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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  Amazing Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By guera1904 - May 18 - 2:41 am

  I bought this car a little over two years with about 65k miles on it. Ive driven this car HARD- Im now at 110k (mostly highway miles but plenty of city driving as well) with no problems. My AC unit went out, but thats to be expected after 100k miles. I take great care of it, and the mechanics always tell me my car is in great shape mechanically. I wish it had more power on hills and a little more style, but the car is GREAT economically so I cant complain. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Not a bad car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rick - May 17 - 3:06 pm

  Have had the car year-and-a-half. Has 30K Miles and not a single problem. Gets great gas mileage (34 on interstate and 26 in town). However, the tires spin pretty easy, especially if its wet out. Not sure if its the Michelins or bad weight splits on the car. Also, the brakes grab really hard every now-and-then. When I turn on the A.C. will hear a "clunk" when the compressor kicks in. Also, the A.C. pulls hard on the engine. Have to wind the engine out more between shifts to keep it from getting herky-jerky. Also, trunk has no detent, so when you open it and the wind is blowing, itll fall down on your head (ouch!) Also, when turn HVAC temp dial, hear a wierd groaning noise.

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  Pulls to the right!!!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Troy - May 16 - 10:56 pm

  Our Pilot also pulls heavily to the right!!! This is very disappointing since it otherwise would be a great car.

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  Good Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mike - May 16 - 1:58 pm

  This car rides better than the 2004 Camry we had previously, but road noise is worse. This car has outstanding brakes. The EX has 4 wheel disc ABS brakes and a very sensitive pedal. The automatic transmission hits into gear and also into Park with a clunk, but at higher speeds it is smooth and effective. I make extensive use of the rear view mirrors in order to back up, and it works. The mirrors are a perfect size. The climate and radio controls are the easiest I have even seen. I love the large speed display which is at eye level. The seats are a bit firm, so we use a foam cushion for long trips. Steering is quick and sporty in town, but too sensitive for my taste at highway speeds.

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  Bought used at 112,000 miles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By first car for son - May 16 - 10:53 am

  6 months after purchase, the pcm computer and transmission failed at 118,000 miles. Appears that the computer told the trans to downshift into 1st and stay there. What seemed like a good used car now cost 50% more than we paid and is no longer a good deal. We are quite disappointed we bought this car.

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  Could use some improvements - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By AB Minnesota - May 15 - 1:55 pm

  This truck has been a good solid vehicle for me. Its handled better in the snow and ice than any other car that Ive owned. The interior is spacious and the trunk is a unique touch that Ive utilized quite a bit. There are two downfalls that Ive experienced with this truck however: gas mileage and road noise. Ive experienced dramatic swings in gas mileage once the temperature gets below 30 degrees. Im not sure why, but my average mpg drops from 20 to 17. I had a mechanic check the tire psi and all of the filters, but it came back inconclusive. Additionally, this is one of the noisiest vehicles that Ive owned as well. Once I reach 50 mph or so, the wind and tire noise is too much.

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  1994 Honda Accord EX 2d - 1994 Honda Accord
  By wpederson - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle, I bought it when it was 4 years old and have loved it since. Great gas mileage, great reliability, and awesome resell value!

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  second home - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By maui303 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  van rides well, great for kids, video works well,

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Dustin_Samuel - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2002 Civic for 3,000 miles and absolutely love it. I went from a 96 minivan to this and wow what a difference. Obvious improvements in gas mileage and reliability; I dont why I stuck with the van for so long. 5 speeds got plenty of kick. A little problem with misc. rattles on right door and windshield visor. Plenty of room for transportation in back seat and a surprisingly large trunk.

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  !!Caution!! not as good as it sounds - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Adoc - May 14 - 9:36 am

  I bought my Accord as a certified pre owned from a dealership and have put 15000 miles on it (30000 total on car). Rotors are really useless, had to resurface them even with gentle use. Seats are very stiff and start hurting after couple of hours. There are multiple rattles and noises from within the car and road noise is awfully loud!! I have to turn up the volume to listen to the stereo. Fuel economy is average, I get 26 highway and city combined. Also, there is no easy /cheap way to connect iPod/MP3 player to the stereo, have to buy expensive adapter. Overall, driving is pleasurable (better than Camry), feels responsive & agile but definitely not the best.