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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  Bought new, @ 47k miles it required a new starter - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Former Honda Loyalist - April 19 - 9:51 pm

  I bought my 2014 Honda Accord V6 EX-L w/Navi new in June 2014 at Anderson Honda, Palo Alto. I had serviced at regular intervals at the Honda dealership. At 47,000 miles it needed a new starter and battery replacement. Ive owned used Hondas since 1992 and this was my very first new car (at age 43). My 1991 Civic ran flawlessly for over 300k miles! I selected Honda for its history of reliability having worked at dealership during my college years I knew first-hand how consistent the vehicles were. This 2014 vehicle has been a total disappointment. The Navi system is sub par and you have to pay for map updates, if you have XM radio you cant scan from your steering wheel and the song titles are truncated, the panel connected to the driver seat adjustments has fallen off, and after only 30k miles the starter was giving me issues. For nearly a year Id get nervous once I sat my car wondering if itll start ok. Finally the starter failed and my battery died so I just spent $865 to have it replaced. When I buy my next car I doubt Ill buy Honda again.

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Honda Element
  By jas224 - April 15 - 3:44 pm

  I bought a 4WD LX model a little over a year ago. This is my fourth Honda and it is a disappointment compared to my previous Accords. I cannot see the tach or speedometer in bright sunlight even with the instrument lights on. This is just bad design. The drivers seat has a wear hole in it after 15K miles. The interior plastic is cheap and scratches easily. This is a vehicle built to a low price and it shows.

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  Liked Previous Gen Better - 2010 Honda Accord
  By azbosox - April 11 - 1:33 am

  Years ago I owned a 2004 Honda Accord EX 4cyl and I have to say I thought it was a much better car. The new Accord is significantly larger which is great for some but it shows when cornering and the body begins to roll. The standard amenities are fantastic, but the interior audio buttons are made for Mr. Magoo and just too large. The engine is peppy but performance of the car is boring and not involving at all. The exterior design of the car is mediocre at best with odd curvature lines in places. Seats hurt my back after a road trip from CA to AZ and the build quality feels very cheap. That being said fuel economy is fantastic.

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  Great MPG but hate the seat! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cms - April 8 - 1:06 am

  We were forced into purchasing another car. We were coming out of a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE which is billed as the "family sports car" and it is. We had all the bells and whistles and we loved that car. New Maxima was out of our price range. Previously had a Honda Accord back in 1986 which we loved, kept it until 212,000 miles so thats why we went back to a Honda. Did lots of research on this purchase and for the money it seemed like we should have been thrilled; we got $6K off the sticker and have had it 5 weeks and put 5200 miles on it. We are getting 36MPG which is fantastic BUT the drivers seat and steering wheel are horribly uncomfortable. Very tough getting used to this car.

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  I feel for who I sell this to. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By MNMan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Accord when I bought it. I paid cash after saving throughout college. Then I had to replace the transmission, Desert Honda in Las Vegas where I bought it failed to replace the fluid when the scheduled maintenance said it was due. At 65,000 miles the transmission was shot and American Honda did not help nor did Desert Honda. I have gone through a catalytic converter, rack and pinion, new steering column and a new starter. None of it with the help of Honda. I will never buy another.

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  Got a good deal on Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By krispykreme - April 3 - 3:00 pm

  Bought 07 EX-L as compliment to our 08 Sienna since cost is so cheap. Things i like about Odyssey- handling and steering response is great. Excellent brakes. Audio is better than $35k Sienna. Things I hate- Rides too stiff. The power sliding door control is located on the driver side. No sliding door control on the b-pillar. Honda also cheaped out on the rear view camera and LCD screen for the navi. The rear view camera is not as clear nor as colorful as the Sienna, it is almost totally useless. The gas mileage is just horrible. At 1100 miles, Odyssey is averaging 14.3 mpg. The Sienna at 1500 miles is averaging 20.7 mpg. The old 04 Sienna i had, averaged 21.3 mpg through 70k.

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  my opinion on the oddessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat48 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  it is to new to rate annual gas milage the hatch window should be taller, the headrests interfere with the rearview for short people the gas pedal is to far away for short poeple, and its to small. The gearshifter on the column interferes with the interior lite toggle switch when you put the car in gear and the windshield washer handle should be on the other side the map lite shines in your face when it is dark the heated seat switch is on the bottem of the door which makes it difficult to shut off when you are driving overall I GREATLY dislike the interior of the van. I probably will never buy another one the car is also to new for some of the ratings

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  First Honda, Last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sorry for buying - April 2 - 10:13 pm

  After 16 years in a Camry I somehow purchased this Accord?? Ive had it for a year and a half - feels like a hundred. Gas mileage is not as advertised - 25 mpg at most. A lot of road and tire noise on expressway. Sound system is poor - especially on expressway. Front end scrapes on inclines. Rattles in dash. The stiff ride accentuates every bump in the road. I feel jostled around and worn out after a short 200 mile trip. The driver-side seat is not comfortable.

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  Most overrated and hyped car Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By timj - April 2 - 10:00 am

  We all love what we own, but this van is simply over rated and its mostly hype. Odyssey is simply not built as well as what I thought or remembered about Honda cars. Dont trust everything you read and go test drive other brands and then maybe you wont make the same mistake as I have.

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  You get what you pay for - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dmvp29 - March 30 - 1:43 pm

  The car is fragile. Moderate winds will really affect driving, car sways easily. Acceleration 40-60 is extremely poor when A/C turned on and average with A/C turned off. Acceleration 0-40 with A/C off is above average for what you pay for. Gas mileage is good, comparable to what is advertised. Wheel alignment is fragile. Even moderately aggressive driving may cause alignment problems in the future. Car does not handle curves well. If youre buying this car for a child who only needs a car to get from point A to point B, then a Civic is a terrific investment and great value. This car gets you from point A to point B, nothing more.