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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  Comfort of Accord Needs Improvement - 2009 Honda Accord
  By kproulx - May 4 - 11:18 am

  Overall, a great car, however, the seats are very uncomfortable. If they provide better seats or offer improved seating, I would never even consider another car. If they dont fix this, I will definitely consider a different make and model.

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  Pulls to the Right - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Terencio Hongco - May 4 - 3:16 am

  My only problem with this vehicle is it pulls to the right when youre not holding the steering wheel. The dealership already made wheel alignment twice to no avail. Also,the material they used for the interior scratches easily - cheap plastic. But over all this is a nice and reliable vehicle so far.

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  Transmission Problem - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ed - May 2 - 10:30 am

  Bought this car in 98.Engine light came on at 80,000 miles, catalytic converter had to be replaced, cost over $800. Summer of 2005 the trans failed at about 134,000 miles. Took it to the Dealer (paramus), and the service guy referred me to a transmission place in Ramsey nj to rebuild the trans. They rebuilt the tran, cost $3200, gave me 15000 mile or a year warranty, car felt great, drove like a new car. 5 months later, trans started slipping. Took it back to the shop, by this time the 15,000 mile warranty had ran out. The guy claimed he replaced sensors, charged me again, $180, and said he needs to open the tran again, told him no, he said the car wont last 9 months. Same problem, 5 yrs now.

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  Amazing Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Tom McGean - May 1 - 7:42 am

  This is an amazing vehicle. First car I have ever owned, I got it when I was 16. Dropped suspension and a shift kit makes this baby fly and it handles like a pro. I love flying into parking lots and putting the car into a space at 30 mph. Blows my friends mind. Hilarious to crush Mustang Cobras and VWs at stop lights. Very rare and hard to find car that looks fantastic. Interior is cramped, dont expect to make any trips over 30min with someone in the back seat without them complaining incessantly. Gauges are a little silly, and the glare at night can be tough, but the lighting can be lowered. Looks sick with some interior neon and a Kenwood though. All in all, a fantastic car

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  Myhonda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By SDB - April 30 - 10:01 am

  I have my accord for 3 yrs.now. I not had to do much other than normal maint. Ive had problems with the fuel pump relay and front-end susp. All in all pretty good car in 2010 I went on a 5 state trip @ 15 hr.drive with no problems

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  Nothing to write home about - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Markl - April 29 - 6:12 pm

  This is my third civic and I dont think it stands up with the others. The clutch/accelerator syncro makes it unstable to pull out on hills and the car has not had even acceleration since the day I bought it. I keep hoping that maybe it will get better.

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  Build Quality of Honda Taking a Dive - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By bfv - April 29 - 4:00 pm

  Within the first week I had been back to the dealer 3 times for quality defects to be corrected, clear coat spray on the windshield, a torn seat cover, a bumper coming off and now we have found the carpet next to the drivers side seat not completed. Have already driven 150 miles and spent nearly 2 days having quality defects corrected. Honda of America has been useless in the process. Ive had a Honda for the past 30 years with great results, not sure yet but this one may be my last. Our "new" car was built in the Lincoln Alabama plant.

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  Workhorse, But Back to Toyota for Me - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Prof Utonium - April 29 - 2:11 pm

  Bought new. Had most bang for buck when it came out. Handles well--more like car than van/truck. Had lots of innovative features. Its probably improved, but always had Toyotas before--going back too (this week). Its the family van (3 girls) we use it for everything everyday, even pulling a trailer. However, seats uncomfortable, stereo marginal, power doors stink. Has problems seen on forums: Transmission replaced (recall fix). Power doors constantly failing (3 times since warranty ran out at $200+ a pop, 7 times total). Dash light dimmer burned out (recall fix). Speedometer failed. Loud, whining rear wiper but still works (we just dont use it). Some other dash lights out.

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  Overall Review - 2010 Honda Civic
  By C. Simpson - April 29 - 12:07 pm

  Overall I really like this car. We bought a new Civic EX in 2001 and had virtually no problems with it so we just bought a new 2010 EX to replace it. We drive about 25K miles per year so economy and comfort are important. There have been some nice upgrades over the years and it still feels like a quality vehicle. We paid right around 18K and had a great experience buying it from Metro Honda in Montclair, CA. Using the internet to query several dealers was great. In the end we chose Metro because their price was competitive but just as importantly their customer service was terrific. They also offer a Lifetime Powertrain warranty which is nice considering the miles we drive.

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  Great car very bad gas mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ningamomx3 - April 29 - 4:24 am

  So far its been a great car. Plenty of room. No major problems. Just recently the tires starting making a roaring sound. But over all a very nice riding car. Went to SC in it right after we purchased. Very nice ride. Not loving the gas mileage. Ever since I have had the car, I get 24 mpg. I think it being a Honda it should get way better then that.