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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  Perfect everyday car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mrl - July 9 - 8:54 am

  Borrowing Bill Belichicks favorite phrase it is what it is. And what it is is an superb getting around town, going to work, day trip kink of car. And given the tremendous gas mileage, I wouldnt even mind taking it cross country. I average 40 mpg on the highway with my standard transmission! Comfortwise, it is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Very comfortable front seats, good leg room in the back for a smaller car. If performance is paramount for you the Mazda 3 may be a better choice, otherwise this is the car you want.

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  Transmission problems - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Ed - July 8 - 9:16 pm

  Bought the car new. Loved it until around 65k when the transmission gave out. $3000 to replace and no problems since. Honda really needs to pony up for the faulty transmissions on this year similarly to the recall on 2001 models

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  Better than my Volkswagen - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JDW - July 7 - 7:05 pm

  Very comfortable. Nice quality Leather compared to other comparable cars that offer leather interiors. I hear the road noise more in this car compared to my others. I have had issues with the brakes in this car since the first week I have had it. Drove a 1987 with brake problems as well. Is that a Honda thing? I enjoy the ride in this car, feel its still reliable. I had several problems with the ignitions shorting out on me when I would go to start the car. North American Honda, NOR any dealership I took it too could fix this issue. So its still an issue.

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  Sluggish off the line - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Petro10 - July 7 - 6:58 pm

  Overall car is well made and amenities are great. However, it is extremely sluggish off the line, acceleration is sub par, we knew it would be slow but not this slow. Fuel economy while driving here in DC averages 17 mpg with only 24 on our one highway trip.

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  Great Casual Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By drexadelphia - July 7 - 5:51 pm

  Im sad to see my Ridgeline lease come to an end. Never been in a truck that rode as smooth or quiet. It handled beautifully, too. Interior was spacious in the front and the back, plenty of room for 4 adults, and 5 if necessary. The rear seat swinging up came in handy. The inbed trunk is huge and was great for storing various items, including a golf bag. The only negative I can give this is that I live in Philadelphia and it got a little less than 15 mpg. Its the only reason Im giving it up. When they come out with a hybrid, Ill be back :)

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  Pleasure to Drive - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - July 7 - 9:25 am

  I just purchased two weeks ago put over 500 miles on already, it is really a pleasure to drive. The seats are a little stiff, however I have some lower back issues and prefer the harder feel, although my wife does not. I hope that two weeks of driving qualifies me to give a review. I know that I found all of the reviews listed on this site as well as other sites helpful in my decision making. You have to take some of the negative comments with a grain of salt because there is always going to be some that cannot be pleased or some may have a bad experience. Perhaps I should have waited until after we take the car on our vacation to give my review oh well. Thus far I am loving it!

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  2011 Pilot Sunroof Problems - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - July 6 - 10:35 pm

  2011 Honda Pilots have sunroof problems for which Honda does not have a fix. Purchased mine a month and a half ago, and they still cant fix it! Im getting very frustrated, because its a known issue according to the dealership. Honda supposedly issued a "fix", which was to "reset" the sunroof, but this didnt work so they recanted the fix. Honda, Ive been a lifelong customer, but Im getting frustrated that I cant use the sunroof I paid $1.5K+for! Fix this soon or lose a customer and all of my referrals. Other than the sunroof, a very good car. Braking distance is a bit too long for me.

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  The Cheapest BMW - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Beachmatt - July 6 - 8:55 pm

  I bought this car after an accident totaled my 2000 VW passat. The passat was smooth, powerful and handled well. It was very comfortable, but got lousy mileage on premium, and turned out to be very expensive to own. My 60,000 service cost over $800. My new little car is a BMW in disguise! It handles so well, and is actually quite sporty, even with the extremely small engine and automatic. It has shift paddles like a Ferrari, and when you get used to it, and use the transmission well, it keeps up with anything driving in legal range. Plus, the faster I drive, the better the mpg. I get about 29 in the city, over 35 on the highway at 75.2 yr costs have been only $280. Oil change every 10k!

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  Hmm........Honda--such a great car?? - 2001 Honda Accord
  By TAZKBJR - July 6 - 6:24 pm

  Ok, I am the second owner of this car. I bought this 01 Honda Accord from my step-mom at the beginning of May 2010. As I write this review, the check engine light has come on (and gone off) twice. In the length of time that I have "known" this car, there have been multiple problems. I know for a fact the trans. has been replaced twice, first time was to replace the original faulty trans, and the second replace was because of a faulty trans. and it was within three weeks of first replacement. This is my first Honda and I am truly wondering what is so great! My 94 Escort has fewer problems than this "wonderful and reliable" Honda, my next car probably wont be a Honda.

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  Review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MsT - July 6 - 1:01 pm

  When driving with the rear windows down the wind vibration noise is so loud it hurts your ears, about once a week my send has lowered itself into the lowest position (the lever is in a bad place and you bump it getting into the car). The roof padding is so thin when it rains you have to turn your sound system WAY up to hear it. The rear window collects water in the center when it rains and making seeing out of your rear view mirror nearly impossible!