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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  update ........30.000 mi - 2009 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - May 6 - 2:26 pm

  Have now driven 30.000 miles with it and it still drives as new.Also got a average of 41 mpg and sometimes 45 mpg,not bad for a gas car!! Just get 43 psi in your tires and i added some body panels under the car,helps to. The only thing i dont like about this car is the automatic transmission,shifts to much when i dont want it to,see they solved it on the new model,with a stronger torq converter.Its something i can live with,not a reason to sell it with these gas prices!

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  Its a tank - 1999 Honda Accord
  By joe5hunter - May 5 - 10:55 am

  I love this car its a tank it has taken abuse that any normal car would have crapped out and given up lol. I got this from my older brother who got it from my dad we have put 160,000 miles on this car and it runs!!!!! and runs good this thing could tell one hell of a story... I would recommend this car to anyone i love my honda it has never broken down or crapped out on me gas milage is great has original motor and trans we kept up on oil changes fluid changes and have had no problems normal wear and tear stuff but nothing major was replaced.

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  Fit is still the best B-segment car (but for how long) - 2011 Honda Fit
  By mhadden1 - May 5 - 10:47 am

  This thing is a blast to drive, has respectable mpgs (above EPA estimates), and has more space than anyone could guess from the outside. Although the materials in the cabin are decent, it wont take you long to see they are relatively cheap. Youll also notice the "small" things that you may be use to are not present (heated mirrors, adjustable intermittent wipers). Small gripes, but noticeable. The manual trans shifts smoothly, but a 6th gear is needed to bring the rpms at 60mph below 3k. The Fit is still nice, but other cars are catching up to it (material quality and options, not to mention lower priced). The question is whether or not they will match Hondas long-term reliability...

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  Disappointed - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondafam3 - May 4 - 8:27 pm

  This is a follow-up to my initial review. I now have 3,500 miles on my coupe and experienced the oil burning issue that Ive noted in the comments of others re the VCM engine. My car burned a quart in 3,500 miles. Took it to the dealer. They called Honda and Honda said that up to 1 quart of oil usage per 1,000 miles is within an acceptable range. This is my 4th Honda. The first 3 never experienced this problem. Had Honda disclosed to me that I should expect the VCM engine to use a quart of oil every 3,500 miles I wouldnt have bought the car. The dealer offered no solution other than for me to call Honda and repeat their effort. Im not optimistic and am very unhappy with my purchase.

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  Why Merecedes pulled out of Alabama - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By blocknailhead - May 4 - 4:01 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems from the get go(currently 33K miles). - Gap in dashboard repaired - Third row seat back came loose 3 times - Windhield washers nozels broke twice - Defective Front stabilizer linkage - Side mirror turn signal inoperative - Power seat track jerky - replaced -Cargo latch cover replaced - Starter System Light on - reset once. The second time they discovered washer fluid leaking onto a computer behind the dash. - Check Emmision System light on at 33000 mi - TMV-4 Light on at 33000 mi. Also keep in mind the required Honda service intervals (AKA maintenance minder) if not kept up your warantee is void. This maintenance is about $750/ yr.

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  Luxuary - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By manu5 - May 3 - 12:24 pm

  We just bought and it drives and feels like a luxury car not like a minivan. I am glad I waited to buy the minivan. This is a great minivan. Turned away from Sienna since its interior looked very plastic and cheap.

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  3rd Accord...Great Car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jackd990 - May 2 - 11:57 am

  My wife and I previously owned 1989 LX (165k+ miles) and 1998 LX V-6 with leather, wood and remote lock options (200k+ miles). Also have extensive driving experience with 1990-93 series, 1994-1997 series and a 2003 EX V-6. Have driven Camrys, Altimas and Sonatas. Purchased 2011 EX-L 4 cyl end of Feb. Already have 3500+ miles on it, with highway trips up to 3 hrs duration. Can tell that Hondas folks have been spending time in German cars. Firm European ride, firm and supportive seats (we like both) and acceptable road noise (its an Accord!). Drives like smaller car...handles well, loves curves and steering is very direct. Brakes are comparable to 98s (very good).

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  2011 Honda Element EX 4x4 5SD AT - 2011 Honda Element
  By mcc12 - May 1 - 10:14 pm

  Excellent Vehicle in so many ways. Great design with the Honda badge. This is my 4th Honda dating back to 1977. Wide open design allows for a great view of the road and all the way around. Tall enough to actually see a lot of sky while driving making the view exceptional. Very easy access for a guy of 50 years old. No twisting your back up to access a smaller or lower car. Very roomy interior, great driving position. It is actually quite comfortable on a longer drive. Tons of room in the back for most anything that does not require a truck to haul. I honestly think for the money this is the most well designed vehicle mae. I sure hate to see production stop on these little gems.

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  Honda Ya SOLD me.....Again - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By billbert - April 30 - 7:33 pm

  Traded my 10 civic exl navi for 11 LX 4WD ..Our 20th honda since 19804..Great bang for the buck (lease)..Does it all well so far.. Looking forward to miles of smiles.. getting 17 -20 so far..guessing to 25 on trips...Nice comfortable supportive seats.. 8 pass ..quiet for a suv/truck.600 a year less to insure than civic...wife loves it and has no problem wheeling it around..exact same length width as out 06 shorty caravan... nicely optioned /bult and quality for 359 month 3yr/36k lease... have had 2 burbs/ 4 runner/blazer..my guts feeling is this will top em all..will tow 4500 lb s too!!! IMO looks great in white also..I dont think I d swap my brother for his Platinum Sequoia at 55k for value

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  11 years later, still in love - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jimmert - April 29 - 7:02 pm

  This was my first car I ever owned and I got it while I was in college. It has 92K miles currently and I think it can go another 11 years and 100k easily. I did have to rebuild the transmission 2 years ago due to my lazy upkeep and the short stop-n-go trips I had to work and back. I decided to go ahead with the expense because of the sentimental reasons and during the past 2 years its been real reliable since I moved farther away from work its now a 12 mile hw commute instead of 3. The weatherstripping along the doors has cracked exposing the chrome below due to the car being parked in the sun most of the time. Still this car has been awesome, 32-35mpg and I enjoy driving it everyday.