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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  "as opposed to Toyota Camry" - 2006 Honda Accord
  By biggelow - July 15 - 9:57 am

  When we bought our Honda we were shopping for our 3rd Camry, however, the Toyota salesman was more interested in his newspaper so we went across the street to May Honda in Waco. Kind of a lucky break, The Honda Accord is quieter and has a quieter "more substantial" feel. For a 4 cylinder auto, I have never felt as though I needed more power, the 4 banger does really well in town nd on the highway. I have 130k miles on the odometer and it is still as quiet, responsive and comfortable as it was when new. The only thing negative I can think of is that the tires have to be "V" rated and those tires are expensive, noisy, wear fast. "W" rated tires would have been the right choice.

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  Updated review after my first year - 2001 Honda Accord
  By xoquixxoqafxo - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  I have had this Accord for a little over a year, got it with 95k and today 07/14/2010 it has 111,895 miles. It needed a lot of maintenance to get it to the condition i have it at right now. I have replaced the timing belt/water pump, tires, battery, transmission fluid, front and rear brakes, spark plugs, and last week my rear main seal failed and it leaked about half a quart of oil in 2 weeks. It was an unexpected, not to mention early failure so if anyone else had that same problem let me know cause it was an expensive repair.I am happy that my automatic transmission is fine and overall, i am quite please with the car and plan to keep him for a while.

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  Excellent car-disappointing MPG - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Stuart - July 13 - 1:27 pm

  Very attractive, well designed car. Love the blue color and all of the added features found on ex.

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  s2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By BYRDMAN - July 13 - 12:04 pm

  Amazing vehicle, I drive it daily and I dont believe there is a more fun to drive vehicle that is this dependable. I have taken to drag strip, ran great times, had around BMS a few laps and no issues. Do the maintenance and drive it. I do not have one complaint.

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  Great Car - Best Daily Driver - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Some_Guy - July 13 - 11:39 am

  58,000 miles on the car, and no problems. None! Change the oil, and Im averaging 39-40 mpg most of the time. Slight drop in mpg in the winter 36-37 at times in extreme cold. (NY winter) have seen as high as 44 mpg in summer on long trips. Not the hottest car on the road, and it wont win any races. But for an economical to own reliable car. It cant be beat.

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  1st Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By KY - July 12 - 8:38 pm

  We have had this vehicle about 2 months now and we are very pleased overall. Interior is roomy and seats are very comfortable. Third row seat stows easily and back adjusts for comfort. Getting avg 20 mpg. We narrowed our choice down to the Odyssey and the 2011 Sienna. The Siennas interior looked cheap and the Odysseys seats were more comfortable. Ultimately, the Odysseys seats and seating configuration won.

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  98 Honda Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jess - July 12 - 8:15 pm

  I recently sold this car for a Honda CR-V but I owned her for 8 1/2 years and sold her with 178k and had very little issues other then Normal R&M. I always did the recommend maintenance and changed the oil every 3k.

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  Just Traded my Civic In... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jbchickenhead - July 12 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 08 LX 5-speed brand new (with 10 miles), and it was a great car through and through. Although it is pretty weak in acceleration, it more than made up for this in gas mileage and reliability. Over the 2 years I owned the car, it was in the shop a total of 0 times! All this while averaging 34-35 mpg throughout the life of the car. A great car, but needs more luxury. I traded up to a fully loaded CR-V, but do occasionally miss the old Civic. Good car to buy, great reliability, great mpg! I traded it in with 50k miles on the ticker and Im pretty sure another 150k miles would have been equally as trouble free...

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  2010 Honda Accord Coupe V6 - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Mike S - July 12 - 3:09 pm

  We bought a Belize Blue 2010 Honda Accord Coupe from Bryan Honda in Fayetteville, NC on May 31, 2010. We were able to get the car for about $5k under the sticker price, supposedly because Honda is motivated to sell cars. We also got some post-sale options for dealer price, saving us about $150 on options. It pays to ask about a discount on options. The reviews for this model unanimously rate this car as having loud road noise. This is true for our car also, primarily on old/unimproved asphalt/concrete road surfaces. On newer surfaces, it is reasonably quiet. The V6 performs great, even with AC on. Mileage seems good, tho still determining actual mileage. Excellent Bluetooth and radio features

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  23+ MPG - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Big Lew - July 11 - 6:32 pm

  My wife and I + 2 friends just finished a trip of just over 1100 miles. We could not be more satisfied with the gas mileage on this trip. Our friends could not believe the room and comfort in this vehicle. So quiet! My brother says its like riding in a car. We were able to put all of our luggage in the trunk (4 people traveling for 1 week). The transmission shifts extremely smooth. Fit and finish are perfect. You have to love the lift up rear seats. My computer (in its case) fit perfectly under the passenger side rear seat. There is just so much storage room! My wife says she loves it, loves it, loves it! Gotta love the large door handles for closing the doors. This is the perfect truck!