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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  Think again about the Honda hype - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mabeno - July 7 - 4:49 pm

  I have owned this Accord from new. Maintained it on a regular basis and have not abused it. The display went out in the radio and had to have the entire unit replaced, not once but twice. The fit and finish inside is terrible (sunglass holder pops open, the headline has bubbles, the plastic seat shroud will not stay together, etc.). The final straw is the timing chain jumped a tooth and has caused extensive engine damage. The mechanic stated that this is one of the cleanest engines that he has worked on, so it was not my maintenance on the vehicle. Do not believe all the hype about how a Honda runs forever. All of my other vehicles are GMs, and I have never had such issues.

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  Wish Id done more research - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sis26 - July 7 - 1:55 pm

  I bought the car new never had a Honda. Barely 3 years old & clear coat started to wear off. After 6 years old, clear coat/paint looked horrible and much worse than should for its age. Honda was unwilling to help and admitted no quality issues w/ paint however have found many others with paint problems as well. Lots of squeaks & creaks on inside that are getting louder w/ age Water from moonroof drains has left stains on the interior near windshield & did very early in its life. Doubtful that I would buy another based on my experience w/ paint issue.

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  Love it, but it fails for reliability - 2005 Honda Element
  By JZZDNCR - July 7 - 6:52 am

  I have a 2005 well maintained and cared for Honda Element. Its my favorite all time car...that is until now. Its a manual transmission just over 50,000 mi and its popping out of gears. Im being told that I need a new transmission! Can this be? I bought this car new because after being a long time Volkswagon owner I decided I wanted a RELIABLE car. Its out of warranty, Im out of work, and a new transmission will put me under. Reliability=Bad

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  Satisfied - 2007 Honda Accord
  By JV - July 6 - 7:03 pm

  The car is responsive and pretty fun to drive. Feels powerful at higher RPMs. Tows a light trailer with 1 motorcycle easily with no issues at all. Trade in value is already lower than I expected for an Accord. Lots of storage compartments inside passenger area. despite VP coming with only 2 speakers. The other 4 are wired from the factory - just pop aftermarket or honda speakers in and go - mine sound great. Stereo does lack technology compared to competitors, does not support MP3 discs or input from player, need an adapter for another $200 to use CD changer jack as input for iPod etc.

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  Nice, but Ouch!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dmailbox - July 6 - 1:43 pm

  I love the way my Honda looks drives. The ride is firm, but gentle and the braking is superb! The radio in the Ex-L sounds great. I am still trying to get used to the headlight flicker that occurs at night. Not sure what is causing that, but it is not that big of an issue. The one big issue that I am experiencing has to do with the drivers seat. The seatback has a pronounced lumbar support that "forces" your back into an S. For me, this becomes painful after a few minutes of driving. So much so that I may have to trade it in for a different car if I cant get used to it.

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  25K for RATTLES - 2004 Honda Accord
  By evcar - July 6 - 10:00 am

  ... and a lot of them. The car has excellent powerful, quiet and fuel efficient V6, decent and predictable handling and one of the best interior ergonomics and front sits Ive ever seen. Unfortunately my car developed a lot of interior rattles coming from front and rear doors/windows and the steering wheel. Its not acceptable for 25K top of the line Honda. The window rattles were also mentioned in the Edmunds Sept 03 Accord Long-Term Test, but apparently Honda doesnt give a dam about it - I have the same exactly rattles in my 04 Accord.

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  honda civic value package 4-door - 2005 Honda Civic
  By anne - July 6 - 4:23 am

  well I bought this car two months ago, already it is leaking coolant or some other liquid, can someone tell me if this is normal for this car? does not pick up speed quickly on the freeway or hills. not gas efficient. makes clucking noise, after the car is parked.Now I dont know what to do.

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  Accord ;-) - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Fbooker - July 6 - 4:14 am

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  Good Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Busy Mom - July 5 - 5:08 pm

  Enjoy driving the van, it really does not feel like a van nothing sluggish about it. Van has had some issues like brakes, a shaking as I approach 40 mph and a side door that is defective. All-in-all, I have to say I have enjoyed the van. My lease is up next week and I am considering keeping the van.

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  Relatively new but great so far. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By SJF - July 4 - 6:12 pm

  Great functionality - particularly for hauling kids w/ the third row seating. If a mini-van is not an option for aesthetics or other personal reasons, the pilot is a good blend that gives you the functionality of a mini-van with the appearance of an SUV and a very robust SUV at that.