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 does it again! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By gstavros - April 13 - 9:19 am

  This is my 4th Honda. I love the solid feel of a Honda. It feels different than anything else on the road. Ive had the Accord Coupe for about a month now. It drives about like I expected - super, but the big surprise has been the interior space. I am 62" and from the front seat, the cabin spreads up, out and down and envelopes me in comfort. The handling and braking are outstanding, and acceleration for a 4-cylinder is very nice. The complaint some have about the buttons is something I dont understand. I had them figured out in a day. But yeah, if you want big, toy-like dials, this isnt the car for you. Great trunk space and visibility for a coupe too.

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  Love my Honda, but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bj789 - April 13 - 12:20 am

  For an economy car, its pretty nice. My last two cars were German and their reliability issues drove me to Japanese dependability, but man were Germans a blast to drive. And while Im still happy with the Honda, there are some issues Im now suffering. Mainly performance issues. Otherwise, its functional, reliable, efficient and gets me from A to B with little worry. Most of my driving is in the city, and it zips around in traffic fairly well. I would not recommend as a highway commuter.

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  1998 Honda Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By arcticman1 - April 12 - 11:00 pm

  I have not been very happy with this car. From the paint peeling to the door handles breaking and wiper motors not working. Now at 155k, a deep knock in the engine (most likely a rod) Im done with Honda!

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  Bad transmissions - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rmars1 - April 12 - 9:56 pm

  Starting at 35K I serviced the transmission every 15k at the dealers recommendation. About three years ago while the car was still in warranty I complained to the dealer about the car shifting had and jerking at stops when cold, the dealer said that was normal and didnt write it on the service ticket and said it was almost due for a trans fluid service. Now the transmission is lurching at stops and stalling in intersections. Honda has offered very little in the way of assistance and jacks up to price of the replacement transmission to compensate. Essentially they make you do an abnormal amount of costly service to keep their defective transmission working while in warranty.

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  I HATE THIS CAR!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By chloebee - April 12 - 8:00 am

  I hate this car and this has been the worst car buying experience ever. My first car note and Im so unhappy. This was my first "supposedly new" Honda. I had two in the past that were excellent. The brakes are bad, bad, bad!!! I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone!!! I participated in the class action law suit and received a refunds after having brakes changed four times. I purchased my car in March 2009 and Ive spent entirely too much time the dealership and of course, brakes are not covered under the warranty. Im so disappointed with this car and would like something else.

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  Love this Car!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By cobraboy1 - April 12 - 12:54 am

  I absolutely love this little coupe! I bought it when I was unemployed for a year and needed something to drive that would be economical, inexpensive, and fuel effeciency. It has done all of things and more. Its comfortable, handles well, and is fun to drive. I bought my 1998 Civic with 95k miles, it now has 115k after 10months of absolutely flawless ownership. Just maintence costs and gas. I get 34mpg in mixed driving and 38mpg highway. cheap alternative no more, Im a civic believer.

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  OMGosh - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By believe - April 12 - 12:14 am

  Weve owned Hondas since the 70s. This is by far the nicest, smoothest riding, quietest, vehicle we have ever owned. There is no problem at all merging into traffic, and there are no blind spots. We love the little wing window, the sterio is so easy to use. I can drive all day in these comfy seats. So much room for storage. I see where there are a few complaints with the exterior design, we find that funny. The exterior design, in our opinion is simply beautiful. Honestly, really take a good look at this van and compare it to others. Ill take this over the others in a heart beat. My brother and his wife said its like riding in a luxury car. We have to agree. Drive one!

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  Will never buy another Honda in my life - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By biyanka - April 11 - 5:30 pm

  I have bought this Van and another Toyota auto in the same year, both brand new. I have never been happy with the Van and I had heart burn every time I used that Van. I have rarely used it to reduce my anger and hate towards my Van, and now after more than 6years it has only 25K miles. The rear vent stopped working for years. It makes more noise than a dump trunk, and you feel like you are driving a piece of junk. I will never buy another Honda, and I always advice people not to buy Honda even in their dreams. I will not won one even if I am offered a Honda for free. I do not want constant heart burn.

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  Practically Bulletproof!!! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By william621 - April 11 - 8:53 am

  I love this car! I bought this car new late 90 and its been a daily driver for over 20 years. I put 225,000 miles on it, changed the oil every 5,000 miles and other routine maintainence. I had a few oddball things I had to replace from time to time but nothing horrible. It still has the original clutch! I actually had to buy a muffler a few years back, and I was so use to nothing ever giving out on the car that I kind of resented it! This car never left me on the side of the road and it started every time I turned the key! The seats have no tears, dash is without cracks, electric windows and sunroof still work. Just traded it for a certified pre-owned 07 Accord with 31,000 miles. Rock on!

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  I LOVE MY 2011 ODYSSEY - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By pithpress1 - April 11 - 3:56 am

  I traded in my 2001 Odyssey for the 2011 model... I had already owned a 2010 for over a year. I love that car. I read where reviewer keep claiming that it is not a luxury car... what ELSE can they stick in the car? "gold bars"? It seems so much more "roomier" than the 2010 (and I love that car as well). All of the electronic gadgets are wonderful. I have made many long-distance drives and have truly enjoyed the experience. I just dont understand all the complaints about the external styling... What do you want, just the "box on wheels" look? When the two cars are side by side, I ask everybody, which do they like more, the 2010 or the 2011 style... the 2011 wins!