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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  No 7 year itch for us. We love this car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda Owner - March 5 - 7:46 pm

  We purchased our Accord in May 03, it has 105,000 miles, and still love it. It still runs like the day we bought it. The only issue we had was the timing belt broke literally 2 days before I was going to take it in for the 105,000 mile maintenance where it was going to get changed regardless. Thankfully, it happened in the driveway. At first we were quoted a $2000 repair, but when they saw our appointment in the computer, they charged just the $1500 maintenance, and did all the other services for that check-up, AND found a 10% off coupon for us to use. My husband has always loved Honda, but this is my first one. With reliability and service like this, I now understand why.

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  Best car ever owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MR.G - March 5 - 3:24 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. As near perfect as can get. I like the body style better on this car better than the newer body styles. If we take a trip its in this car. I buy the best tires and batteries when I replace them. Easy access to the cabin air filter behind the glove box. Takes me 3 to 5 min to change out once a year.

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  Great Value - 2010 Honda Insight
  By John - March 4 - 10:14 pm

  46 MPG so far, mostly city with limited freeway driving. Nice standard equipment, except lacking 4 wheel disc brakes, stability and traction control. These are no big deal, as far as Im concerned I bought for the great lease deal and MPG. Very happy with the car great economy, comfortable, decent sound, etc.

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  I Need Another - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Steed - March 4 - 2:40 pm

  Still cant believe its running , its now 2010 and i have over 300,000 miles. Besides the factory defect :( no big problems at all . If you need a car to get you around this is really it! It just wont quit!

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  In it for the long haul - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CMG11 - March 4 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased new on 12/2006. As of 3/2010, have 147K miles. Mostly New England interstate driving. Purchased this car because of reliability reputation and high resale value. Hope to keep for 500K. Average about 30 MPG over the years with a min of 23 and max of 36 in a single fill-up. No issues with transmission or clutch, engine, electric, or body. Very reliable in all weather conditions once stock tires are replaced. Only one unscheduled stop for brake replacement. Issues: - Front brakes replaced at 30K due to heavy pulsation. No replacement since. Same with rear brakes (55K). - Stock tires not great especially in winter. Snow tires are a must for New England.

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  I Love My Civic! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By alicia - March 4 - 11:28 am

  I have owned my Civic for nearly 10 years. It is by far the best car I have ever had. I have done the necessary maintenance throughout the years. As a result, it has been very reliable and Ive had no mechanical problems with it at all. It gets great gas mileage and is an inexpensive car to own/maintain. I would definitely purchase a Civic again.

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  For the Price, this car is The Bomb! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Colt - March 3 - 8:11 pm

  Love the size of this SUV. Its perfect for the traveling sales person, as its a large safe car with excellent crash test scores. Too many bells and whistles to even begin to discuss. Id keep this SUV on your short list. The kids are begging to take this car to Florida for Spring Break, instead of the minivan.

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  Update on 29000 miles - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Umi - March 3 - 11:24 am

  Bought on Apr-08. Now has 29000 miles, just changed tired. Had a big problem with TPMS light. The tires were changed on Firestone. They broke one TPMS, so visited service place 4 times. Finally it was fixed by Honda Dealership, but the money was reimbursed by Firestone. So, CHANGE YOUR Tires ON HONDA DEALERSHIP. TPMS Light must be reset when you change tires. At all, the Civic is not bad. Average getting 24 miles per gallon just in City driving. 35-39 miles per gallon on highway. As of today no mechanic failure. As of today spent $1400 including tires changed at 29000 miles. Generally good car. Would recommend to anyone who know how to count and save money. Save money-buy quality!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By gordo - March 3 - 10:01 am

  I bought this Accord to use as a business vehicle and it did not disappoint. 3 years and 73K miles later, it is still running strong. I have seen 32 MPG on the interstate. I like the V6 power and build quality, but the front rotors warped very quickly after buying the car. That issue will cause you to go through front tires very quickly and you have to put up with the noise and pulsing pedal. At times the brakes can be "grabby", where you are braking smoothly and then they "grab" and you lurch forward, but that is relatively small. Other than that, the car has been great, and still runs well.

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  Best, most reliable vehicle out of 10 - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Bob Caz - March 2 - 8:32 pm

  Bought my 1999 Passport new, best vehicle -- reliability and low maintenance -- I have ever owned out of 10 cars. 162,000 miles now and still going strong. Only two batteries and 3 set of tires. Absolutely no major repair costs. I have the Passport serviced every 3000 miles. Love it and will keep it until it gets tired of me.