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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  beautiful full controlling style car #1 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 19 - 10:16 am

  Hits corners better than the older 88- 91 civic and looks better than any car on the road right noW!

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  Design Defect of Front Springs - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Ed C. - January 19 - 2:46 am

  The steering on my brand new 2009 2WD Pilot was pulling to the right the first day off the lot. At first, I thought it was the road, but the pull was consistent on all road surfaces. After calling the dealer, I discovered that Honda did not redesign the springs for the all-new 2009 Pilot, and as a result, the alignment problems are becoming prevalent. Heres the problem: the 2009 models have more weight distribution in the front compared to 2008 models, and heavier springs should have been used. The dealer indicated they needed Honda approval to fix the problem. The fix consists of replacing the right front spring with a rear spring from a 2009 4WD model.

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  Great family van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof4 - January 18 - 12:30 pm

  Drives Great! Has a lot of fun features for the kids, we love the DVD with the cordless headsets, we can drive and the kids can watch a movie and we dont have to hear it!Great design, dashboard controls are easy to us, and seats are comfy! This is our 2nd Odyssey and our 4th Honda! They are the best...Test drive one today, they are the BEST van out there (trust me, we tried them all)!!

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  Brakes Squeal All the time - 2009 Honda Accord
  By geibelkj - January 18 - 9:46 am

  I would not recommend this car. My 2009 accord has 6000 miles and I have painfully squealed my way there. I have been to the dealer 4 times for buffing the rotors, replacing the rotors, replacing the front brake pads and each time after a few days the loud piercing squeal is back. Called American Honda Cust Service and they say that they are unaware of any problems. The dealer says there isnt a problem and that brakes do make a little noise. (I can hear it over my radio blasting, trying to drown it out!!!) This has been a horrible experience and I will not purchase from Honda again.

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  NFL coach First Honda! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By David Merritt Sr. - January 18 - 8:13 am

  (Former NFL player & now NFL coach) This was my FIRST every Honda vehicle! My wife and I purchased the car from Hamilton Honda in NJ. The service was unreal and by the time we stepped into the vehicle, we were blown away! Its roomy, nice looking and powerful enough to dart out into this crazy NJ traffic! Unlike other cars on the road today, this car looks totally different in a good way. We had one of the first Ford Expeditions in Charlotte, NC in the fall of 1996 and people were looking at us like we were aliens. The same thing is happening to us again with the Honda Crosstour! Im 62" 250lbs and I have no problem riding behind the drivers seat at my setting! GREAT car!!!!

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  Whats Not To Like? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JeromeGiraffe - January 17 - 6:50 pm

  This car never lets me down. Excellent quality build, decent performance for the size of engine and fabulous gas mileage. I am very pleased with this car, wish Id been driving Hondas for the past 30 years instead of a series of disapointing North American vehicles.

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  Watch out of 05s Issues - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mommy-Van Driver - January 17 - 12:06 pm

  I love my van as far as features, roominess, etc. but Ive had continual problems with grinding brakes. The dealership FINALLY resealed around windshield to rid wind noise, plastic around glove-box, leg area gets VERY easily "bummed" up. I would not recommend an 05 to anyone. In general its a great van but the new model has had way to many quirks for me. My 9 year old Ford Windstar could beat this van up as far as durability, now special features it does rate tops. Considering trading my 05 for an 06 hoping theyve fixed the quirks.

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  Accessories for a great car - 2003 Honda Element
  By pancho-villa - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Some reviewers have commented on high price of element accessories, like the guy who paid $615 for a hitch. Try this: my local dealer will meet the prices at www.cheaphondaparts.com and the sales tax (6%) is less than the shipping from SF. The part packaging includes complete instructions. You will find, since these are "dealer installed" that the installation is simple. I installed the remote entry receiver in less than 5 min. My local U-Haul dealer quoted $131 for a 1500# hitch installed plus $18 for the wiring harness. Bets $615 for something Honda doesnt manufacture anyway.

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  Civic Made Better With Valve Adjustment - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Rjay - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Good car made great by a recent (24000 mile) valve adjustment.

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  Fully Satisfied - 2004 Honda Civic
  By series1 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Im very satisfied with my 04 coupe.. I havnt seen another one on the road yet. I used Edmunds to locate a good dealer. Once there, we spent only five minutes on the price. Ive been enjoying my Civic ever since.. Its had absoulutly no problems. I love it and would recommend it to anyone!