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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  Ridiculously good experience - 2006 Honda Civic
  By andrew r - November 6 - 7:10 pm

  105,000 miles, heres my list of issues... oh yeah, ZERO brake pads @ 82k, tires @ 85k (but I definitely overdid it there), oil changes/tire rotations@ 5,000 filters/blades as needed... thats it. Car was worth every penny of MSRP, getting a discount was only icing on the cake.

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  Wheres the compass? - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jennifer Richards - November 6 - 12:47 pm

  This van is a dream to drive. I loved my Ford Windstar, but this one is even better with heated seats, sunroof. And 15 cupholders - eight are in the front seat alone! I had auto side doors on the Windstar, but now the auto liftgate is great for shopping. My teenage daughters are thrilled with the XM radio and surround sound. The eighth seat is great for taking large groups to high school events. Great to have third row seats that fold into the floor instead of having to pull them out if you needed to haul anything. Totally, dream vehicle, but I have always used a compass to drive. I had to buy a tacky looking one to get around town.

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  2008 Honda Accord Couple 2.4L 5AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RocTen - November 6 - 11:03 am

  Thus far its been a very dependable and trouble free car. Recall replaced rear brake pads at 27K. Front brakes lasted 90K. Only disappointment was center console trim vinyl bubbled up. Local upholstery shop for $65 upgraded it to leather. Had a 1996 Honda Accord Couple EX 2.2L 4AT that was still running strong at 250K when it was stolen. Best car I ever owned. Have the same expectation for this 2008. We will see.

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  2008 Honda Accord Couple 2.4L 5AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RocTen - November 6 - 11:03 am

  Thus far its been a very dependable and trouble free car. Recall replaced rear brake pads at 27K. Front brakes lasted 90K. Only disappointment was center console trim vinyl bubbled up. Local upholstery shop for $65 upgraded it to leather. Had a 1996 Honda Accord Couple EX 2.2L 4AT that was still running strong at 250K when it was stolen. Best car I ever owned. Have the same expectation for this 2008. We will see.

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  Great car for the price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Randy - November 6 - 1:36 am

  Bought mine brand new for $21,000 out the door and very satisfied with the overall car. At 125,000 miles now, this car is rock solid and I commute with it daily. Oil change every 5,000 miles. So far the only major problem was the driver- side automatic door lock mechanism failed at about 105,000 mi which cost me about $600 to fix but thats because I used to keep pressing the unlock button on my key fob to blink the lights as I walk to the car, haha.

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  Great car for your money - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tim_s11 - November 5 - 7:36 pm

  I bought it used, and have had it for four months now. I love it. It is fun to drive around town. Easy to park. I love all the room inside. Great car to take on vacations. Im getting almost 40 mpg on highway, and 35 in the city. We love to take it to the drive in and to lay in the back. It makes it easy to load up the mountain bikes and take off. It is the best car that I have bought.

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  So Far, So Good - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By texas22step - November 5 - 6:19 pm

  We purchased the Accord Hybrid shortly after its recent arrival at a local dealer, attracted by its new hybrid technology & claimed mileage. We had the chance last weekend to take it on an Interstate highway trip of about 450 miles, and found it to be very comfortable and achieved about 43 mpg on the trip despite driving almost the entire trip at the 75 mph posted speed limit. One can imagine the economy potential for more restrained highway driving. Beyond the comfort and mpg factors, we enjoy the fact that the Accord Hybrid looks like every other Accord on the road - no geeky look like the Prius or other green cars. The build-quality is solid, the design fine. Built in the USA-Ohio!

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  This my first car and I love it - 1997 Honda Accord
  By red97 - November 5 - 10:30 am

  I love this car, it is so fun - it drives better than a Benz. The 4 cylinder is very fast and responsive. Great gas mileage. The only problems Ive had so far is the front axles had to be replaced and the starter and solenoid, thats about it. The ac stinks but I got sun roof so its all good and the seat belts are horrible they choke you but the seats are extremely comfy. Plus the trunk is very roomy. I once got three kids, two ice chests, 3 tents, 2 adults, a million blankets etc. and food in my car. Oh and tiki torches out the sun roof.

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  HAPPY PILOT OWNER - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MAXIMUS - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Pilot for about a month now. Just Love It! Traded in my Accord with 178,000 miles on it, and still going strong. Had to get another Honda, cant beat the quality. My wife and I both love to drive it. The best way I can describe the ride is it feels like you are "driving a Lazyboy". Alot of good features for the money. Lots of storgage. Nice sound system. Did alot of reasearch on SUVs and the Pilot ranks as one of the best. We are a Honda family and the Pilot is another fine example of the high quality, fine autombiles that we have come to expect from Honda. Go test drive one, youll have a hard time leaving without it!

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  Worth the wait - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Gta - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I was tempted by other sport utes like Explorer and Jeep Liberty but Im glad I held out. I couldnt be happier in my Pilot. While this is my first Honda product it certainly wont be my last. Nothing Ive driven comes close to the smoothness and feeling of quality. The Toyota Highlander was a close second but if you drive them back to back youll notice the Pilot is significantly larger and when similarly equipped is the better bargain as well. Ive heard a lot of complaining about the fuel economy but I haventt noticed that it is that bad,probably around 20 mpg. Not bad for a mid-size suv. Overall a great ride.