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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  What a great car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Buyer - December 15 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this car with 112k on it. I wasnt even going to drive it because of the mileage. The suspension was responsive yet comfortable, Gas mileage is 22-27 on the 3 litre V6 and it has leather, wood grain, a moon roof, strut tower braces, way ahead of their time! It has 230,000 miles on it already. I love it, buy this car!

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  07 Odyssey. Not as nice as the 03. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 0_0 - December 15 - 11:32 am

  We just traded in our 03 EXL for an 07 EXL Odyssey. 1) Sound system in the 03 was *much* better even though both were standard sound systems. The 07 speakers sound like they are stuffed in a pillow. 2) We started getting a "shudder" with the 07 when driving at 1400 RPM. It happened right before the ECO light came on. This was a few weeks after we bought it. Dealer said theyd do a "software update" 3) The 07 car feels heavier, slower, w/ less power than the 03. 4) Being able to lower the rear seats w/out removing headrests is great on the 07 vs the 03! 5) You cant slide things under the back seats like you could with the 03. :( End result? The 03 is better than the 07 by far.

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  Great reliable vehicle but poor gas milege and acc - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mike jones - December 15 - 11:07 am

  I read some of the bad reviews but I guess I ended up with a good one. So far I have 108k miles and never had any problems. Just regular oil change and Thats it. There was a recall on the front suspension making noise. Just gotta take it in to the dealer to get it fixed for free. Its roomy and its a great family car, has enough space for all your stuff for long road trips. But, lol Yea theres always something. Its a great family vehicle but when u are driving by yourself and u wanna have some fun, nope. The acceleration is horrible esp if your trying to merge on to free way. Handeling is less than sub par. Bottom line: great family vehicle, but very boring car. Gas mileage could improve.

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  Solid, but not great. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Loyal Honda Man - December 15 - 9:54 am

  Purchased Ridgeline to be the "family car," and in that function, it has performed satisfactorily. After almost 30,000 miles, it has been perfectly reliable, and has been a solid all-around-family-vehicle. Fuel econ has been 15-16 in town, 18-20 on highways. The engine is adequate if underwhelming for normal use but simply inadequate for towing much of anything. I towed a mid-sized trailer of approx. 2,500 lbs on level ground and the engine worked very hard and with mileage of only 9-10mpg. It is, however, very functional and the interior cabin space is efficiently maximized. LOVE the in-bed trunk, built-in bed cleats, as well as the built-in lighting for the truck bed.

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  The element not so great. - 2007 Honda Element
  By Isaias Medina - December 14 - 8:34 pm

  I bought the gold looking element for its looks and roominess. It looks very different from other SUVs and it has great cargo room capabilities. The car has been very useful in many ways, but I have several issues with it. It has 42k miles and I have replaced both front and rear brakes and still the brakes are working poorly, Im sure it may need additional brakes work. The tire pressure monitoring system stays on all winter, the dealer said it was normal for this car. I have replaced the windshield once, it needs a new set of tires soon, the dashboard makes cracking noises during winter, it may need alignment again. Otherwise the engine and transmission work fine.

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  Great car with some problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By healnghanz - December 14 - 8:18 am

  Transmission was recalled. Honda replaced it but the new tranny leaks. The factory radio stinks. No spacial imaging and weak power. Eats 1 qt oil every three weeks and the dealer says its normal. I think the engine was a lemon but the dealer just snowed us. However, aside from these problems, the car is wonderful. Interior comfortable leather. Just a pleasure to ride. The Hallmark of this car is its visibility. Its a pre raked non wedge design that lets you have total visibility. Perfect in that regard.

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  Should have kept my BMW - 2008 Honda Accord
  By kris95 - December 13 - 5:50 pm

  I traded my M3 and purchase a Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl for reliability reason. But I was did not work-out the way I had expected. first set of brakes replaced at 23k miles ($451 dollars) and at 39,400 I need another one. Honda dealers and Honda are not very helpful. I rather purchase a Ford next time.

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  Great Car, Not a truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dman - December 12 - 2:36 pm

  The Ridgeline handles and drives very well, although the drivers area is not as roomy as my F150 was. Honda is reliable and offers just a couple of versions, making it easy to chose come buy time. The Ridgeline in bed trunk and roomy back seat are cool, but the Tonneau cover is awkward and the payload/towing capacity are very weak. Overall, a great car, not a truck.

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  Disgusted - 2008 Honda Civic
  By DJ in Bama - December 12 - 8:26 am

  I was transferred to a new plant which increased my drive to around 35 miles one way. I justified buying the Civic based on the 36 mpg. I have documented 8 straight tank fulls, after reaching 3000 miles, that never got over 30. This is driving 30+ interstate miles one way with the cruise set at 70mph. I carried it to the dealer and got nowhere. Wrote Honda a letter and was basically told "your problem." I have 3 Hondas in my driveway now but will not have another! If you are thinking of buying a Civic I strongly suggest you really investigate all other options first.

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  Cold weather starting - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Battery life - December 11 - 11:07 am

  Original battery replaced 10 months after car bought. As soon as -20+ temp hit there was no life in battery. Again Dec.2009 same thing happened. Car driven daily. Honda replaced first battery but advised that this battery only falls under original time frame of warranty and not from replacement of battery in Dec.2008. Apparently no larger battery with better cranking power will fit the space. Hondas suggested solution is to put battery charger and battery warmer on.