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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  Mixed Ride - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Shariq - February 19 - 8:31 am

  I bought this car 6 years ago and its doing pretty well. The only problem we had was that the audio controls on the steering wheel stopped working. Overall a nice minivan with bunch of options.

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  great car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By fallcityfisher - February 18 - 4:22 pm

  What a great car. Like a motorcycle with four wheels. I have had zero problems. Handles like its on rails. Full size golf bag fits in trunk, just dont try two!

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  Simply the Best - 2007 Honda Accord
  By surfkitty - February 18 - 1:42 pm

  I have over 40k miles logged and not one problem and only 5 oil changes/services. Not real crazy about the styling but the overall reliability, comfort and worry free driving more than make up for it. Honda simply makes the best cars for the money!!

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  Tough Little Truck - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Randy - February 17 - 12:41 pm

  I purchased my 1999 Honda Passport brand new in Anchorage Alaska. It came with a 5 speed manual transmission. I changed the battery and do all my own oil changes, tire rotations. You know, the basic stuff. I take it to the dealer for major maintenance. This Honda will run forever! I have over 120,000 miles and still running strong. The few problems I had over the years are: fuel gauge unit went bad in 2009, fan clutch went bad in 2008 and rear window wiper motor went out on me in 2007. The only real engine problem I have ever had was the mass air flow sensor went out on me in 2006 causing the check engine light to come on. Other than that, when I turn the key, it starts!

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  New owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Koolhunk - February 16 - 9:33 pm

  Just bought a 85k used accord 2003 ex,i ddnt even reach home an routers started screeching had multiple problems with car but all minor.I am bit scared after reading evrybodys review of radio display,transmission,moonroof leak problems hope and just pray it doesnt trouble me more.

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  2007 Honda Civic EX Coupe A/T - 2007 Honda Civic
  By anonymous - February 16 - 5:21 pm

  Ive had my Civic for over 2 years and I absolutely love it! Of course, like every car, it has its quirks, but all in all its a great car. 40,000 rolled up last week, and its still tight as a drum. It does have several rattles, but they have gone away with time. I LOVE that I only have to change the oil about every 6,500 miles rather than 3,000 (the Maintenance Minder system even tells you when its time to change the oil). I have the coupe, and the trunk is surprisingly roomy. I do about 90% city driving and get about 34-36 MPG. The car also holds up well in accidents Ive been rear ended and clipped in the front, and both times the car had less than $500 worth of damage.

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  Honda engineering not perfect - 2009 Honda Accord
  By VicLmech - February 16 - 4:23 pm

  First, I own a 2009 Civic in addition to this car. Honda has a reputation of bullet-proof cars, but this particular model is lacking in several ways. 1st, the remote door control has been defective. Not just my model, its a common complaint and Honda has a SB about fixing it. 2nd, the rear brake design is horribly inefficient. The 08 and 09 models have a bad reputation of wearing out rear pads anywhere after 15k miles. In my case, they wore down to the metal at the 22k mark, but from internet reports most go out before this far. 3rd, this engine seems to consume oil at a faster than normal rate. Dont know why, but its a known problem for these models.

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  Great little econobox - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Adam - February 16 - 3:17 pm

  I bought this car fresh off the lot with 17 miles on it. It now has 198,000 miles and still running great. No major mechanical issues and provides worry free driving with only regular scheduled maintenance. Even with the high mileage I still average between 31-35mpg on the highway!

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  Not up to previous standards - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By JakeMinor - February 16 - 2:36 pm

  This was our third Honda Odyssey but most disappointing. Our favorite model was 2004. Have had brakes checked 3 times, rotors turned and replaced, and brake pads replaced twice. Run-flat tires are incredibly expensive and wear fast. Price of tires and installation - what a shock! On third set after 80,000 miles. Also, after a few months, the seal around the front windshield began to whistle loudly at high speeds, and it continues to get worse with age. The biggest improvement has been with the engine and fuel economy. The sound system, which would have been quite fancy in 1985, has been a real dud for the price. This will probably be our last Odyssey.

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  2008 Honda Fit Sport - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Craig - February 15 - 12:24 pm

  Overall good car. Great 5sp manual transmission, good handling, lots of room for size and Ive been getting 30mpg (winter) to 40 mpg (summer). Biggest complaint so far is the dashboard rattles. Brought into dealership once and they fix a rattle, but another quickly emerged on uneven pavement