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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  My 1st Honda! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Acc7 - July 28 - 4:30 am

  I had a hard time deciding between the 08 Altima and the 08 Accord, but Im so glad that I went with Honda! Its beautiful in black with a spoiler and pin stripe. I love driving it!

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  Poor value and not up to par with others - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By eddie324 - July 27 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my ridgline for about 5 months and have not been pleased. I average consistently 16 to the gallon and that is bad for a V6, i nearly get that on my wifes f150 5.4. The brakes are starting to make a squeal at 6k and its getting annoying. very uncomfortable seats and small interior. The thing that most made me angry is my axle seals needed to be replaced at 3350 miles which seems to be common with these and electrical failure. I bought this car because my 88 honda was good. not the case with this.

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  I think it may run forever... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tom - July 27 - 11:18 am

  I bought a 2003 EX 2.4l automatic and now have 185,000 miles on. The car has never broken down, ever. All I do is change the oil every 5,000 miles and then about every 60,000 miles I drain/refill the transmission fluid. I have gone through a couple sets of tires, brakes, and at 100,000 miles I had the coolant drained and replaced. But that is all standard maintenance. The only thing that ever went wrong happened just a few weeks ago. There were a couple days when my A/C was intermittent and then it stopped working all together. Took it to my mechanic and was diagnosed that the A/C clutch went bad. He couldnt find a single other thing wrong with my car so I decided to spend $800 and get a new A/C compressor (with a new clutch of course!) installed. In 13 years of owning the car this is the only thing that has ever went wrong. I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment now and love the fact that I havent had a car payment in a long time. Curious to see how long it will last but I have a feeling it will last longer then I will and I am only 35!!!

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  Ok Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Justin - July 27 - 6:46 am

  The Accord has a very uncomfortable seat. Actually, it is the worst of any in its class for comfort as I have test driven all the cars in the class. The acceleration is top notch. The transmission shifting is smooth. You have excellent visibility and a nice interior layout. The brakes are by far the worst in the class as evidenced by all the reviews, but most people will not notice this (I did). The build quality is very good, however, the paint job as noted by some others is not top notch. This car has hard springs and a rough ride compared to an Altima, Fusion, Camry or Sonata. For those who like a sporty, fun to drive car, this is a nice car.

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  Horrible Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rose - July 27 - 5:20 am

  I bought my car in Dec 07 and put 31k since then, all highway miles. At 25k I needed a new wheel bearing which was covered under warranty. At 30k I brought it into the dealer because the check engine light was on. Took the mechanics 2 days to figure out what was wrong with the car. Ended up that I needed a new cylinder in my engine plus a couple spark plugs replaced. The dealer did not have any explanation of why this happened. Thank god that I bought the extended warranty or that would have been a huge bill. Extremely disappointed with this car. I bought it for its reliability and all I have gotten is trips to the dealer to get it fixed. Will never buy this car again.

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  8000 zoom heaven - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jim Bell - July 27 - 2:27 am

  Just sold my 1967 XKE Jag to slip my nearly 80 year old body into this S2000 baby. This is a true Sports Car Roadster as defined by 1950/60 standards, (i.e., not a touring convertible with 6 cup holders. The beautiful 6 speed close ratio gear box is so quick, with just a twist of the wrist. This is a keep the revs up car, but oh so sweet between 6000/8000 revs. It belies me how the cam shaft design upon reaching engine 6500 rpms, kicks in like the old time superchargers. They only built 7200 of the S2000 a year at the Susaki racing factory, perhaps Japans best kept secret. Hope they continue with a 2006 model, if not the 2005 is destined to become a collecter car before its time.

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  Still a love affair - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Barbara Fullerton - July 26 - 9:53 pm

  Yesterday was our 10 month anniversary of this love affair. At 15,000 km, its converted mileage is about 27 mpg in city commute of 15 km (9 miles) and 40 stoplights. Highway driving, using the Edmunds suggestions in AOL review (no lead foot, auto speed control,etc) and keeping an eye on my "eco" zone signal, we get about 37.5 mpg. My earlier review should have reported we use about 9 litres (city) and 6.5 litres (highway) per 100 km driven. This American in Canada reversed km and litres in earlier report. Figures are from dash indicators for gas useage per tank. Real calculations show 700-800 km per 54 litres (32-36 mpg)in mixed driving. (Approximate only:litres do not quite = quarts)

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  high potential for door rot - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By bob - July 26 - 8:56 pm

  On the bottom of each door there is a rubber strip. If you look at the top of it you will see road dirt that has accumulated between the rubber and paint. Here in the Northeast that also includes salt from winter conditions. If not removed routinely this will promote rust and eventually rot through. I have contacted Honda but they are unwilling to help. Its a design problem and not fixable by adding mud flaps.

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  My Prelude VTEC - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Brian K. - July 26 - 7:08 pm

  I really love this car. It is very fun to drive, its comfortable on long trips, and even somewhat practical. Ive driven it on a race track, and it kept me on top of more than few Corvette C5s. The engine is sweet, the transmission is one of the best Ive ever sampled, and the handling is supurb for a FWD vehicle. Also, fuel economy is acceptable, and the reliability is bulletproof. The interior is very roomy (Im 65" and I fit fine). The design is a bit controversial, but I love it, and so do all of my friends. If you have the chance, get one. You will not be disappointed. I plan on driving mine until it dies, then Ill rebuild it and drive it more.

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  Excellent Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Doug - July 26 - 6:43 pm

  This is a great car. The interior design was excellent for this year. It makes it seem like it is actually a lot younger. It has a peppy engine, which is great. The reliability has been great. I would highly suggest buying it.