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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  Never any problems in 3 years with my V6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Problem free owner - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Accord 4dr EXV6 for three years now. I bought it brand new with 6 miles on the odo. First ever new purchase and I picked a winner for sure. I just cant get anything comparable to the top end Accord for under thirty grand. It is just a tremendous bargain and I have never had any problems ever. Recommended maintenance is all I have ever done with this car. Why would I even consider anything more expensive...except for name prestige, and how self-centered is that!!!!

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  Had better cars - 2000 Honda Passport
  By had better cars - December 3 - 11:31 pm

  Well we bought our passport at 6 years old and it seemed to be a nice car. it was valued at $12,000 and we brought them down to $9,000. After 4 days the transmission went out. Then after 6 months the transmission was not working right again. we waited a year to get the money to get a new one. It is acting up again! the windshield wiper motors and linkage have been replaced multiple times. The car does have power when you need it. 4 wheel drive works great when transmission is working. Love to drive it.

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  Has its troubles - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Dp - December 3 - 9:25 pm

  Bought with bad rotors, breaks, bad front tires and cracked radiator, 600$ out the door to begin with. Fixed it all up and its been some what reliable. A year later, had to have the head gasket resurfaced. Mechanic said that the 96+ years have a problem with the head gasket. That cost me another 1200, recently, the car has been chugging the radiator fluid, but the lines/hoses are new and radiator is sealed up tight. Still unresolved problems with loss of radiator fluid. Ill top her off and when I park it after a drive, it will overflow or dump about 1/3 of the fluid on the street and it only happens the one time I top it off. Wish I got a Tacoma. I prob got one of a few lemon accords.

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  Novelty has worn off a little - 2009 Honda Civic
  By hch2socal - December 3 - 1:02 am

  OK - so with 8500 miles, the novelty has worn off a little. Its still a great commuter, but I agree with many of the other reviews: 1) comfortable on short rides painful on anything more than 2 hours 2) horrible power on hills, especially if stopped at a stop light and you have to start on an incline (takes about 3-5 seconds to really "get going") 3) very loud on anything over 3000 rpm (aka hills). I put on aftermaket wheels b/c I didnt like the stock - looks great, but did subtract 3 MPG (but worth it IMO) Ive averaged 37.5 MPG over the past 3,000 miles (and that does involve crossing a 9% incline daily to work). Bottom line - great for MPG lacks power / comfort.

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  Oil -20 mpg - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Oil - 20mpg - November 30 - 11:18 pm

  Getting 22Mpg freeway, 19 mixed. Having oil consumption, quart every 4000 miles. Rear heating core heats rear passenger storage above rear wheel.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ellen from The OC - November 30 - 12:03 pm

  What a difference between my old 1998 Civic EX and the 2006. Unbelievable!!! The tightness of handling is incomparabe. The exterior styling looks like a baby Beamer! I was seriously test-driving the Acura TSX, but for the $10,000 savings, I had to buy the Civic. Wish list would include optional leather seats. Also surprised the visors are not lit - theyre substantial, but lack lights.

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  Im liking it but... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dweiser - November 29 - 11:56 pm

  I also own a 2009 Honda Fit Sport w/Navi so my comments will include that comparison. An all electric vehicle/plug-in vehicle will fit my driving habits (short trips) perfectly and either the Insight or the Fit will leave when a decent one is available. Ive had the Insight for about 3 weeks and I have to admit the look of it continues to grow on me. Like some I never thought it unsightly at first but I like its looks more each day. I hit my head getting out sometimes and Im only 5 9". I really miss having the stereo (loudness) controls on the steering wheel like the Fit. Im only getting 37 m.p.g. with ECO button on and careful driving. My Fit gets 34 so I hope this improves soon.

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  My first 18 months - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By scottinky - November 29 - 8:08 am

  Took out a lease on this 2008 EX-L after trying the large SUV route. This is by far the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. The interior is well laid out, but materials could be better. Engine is responsive and smooth. Ride, even in the third row is comfortable. My kids love the DVD player. My wife and I love the ease of entry and exit. Despite my ego issues with driving a van and having had the opportunity to dump out of it early and go back to a cheaper SUV, I just couldnt do it. Dealer service has been excellent in dealing with the transmission problem and the noise issues. All have been fixed. Hopefully I wont have any more issues to deal with, just gas and tires.

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  2017 accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mark Wilson - November 29 - 3:52 am

  Steering seems to be a little too tight. But overall awesome car

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  2004 Pilot rating - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By N. Rinker - November 28 - 9:00 pm

  Everything on my vehicle seems to be great except for the fuel economy. My mileage averages about 12mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the hwy, quite contrary to what is stated on the sticker. I recently had it brought in for service for a leaking gasket on the driver side passenger door. The problem seems to be resolved. If your looking for a roomy but not oversized SUV this is the one to buy, but dont look for great gas mileage with gas prices being thru the roof.