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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  Honda Odyssey 2012 - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jai2 - November 2 - 12:38 pm

  I just brought it last week, by my experience, the worst part of this vehicle is its Navigation System, I bet, nobody can find the AT&T sore in it, I tried for 2 days to search just to check if it works. They charge 2000+ for Navigation system whereas for 300 we can get the best from Garmin or Megellan so never buy with a navigation. If i place the child seat in the 2nd row middle seat the enterance to the 3rd row is blocked because the bucket seat doesnt fold then. No place to put children toys etc.

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  Honda is the Best - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hondaisbest3 - November 2 - 9:50 am

  I have been told million times how good Hondas are. I have experienced it myself now. I purchased 2003 Honda Civic in 2004, It has been 7 years now with 172,000 mileage and this CAR still runs like brand new. Civics just dont break. I have been driving this car ALOT but still its really good. NO serious/Major Problems. After driving Honda Civic, I will never ever think of buying anything but Honda. All my friends who purchased Fords had too many engine & transmission problems with their cars. Honda is the Best.

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  3rd Transmission about to go! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By flred - November 1 - 3:54 pm

  I have owned this car for nearly 5 years, I bought it from a family friend and dealership owner. The car itself is a good automobile except we have replaced the transmission 3 times with used ones and yet again- this one is slipping REALLY bad. I called Honda to express my concerns but they have yet to recall these darn transmissions after numerous complaints. If you feel like your are the only person fighting the 2001 Accord Transmission problem, your not alone. My husband also a mechanic has several friends to rebuild it but literally our cost is $2500. If he were to do it himself, its around $2000. I had hoped in the mass recall would include this Accord but it didnt. FIGHT FIGHT!

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  08 V6 Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carlos_zuniga1 - November 1 - 2:04 am

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles this car now has 62,500 miles. Its been a pleasure to drive. Reliability is incredible I have spent $0 dollars on repairs besides regular maintains (oil changes). I love the sound system. The power is decent but a bit under power for its size in my opinion a 300HP engine would be ideal. The ride is smooth but not as a Toyota. The car handles awesome for being a sedan. The navigation gets the job done. Center counsel is good but has too many buttons. The car sits 5 bodies (including driver) comfortably the leg room is huge. Tech package comes handy. I average 22mpg mixed driving 18 city and 28 highway. Over all i am satisfied with the car.

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  still drives like new - 2006 Honda Accord
  By iheartbmw - October 31 - 9:24 pm

  had this car for over 5 yrs. 53k miles. still drives like new. cd player died after six months and got changed under warranty. otherwise just gas/oil and one battery change (i lived in cleveland). plenty of inside leg and head room - i am 62. getting 24-26 mpg city and > 34 hwy. best was 40 mpg/hwy cruising at 65mph on flat road with empty car - i thought gas gauge malfunctioned :). got two friends with similar accords (05 model) and they have a similar story. will keep until wheels fall off.

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  Fun, efficient, and reliable - 2009 Honda Civic
  By argimal - October 30 - 9:20 am

  Had the car for over two years now. Feels alot faster than it is. I love the high revving 4. Traded an S2000 for this because of family expansion. Havent regretted yet. Would prefer a little more power but am satisfied. I commute 82 miles round trip to work and get 28-33 mpg depending on how hard I drive it, usually 29 mpg in mixed driving. 33 mpg on long trips consistently. Great car.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ml4416 - October 30 - 12:35 am

  This is worst van ever own. Transmission dead at 100k miles and cost $5k to fixed transmission. Lots of road noisy on highway and very uncomfortable especially driver seat. Also, under power.

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  excellent, reliable car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By jm52716 - October 29 - 10:20 am

  I have had this car for over 1 year now, and am very satisfied. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and gets excellent gas mileage (about 38 mpg highway). I have had no problems with it. Wouldnt mind power seats, but wouldnt expect that at this price range. I also looked at the VW Golf, Mazda 3, and Impreza. I thought this car handled better than all but the Golf, and in the Golf the seats were too narrow.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By shadyoak - October 28 - 8:07 pm

  Buy the CRV

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  Step it up Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By fab82 - October 28 - 5:26 pm

  Where do I begin? Aside f/my 08 Accord, I also own an 02 accord coupe. My old accord drives better, is quieter, and the interior appears sleeker. I am a tad bit disappointed in the 08 model. The paint used on this model is extra cheap, for a vehicle that has been garage kept I shouldnt be seeing rust where the paint has chipped away. The paint shouldnt be chipping @ all. The brakes/rotors are shot (although they were just replaced 4 months ago). The stereo system is nice, but the speakers are cheap! Outside noise is apparent, my old Honda rides like a spaceship!Hondas used to be flawless...not anymore.