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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  The one car everyone should own. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By dtayl11 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This isnt my first Honda Accord. I just purchased this new 02 Accord SE Coupe last night trading in my 97 SE coupe that I drove for the past 5 years and loved to death... I think the new 02 is more refinded then the last body style and with the luck I had with my 97 I wouldnt dream of owning any other type of automobile.

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  1995 Honda Accord EX Wagon (1-owner 93,000 miles) - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Jeff H. - July 5 - 12:47 am

  I just purchased this 1-Owner vehicle in Scottsdale, AZ with 92,800 miles on it. I then used a car carrier to take vehicle down to Tucson, AZ. I then had a complete inspection of the vehicle done here locally to see what it required maintenance wise. Thank God the Timing Belt/Water Pump was just recently replaced and cleared inspection. The EX model is high-end model and has an additional $3,400 options on it compared to the LX model wagon. VTEC engine, sliding sunroof, cast aluminum wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes (ABS), etc. Results of inspection showed (PARTS ONLY): 2 of 4 Engine Motor Mounts needed replacing (so Im doing all 4 $548.23), Oil Pan Gasket (so im doing Oil Pan Gasket $24.15 w/new Oil Pan $66.01), power steering leak from Rack & Pinion and Bellows Boots ripped (so Im doing the Rack & Pinion $302.42 & 2 Bellows Boots $16.92 and since there, but not required, the Power Steering Pump $217.46). Im also including the following, but not required, (2 Bellows Bands $8.74, 4 Steering Gear Box Mounting Bushings $17.04, 1 Gear Box Cushion Bushing $8.08 & a Power Steering Seal Kit A $65.97). Thats for Piece of Mind. $200.00 will be returned for COREs of Rack & Pinion and Gear Box. Total Parts: $1,075.02. The ABS light is intermittent on the dash cluster meaning that when the light is on, ABS is not functioning, but still have 4-wheel regular brakes. I cant believe this isnt a NSTA Safety Recall item? Anyway thats down the road.. The price for ABS Modulator Assembly ($791.53) not sure if the Accumulator is included or not? but thats ($255.73) for that. $150.00 will be returned for Core of Modulator. I heard this is a common problem for early Accords. I researched SEVERAL PLACES (Businesses/Internet) for original OEM HONDA only parts not OReilly/AutoZone/Checkers or China crap makers just HONDA. The cheapest site I found was HONDAPARTSNETWORK.COM $30.00 fills up the 17-gallon tank @ 1.99/gallon. 150 miles on a quarter tank. This is why I bought a 2nd vehicle for (Gas Savings) compared to my 2004 GMC Sierra 4x4 Z71 w/116,000 miles purchased new. Gonna give that to my son in 10 years from now & can park in garage. Honda looks brand new with original paint and very clean interior (9 out of 10). I just detailed it myself this weekend w/Meguiars Car Care Products. Bought this baby back to 1995 with a showroom shine and detailed interior as well. AZ car that was garage kept its entire life. What can I say I LOVE MY HONDA! Definitely recommend an older Honda. This vehicle is 22-yrs old now and after this maintenance Im good to go for years to come.

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  GREAT SUV 1 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By wayne lee - July 4 - 4:42 am

  WE LIKE IT VERY MUCH!

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Element
  By David - July 4 - 4:39 am

  Bought it new in 2005 just totaled in front end 100900 miles. I would probably be dead with many other cars and I have really enjoyed this car

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  Lives up to the hype - 2007 Honda Accord
  By zzzooom - July 4 - 4:00 am

  After driving a Mazda 6s for three years, I purchased a Honda Accord EX-L 5 sp manual with the 4 cylinder. The Honda is not the drivers car the Mazda is, however, this car has better quality throughout. After having the V6 in the Mazda, I was concerned that I would not be satisfied with the 4 cyl in the Honda. However, I am very impressed with the Honda 4 cyl. It has great torque and does a great job in this car.

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  98 EX V6 Coupe - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner - July 4 - 2:00 am

  After test driving this car, we fell in love with it. After 110,000 we still love it.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Brett - July 3 - 1:06 pm

  This car is terrific. We just took our first road trip and packed the vehicle to the gills. Two road bikes in the "magic seat area", two large suit cases, a small one, a box of food, laptops, hanging clothes, and more in the rear. The car was very comfortable up front for my wife and I and got just under 40 mpg during the highway drive. Obviously some of this wouldnt be possible if we had kids, but this is all the car a couple could need in every respect.

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  par excellence - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Marinie Victoriano - July 3 - 11:34 am

  basic maintenance is only oil change and multi-point check for first 3 years,if your mileage is less than 10 K/year. Thus, there is no need to get a prepaid 3 yr. service contract if you have a good mechanic. Anyway, service check-up does not include complicated electronics which are still under warranty.

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  After 15000 miles - 2005 Honda Accord
  By undertoad - July 3 - 5:16 am

  My first review was in May @ 1000 miles. In September did a long haul tour (26 states and Canada). Overall in all kinds of driving conditions we averaged 33+ MPG (city, mountains, heavy traffic, open road). I have a JPEG foto of the Nav Information Screen; 9/22-9/22 Trip - 480miles Elapsed Time - 6:27 Average Fuel Consumption - 38.7 MPG Average Speed - 74.6 MPH Nav sys is fine for working around unfamiliar metro areas. When you have local knowledge you see that many suggested routes are crude, round about, and just plain wrong. Lot of out-dated data in the NAV database. Local post office moved 10 years ago but still in old location.

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  The perfect vehicle - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By coop - July 3 - 2:00 am

  The dealership was terrible, I bought it used, got only one key and was told I could go to any key store, they are only a couple bucks and the gas was 1/4 tank full. The vehicle is solid, well thought out, great for fuel economy, the fold down seat is sooo handy. No problems w/ van. It is only sad it is discontinued in its present version.