomfortable angle. Another issue I have with the car are the useless sun visors. Why bother! While the car is cheap to own, I do regret buying because now Im stuck with it :(

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  Brand New Honda Civic LX - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Greg Fletcher - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 10 Civic LX and love it so far. Previous car was a Nissan Sentra which was a nice little car but not close to this Civic. Test drove the Chevy Cruze and Malibu, Ford Fiesta and Fusion, Nissan Sentra and Altima but the only car that was even close was the Cruze which was $2000 more than I got the Civic for. Civic has tons more room in the back seat than my previous Sentra or new Cruze which my kids noticed immediately. Not noticing the loud engine at all talked about in previous reviews. Pretty slow off the line but I didnt buy the car for speed. The Cruze definitely had a more stylish interior and features (bluetooth) and much "cooler" dashboard.

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  Need More Power - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By cwp - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Great little SUV. Pleased with the ride & handling but it needs more power. Takes awhile to pass a large truck. Road noise is too much. Needs to be quieter. Great little car to take to the beach.

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  A long line of owners - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my brother My brother bought it from my Mom. My mom bought it from a close friend. Because Im 20, I dont know who originally bought it, but I have fond memories of riding to my first day of my new school (between elementary and middle), Camp Fire meetings and long car trips. I hope to have many more by driving. The car now has 200,000+ miles and is running as strong as can be expected for an 18 year old car.

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  Met all my expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Great Vehicle - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Odyssey new in 2001. Has served us well. No Major problems. Two recalls and two warranty items. Now have 85,000. I use it mainly to haul stuff like 4x8 sheets of plywood, framing lumber and other building materials. Also, it holds a John Deere 100 series lawn tractor. Home Depot couldnt believe it. Great on vacations for carrying all the stuff we need. Plus friends. Transmission is excellent. Need to do recall on gear lubrication and change transmission oil regularly to get longevity. Considering a 2011 now.

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  Honda 07 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a well built car. No mechanical problems and comfortable to drive. Not great gas mileage but knew that going in. Cant believe the doors dont lock automatically when you drive, have to do it manually. A little extra road noise also but this is overall a sound car unlike our Dodge Grand Caravan we had previously.