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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  Battery issues in cold weather...Upstate NY - 2013 Honda Accord
  By sandy3858 - February 8 - 3:44 pm

  My girlfriend lives in Upstate NY, hadnt driven her car for three days, and decided to go shopping. Returning home after a roundtrip of about five miles, she turned off the vehicle for about five minutes and it would not restart. AAA was called and provided a jumpstart, but said their tester indicated the battery would not hold the charge. She them drove the car to the dealer for their assessment. Their answer was that these Accords need to be driven every couple days at least and if not, the owner should buy a trickle charger. A trickle charger? If the car is not driven every couple days? Its a 2013 car, not a 1913. Honda needs to address this issue.

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  Pilot is the best - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By roooddy - February 6 - 7:49 pm

  We bought the car new in Oct of 2002. The tires were replaced at 84K...still have original brakes at 102K. Never so much as an alignment needed. The usual oil changes and a timing belt is all Ive done in 11 years. The best car we ever owned!

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  Get Ready... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mn_nick - February 6 - 4:20 pm

  We were the typical young family... will never own a mini-van mindset. Guess what, there is a reason why there are so many out there. They are great vehicles for families with kids. They haul people and stuff, lots of great features for ease of life - remote doors (that cant ding the car next to you) remote rear hatch, etc. We drove lots of vans... the Honda Odyssey was BY FAR the best ride and drive, so we bought one. Learned about PAX tires, de-PAXed it, then was totaled in an accident. Bought another (used) already de-PAXed (BTW, dont have to use Acura wheels to do this). Then the problems. AC - replaced. Torque converter - live with it. Now, front camshaft loose - $2,000+

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  Our Second Odyssey (EX-RES) - Great Van/Great Value - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By grover432 - February 6 - 1:01 pm

  Our first was a 2011 model which had no issues other than a fussy 5 Spd automatic that vibrated when upshifting. Our 2014 6 speed doesnt have the transmission vibration but it "tugs" a bit on downshift when cold. Van drives and handles well. The controls you touch most have been improved. Interior noise is about the same as the Sienna. While it may cost a bit more than some of its competitors, it retains its value on resale. We leased our 2011 with a buyout of $19,300 (CAD) after 36 months. We bought it out and sold it for $26,500, taking the $7,200 in equity plus $1,500 in cash from Honda and bought a new 2014. We were only out of pocket $9,000 for a brand new van!

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  Very nice and fun to Drive - 2014 Honda Civic
  By wl123 - February 6 - 1:24 am

  I recently bought a Civic ex and I love it. I went through back and forth deciding among Corolla, Prius, Yaris, Fit and Elantra for a month before ending up with the Civic. I like Civic from the get go but felt it was over priced compared to Corolla and others and took me a while to finally decide to buy it. Accord or Camry would have been a better value car when the price of Civic EX is a bit over $20K already but I needed a smaller car and gas saver for commute. I got it at sale for below invoice price so I am thrilled.

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  Another hit for Honda - 2013 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - February 5 - 10:17 pm

  I rack up a lot of mileage and I have kids to shuttle around so I need a car to be 100% reliable and inexpensive to run. I also think dealer service is a waste of money and the only service I perform on my cars is an oil change and tire rotation at whichever quick-lube joint I happen to be driving by when the maintenance minder goes on. I could drive a Toyota, but talk about bland. Civics are the perfect blend of sporty and economical, have great driving manners, good build quality and are more than powerful enough to appeal to most drivers. The 2013 is no exception, not to mention its so classy and well equipped you really wonder how long people are going to waste money buying luxury cars.

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  Fantastic so far! - 2013 Honda Fit
  By flyersfan12 - February 3 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this car in August. I am 64" and about 260 lbs, and I have more than enough room in the car itself. There is even room behind me for a normal-sized, full-grown adult. There is so much space inside the car, I dont have any trouble putting everything I need for weeks. It has great acceleration, mainly because it is so small, and it is fantastic to drive. In the snow, it has been handling fantastically.

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  Buyers remorse for me too - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bc6 - February 3 - 1:06 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Accord sedan for this 2013 Accord Coupe, EX with leather and nav. I wish I hadnt done that. Why? The primary reason is the Coupes ride quality. My 2008 Accord was smooth as silk. The new car is best described as uncomfortably harsh. You feel every bump. I could see this being an exhausting ride, especially for a long drive. Maybe new tires will help? I probably wont know for 3 years or so, when its time to get new tires. Assuming I can deal with riding in a car with no suspension for 3 years. I suggest anyone considering a new Accord take the car for a lengthy test drive over a variety of street surfaces.

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  2004 Accord Coupe V6 6-Speed Nighthawk Black Pearl - 2004 Honda Accord
  By flyvtec2004 - January 31 - 12:25 am

  I bought my car new in Nov 2003. The car is approaching 190K miles (Jan2014). I modified my car a few months after purchasing. Basic mods to include cold air intake and catback exhaust, lowering springs, larger rear sway bar, 18" wheels/tires, speakers/sub. The car has been an absolute joy to drive and fun to own! The V6 is fantastic! Mated to a slick shifting 6-speed manual, it performs fairly well on the streets! The leather seats are still in great shape. Overall, Im proud to say that Ive taken great care of my car. I had a 1997 Prelude before trading it in for my 2004. I feel fortunate to have owned 2 of the best cars Honda ever produced! :)

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  what honda wont tell you - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By phidknee - January 30 - 9:34 am

  tranny, radio, engine mounts , sliding doors , rear vent windows , battery cables are the cause of many problems with this van in my opinion ,change at least the positive side . Now the big problem the tranny in 2004 mid year (April I believe) is when you have a chance to have your tranny last . 1 do a total drain on tranny fluid ( you tube ) while running van . 2 change tranny filter , yes you need to look up on Honda parts drawings , there is a filter ! 3 you need to install a tranny cooler a second tranny inline filter( magna filter ) all the rest you can also find on you tube . You must have some knowledge about car repairs .Also do all your yearly maintenance on time ( timing belt