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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  ELEMENTARY - 2003 Honda Element
  By vincesport - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Honda Element is the "Y" package model. I get about 22 miles to the Canadian(Imperial)gallon in the city. I am also disappointed that there is only one intermittent speed selection for the windshied wiper. The windshield washer is weak and aims too low to be effective while driving at speeds in excess of 30 mph. The ride is a bit rocky. The drivers arm rest is located much too low and is rendered pretty useless. The internal heaters and blowers are excellently impressive, provide plenty of heat at a very relatively quick response after starting in sub-zero weather of -30degrees. The Air conditioning is also very good (in the summer).

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  Drifting to the Right - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bafoley - January 31 - 11:13 am

  I purchased my first Honda after doing much research on the fuel economy of cars. I bought it new with six miles on it and have had problems with it drifting to the right. I have had it in four times already. First time they did a front end alignment which had failed. It still pulled to the right. Returned that day and they switched tires from rear to front and said it was a radial pull and they put all new tires on it. It continues to drift and now they are telling me it is the road and all Hondas drift to the right. It never pulls left. They also scratched my paint up on the visit with their complimentary wash. Very unhappy!!!

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  will never buy a Honda again - 1998 Honda Accord
  By heatherismad - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had more problems with this car than any I have ever had. I have already had to get a new transmission and now the EGR valve is clogged. Its one thing after the other. I should have gone Toyota!

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  car stalls constantly - 2001 Honda Civic
  By goody2shoe1 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car for less than 2 years and its been fixed 6 times. Ive had 2 new transmissions, a new computer thing, a new starter, they fixed the idle and have had a new alarm computer and the car still does not work! It stalls whenever it is put in to gear even though it is an automatic! I just filed for the lemon law so Hopefully i wont have to put up with this stupid car much longer. also it dongs very easily.

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  New may not be better - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rae - January 26 - 12:23 pm

  Interior seats should be wider. Judging front and back for parking is terrible. I always find I am either too close or too far away. My 1992 was terrific, unfortunately I sold it - still with no problems in 2003 with 198,200 miles. It was also great on gas. I dont get as good gas mileage as I expected.

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  Got a bad Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Not so Happy - January 22 - 6:56 am

  This is the third Honda I have owned and by far the worst of the three. There has been a problem with fuel injectors going out, I have had the #4 injector replaced twice already. There is a very annoying vibration in the car at highway speeds that the dealer can not correct or identify.

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  Honda Odyessy Touring Model a GAS HOG - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By T Leshko - January 21 - 4:06 am

  The Honda Odyessy 2005 Touring Model met the advertised specifications except EPA gas mileage. It is a gas hog! Fuel economy is adverstised at 21/28 City/ Highway. I get ( with over 8500 miles on the vehicle) 13.8 MPG City and 21MPG Interstate. This great variance of more than 30% was related to America Honda Corporate HQs in Torrance, CA. several times. Their response was, you should expected to get a little difference depending on driving conditions. My requests for the EPA test specs for fuel economy was denied. A 30 % variance does not meet the ethical business practice that you expect from Honda. I would have purchased a Toyota Sienna instead, and intend to do that.

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  08 EXL Sedan - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tom - January 14 - 5:13 pm

  Overall a pretty nice car but has some model consistent issues such as: BAD brake design-very premature wear out (just google it) and overkill on driver seat lumbar even at minimum setting. Also on 4 cyl models flickering head and tail lights whenever a/c compressor engaged. At times (often) automatic shifting is pretty jerky. The brakes and flickering lights are safety issues but to date still no recalls?

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  Some good, some bad - 2002 Honda Civic
  By scott_d - January 13 - 10:00 am

  In the 13,000 miles that I have owned this car, it used an average of 1 quart of oil every 600 miles. In addition to the oil issue, there is an annoying clacking noise in the A- Pillar that Honda says is the moonroof drain tube hitting metal, but after 28 visits to the dealership to fix this and other issues, it remains. The emergency brake does not hold on hills and needs to be adjusted every 1000 miles. I have seen these same issues from others, so beware of them and ask about these issues if you are looking to buy one. I had great hopes for this car, my first new car purchase, and have been pretty dissapointed. It looks great on paper...

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  Vanilla van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Eric Barrows - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Old design no fun too big to park