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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  $40k car for $27k - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jim Garfield - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Wow! Exceeds all expectations. Luxurious, moderately sporty, good fun level. Excellent fuel economy on reg.grade gas. No return to dealer needed in 14k miles.It feels like a 40 thousand dollar car and I paid 13k less than that.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By James & Krista - January 13 - 8:55 pm

  Very happy with purchased the Pilot. Went into the dealer thinking wed prefer a CRV, but after driving the Pilot, are extremely satisfied with our decision to upgrade. Did LOTS of research.

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  Love It! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Karen - January 13 - 5:10 pm

  Ive always driven a car with a manual transmission and it took some convincing to get me to even consider this car in automatic but once I drove it, I was hooked. It has plenty of punch and merges onto the interstate with ease. The interior is very roomy and the dash is layed out very well. The power driver seat lets you "tweak" the position until it is just right.

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  rock solid and they just keep on going - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Anthony - January 13 - 12:08 pm

  This is just my third car (all Honda Accords, all purchased used) since 1994. The previous two made it to 287K and 325K before an upgrade. Accords are great for the highway, as well as around town driving. And I was surprised my current 2006 EX handled a difficult back country "road" like a champ as well, in first gear going 2 mph over a rutted trail for the last couple of miles. The 06 never dips below 24 mpg, and that is mostly around town driving in the winter. Best mileage is in the summer with primarily highway driving, which will get you 35 mpg. I finally needed some significant brake work recently, and replaced the rotors and pads both front and back in the past few months (but not the calipers). You cant go wrong with these!

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  1 Drive and you will not want any other - 2007 Honda S2000
  By meintsm - January 13 - 10:47 am

  Just recently purchased the 2007 S2000 after nearly 6 months of car shopping. Reviewed all other cars in class, Z4, TT etc... Kept on coming back to the S2000. Its speed, handling and beautiful lines had me at Rev Rev.. It is truly a pleasure to drive. One drive and you will be hooked.

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  Fun ride! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By bbetts - January 13 - 8:20 am

  After driving my BMW convertible for 12 years,this car has made me realize what a true sports car convertible should be.

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  Buyer Beware - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By millerjep - January 13 - 6:25 am

  Three transmission failures in 7 years. Sliding doors can be very finicky. Latest is that we have to replace a sender unit for $300. Be very careful when buying used. Other than those major issues the van is great.

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  Got rid of my Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By NO MORE HONDA - January 13 - 4:33 am

  I had my Accord for 13 months total, put over 20k miles on it. I could not stand the uncomfortable seats any longer. The headrests bothered me because they would push my head forward no matter which height they were at and the seats were rather hard and the lumbar support did not provide much satisfaction. Honda Customer Service told me that they cannot do anything for me at this time as the seats and headrest are designed to safety regulations and if they have a recall, they would let me know. Last week, I traded it in for a well equipped 2009 S80, which stickered for $42k and I bought it for $32k. The seats are much more comfortable and I no longer have back pain when driving.

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  Straight Soldier - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Bosstone23 - January 13 - 2:39 am

  Our Honda has been passed down throughout my family and will soon be sold. This car hauled an almost 2500 lb U-Haul trailer from Virginia to Arizona and is still kicking. Two things that commonly go in these due to bad circuit construction are the transmission computer and the main relay. New computer can be bought from ecmtogo for about $200 and relay is $60 at the dealer. Replacing these two parts is easy and should take care of most blinking D4 light issues. Aside from that, this car is a true champion of Japanese engineering and sets the standard for longevity.

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  Lemon i hope - 2000 Honda S2000
  By kvin111 - January 12 - 11:16 pm

  I think I bought a lemon. I have owned hondas in the past but this was a real disappointment. I know convertible tops dont last forever but this thing ripped and is so loud it gives me an ear ache on the freeway. Also when i bought this car not under warantt (ok yes i know my fault) one of the valves was broke. $2000.00 fix. My xenon bulb broke 3x i turned it on and the ride is more bumpy then my previous pick up. I love the looks and pep but reliability needs improvement.