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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  accord v-6 auto. 04 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By iiaftomcat - January 6 - 11:16 pm

  Very good car overall. Purchased this car last December and have been reasonably pleased with it albeit with a few caveats: The car is not as "quiet" as it should be. Road noise is excessive and additional undercoating did not help matters. Handling is very good. Good sedan, but this is no sports sedan. Engine is nice and the pick up is excellent, although I dont particularly care for steering wheel vibration during idling which the dealer claims to be normal. Fit and finish are good, with a few cheap touches around the back of the front seats. Finally, the two recalls (first the transmission and now the airbag) have me seriously concerned about the quality control at Honda.

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  Definitely an AMAZING car!! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By stevie333 - January 6 - 7:34 pm

  My dad bought me my Honda Passport EX 4WD in September 2008, it is my first car. I love this car very much, it seems to be very dependable and it is a great looking car. We bought it with 112000 miles on it. We had a huge snow storm and this car made it through it perfectly! I was shocked! I couldnt believe how well the 4WD worked! Definitely a great car for $7000. Honda Passports are great!

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  Solid Car but low resale - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy - January 6 - 7:00 pm

  Rides great, ridiculous mpg, I get 32 mpg to work and back. Going 70 mph on cruise I get 38. :) Nice smooth clutch, unlike the old flimsy Honda clutches. The only thing wrong with the stereo is that you need to replace the speakers and it will sound great for under $100. If it ever gets wrecked Ill be safe and Ill get another one, just not the new body.

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  2008 As Is Honda CRV 174,000 - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Deborah Jones - January 6 - 6:30 pm

  The mileage is too high for year of car. Overall and general maintenance not done for a long time. Needs 4 new tires (now bald), an entire engine break job (but only 3 calipers??), recharging and re-assessment of AC (compressor okay), oil change, transmission fluid level change, etc - otherwise it is a Honda.

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  Dont get this car in Pearl or with Leather - 2009 Honda Accord
  By JavierDiaz4 - January 5 - 7:56 pm

  I love my accord. Its my third accord actually. But this one must was the black sheep of them all. I have a discolored rear pearl bumper that I have become accustomed to. Looks the worst when it rains since the car is pearl white. The bumper is more like a creamy color. But now the inside is bugging me, the arm rest looks like junk, the leather is bubbling up really, really bad. Soon its going to all become lifted off. Theres actually websites talking about this issue all around the web. Honda says its not covered by warranty. They quote me a price, which is over 20% more expensive than I can get online. Why would they charge to fix this since its obviously a quality issue.

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  Great car. Ugly as sin. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dan Moore - January 5 - 4:46 pm

  Love the car overall. Interior is nice and all the features are within reach. Snappy response and is smooth and quite even at 115 mph. Kids dont try this at home.

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  A garage salers DREAM VEHICLE! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mallow1 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Weve driven this 5,000 miles so far, and are very pleased with the Pilot. The only problems so far are the uncomfortable headrests, and the fact that the seats dont recline fully as they do in a Dodge Caravan. We bought Honda for its name, though, because weve had good luck with them in the past - our 1991 Honda Accord has 250,000 miles on it and is still going strong!

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  UH-OH TRANNY PROBS :-( - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bonorch1 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 2 1/2 YEARS.ON VACTION IN JULY THE TRANSMISION STARTED SLIPPING AT HWY SPEEDS AND OVER THE COURSE OF A WEEK STARTED TO SLIP WHILE SHIFTING.THE TRANSMISION WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRENTY WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISION.I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER I WAS GETTING A NEW TRANS AND THAT HONDA NEVER USES REMANUFACTURED UNITS.WHEN I GOT THE PAPER WORK IT SAID REMANUFACTURED.WHEN I ASKED HIM HE SAID HE NEVER TOLD ME THAT EVEN THOUGH MY WIFE AND SON HERD HIM SAY IT.BUT THEY CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT BECAUSE ITS UNDER WARRENTY.THIS CAR HAS ONLY 18,000 MILES ON IT.ITS BEEN A WEEK WITH THE NEW TRANS SO FAR SO GOOD.

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  Nothing special, it will get you there - 2004 Honda Accord
  By My1stHonda - January 4 - 10:13 am

  I purchased this car new and have had no real problem with it. It handles well, gets decent gas mileage, and can be quite comfortable if you like a firm seat. On the downside, there is quite a bit of road noise, and wind noise. Honda should use more sound dampening material. Also, the backlight for the drivers heated seat switch died after 18 months, seat still heats up though. I still do not understand why the steering wheel controls do not light up on the steering wheel, this can be annoying when driving at night. I have the gray leather and the drivers seat has cracked after only 2 years. Seems to be a low quality leather.

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  Handy - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dad - January 4 - 12:36 am

  I have 14K on my Ridgeline RTX. Thus far the swing out tailgate latch and the rear seat vent have broken. Otherwise OK. I have towed boats and trailers with no problems. Brakes work well while towing but fuel mileage drops to 10 MPG or less. Shifts a lot even without a trailer - very annoying. I think the engine could handle it if the tranny would wait to drop out of high gear. I noticed torque steer when passing, it surprised me and made me swerve. Trunk is awesome. Drives and parks like a car. Fuel mileage is only so-so. Averaging 17-18 and 19-20 on hwy. Functionally the truck is great. Its kind of ugly and my buddies make lots of fun but its really practical and does what I need it to do.