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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  unreliable with poor service! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By george39 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Owned car for 3 weeks/600 miles. Taken to shop twice for a/c problems. The SECOND visit found a leak in the system and parts are on nationwide backorder. Will not have car for weeks. Dealer refusing to provide loaner or rental. Purchased at Sierra Honda of Monrovia, and also taken there for first repair (which was inadequate). Now sitting at Honda of Santa Monica.

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  Best of the Mid-Size - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gerrym - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Driven only a few weeks but extremely satisfied. Look forward to driving on trip---acceleration, handling, steering. comfort, navi system, all top drawer. No problems to date and absolutely love the car. Looked at Maxima, Lexus ES300, Camry XLE,BMW, and Mercedes C series.all having plus and minuses. Bottom line---the Accord EX V6 can stay will all of them for up to $10,000 less hit on the wallet.

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  Driving with confidence - 2003 Honda Accord
  By 03EX - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 96Â’ Passat. Once it reached 100k miles, it seemed that any little thing that could go wrong didÂ… except for the engine. I chose the 03Â’ Accord over the Passat primarily for reliability. Of course, if it were not for the new body style I would have never considered the car. IÂ’ve had the car for almost two weeks and enjoying it very much.

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  My Experiances - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mel - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Everythings PERFECT!!! Eccept exterior styling.

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  Great job done for 2003 Honda Accord 2.4 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Chuck - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Engine that gives a great speed and performance with amazing fuel efficiency and the best interior design. Excellent build quality.

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  Most Annoying Honda to Drive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Douglas - December 12 - 1:53 am

  Weve had our 2008 Honda Accord V-6NAVL for over a year now. The dealership has been unable to correct the vibration and noise that occurs at certain speeds (e.g., 25 mpg, 35 mph, 45 mph). It seems to be a combination of the transmission upshifting too soon and the engine. The sound and vibration is very similar to what happens when a manual transmission is shifted into a higher gear at a too low rpm. The result is that the noise and vibration make the car annoying to drive at certain speeds. Love the car design inside and out. Hate the engine and transmission. Just waiting to dump the car after 2 years.

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  Steering - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Richard - December 11 - 11:00 pm

  The 2005 Honda CRV fwdr constantly pulls to the right when accelerating. This means that you must hold the steering wheel to the left to go straight. I am pursuing lemon law for not being told by Honda of this defect.

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  Looks Great and Drives Great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Liz - December 11 - 2:16 pm

  I just bought my first new car, a Honda Civic LX Coupe (automatic) and I love it. I am 510 and there is lots of leg room in both the front and back. The front seats are good size considering its a small car. It drives very smooth and it is also very quiet. Takes bumps really well.

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  Get it if you want it - 2005 Honda Civic
  By j - December 11 - 12:46 am

  The interior needs to be updated. The radio/cd area is boring and lacks a fun design. The clear coat comes off easy, I already have a chip on my hood. Fun to drive, easy to customize. Needs a rear wing, and tinted windows. Low noise in the interior, good control, great on gas on the highway. No so much in the city.

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  Dissappointing - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Webb - December 10 - 1:13 pm

  This is our second time purchasing a Honda odyssey and I must say this will be our last. We have had nothing but constant problems. At 24,000 miles, Honda has replaced the breaks & had to turn the rotors twice to fix a grinding noise. Wind noise from the front windshield has resulted in 4 attempts from the dealership to resolve the problem. They finally got it right by replacing the windshield. This vehicle destroys tires! Our first set of Michelins only lasted 18,000 miles. Honda would not help us out even though we rotated and balance the tires every 3,000 miles.Our GPS went out at 12,000 miles and had to be replaced. There have been so many recalls on this vehicle it is comical.