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:

• 

  EX-L V6 Accord Coupe is Upscale, Sporty, Reliable and Even Hot! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By tcarstar - January 8 - 12:37 pm

  The 2011 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 looks great outside and inside. The exterior looks upscale and sporty like an entry-level luxury car. The handling is tight and sporty. The black leather interior looks sporty and upscale. Its hot! The Accord coupe exterior looks different than the sedan. I would compare the V6 Accord Coupe more to an Infinity or Acura than a Camry, Fusion or Sonata sedan. We also own a loaded 2010 Camry XLE sedan to compare against. The Camry has a more comfortable, quiet and luxurious ride, but the Accord V6 Coupe is more sporty and hot looking inside and out. The Honda Accord is super reliable, so you always have dependable transportation and no headaches. Its a good buy.

• 

  Hybrid in disguise - 2004 Honda Civic
  By illili - January 7 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car because I commute too many miles a week for a 4.0 v6 to cut it. I drove the car back from Chesapeake VA to the top corner of Pennsylvania and it drove wonderfully. The gas mileage is superb I get mid-upper 40s in my area (This will vary greatly for anyone looking to buy one based on elevation changes on driving route, habits, ethanol in gas, etc.) during the dead of winter. The comfort is just about the same as my truck, however Im more into functionality than luxury when it comes to vehicles, so if you need clouds to sit on, this isnt your car. The car has little passing power unless you shift down a few gears, but thats not what its designed for.

• 

  DO NOT BUY - 2009 Honda Civic
  By txsco - January 6 - 8:31 pm

  I usually keep cars 6-10 years got rid of this after one year, 7500 miles. Why? In a little over 12 months, car was in the shop four times-twice for Check IMA light, once for Check Engine light, once because entire drivers side window assembly failed-the whole thing, window, frame, motor for electric window. Vehicle was dangerously slow, and gas mileage was much worse than advertised(maybe because of the constant computer updates-see Edmunds forum for more info). Ive owned some really bad cars over the years-anyone remember the Chevy Monza?-but this was by far the worst.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 1992 Honda Accord
  By megsiep52 - January 6 - 3:34 pm

  I bought my accord with 219k miles on it a few months ago and it now has 236k miles on it. had to bleed the clutch, but it runs great. Leaks a little oil, but its 18 years old and the leak is minimal at best. I love driving this car and even though I have a 1999 dodge minivan, Id rather drive my accord and I trust the honda much more than the newer van. Great purchase! still retains more value than models 10 years newer! Love my car!!!k miles on it just a few months ago. Had to bleed the clutch, but since then, regular ROUTINE maintenence and it runs awesome. Ive

• 

  Gas Guage - 1999 Honda Passport
  By taboo2 - January 6 - 2:46 pm

  Great vehicle. Just had mine fixed under the recall. wondered how many Passports have problems with their fuel gauge. Mines out and the one at work is out

• 

  Disappointed Honda Owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By nohondamom - January 6 - 12:34 pm

  Purchased a 2003 Honda Odyssey in Fall 2002. I started having trouble with it after 100,000 miles. All maintenance were kept up. Transmission was the major problem. I had to replace it twice within 1 month (had to pay about $1500, while Honda covered the rest). Then a year later I was told the transmission was leaking. Shift Solenoids A and B Gaskets had to be replaced, luckily it was still under warranty. Now Jan 2011, I found out my transmission has a leak again with other major issues. Im told the cost of repair is not worth it. The car is almost 180,000mile. Extremely disappointed that it could not make it to 200,000miles.Told it should last well over 200,000.Will not buy Honda again!

• 

  Ride - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By gdion - January 5 - 8:06 pm

  I like my pilot I was excited to get it but I am disappointed in the ride. It seems that when you take it above 55 mph it has a vibration just enought to annoy you while your driving. I have taken my Pilot back several times, it has 3000 miles on it, they have replace the tires, rims, reblanced and road balanced the tires and it still there. Unfortunatley I have made a complaint to Honda and hopefully they will help me out. If any of you have the same problem please let me know but it seems like I may have a LEMON!

• 

  No other like it - 2011 Honda Element
  By gvlivingaz - January 5 - 12:47 pm

  This is my second Element. I traded in my first after losing my dog. Unfortunately I equated the car with the dog. Later I found out I missed the Element so much I had to have another. Traded in my leased MB ML350 early when I found out the Element was going to be discontinued. The versatility is unmatched. You may not think it, but this is a very comfortable car on a long trip. No back ache like I got from some of my other vehicles. On first two fill-ups got 25 MPG. Take the back seat out and youve got quite a hauler. I also like the fact that you can flip up the back seats to the side if you have to and haul a large payload in an emergency.

• 

  Pleasant Surprise, Insight on the Rise - 2010 Honda Insight
  By luna9 - January 5 - 7:54 am

  I came about the 2010 Insight EX-Navi while searching for a new Honda Accord. Being in the market for a quality sedan with decent mpg and storage, I was surprised to learn that the Insight was priced so reasonably ... and had excellent storage capacity. To be honest I completely forgot about the re-release of this Honda hybrid (Prius has earned the preeminent hybrid spotlight). However, the Honda Insight deserves more than a second glance with its svelte interior, responsive driving experience, and higher-than-stated EPA actual gas mileage. Price all of these features a minimum of $2,200 kess AND put in a Honda package you can trust and youve got a steal for a hybrid hatchback under $20k.

• 

  Disgusted with gas mileage - 2010 Honda Accord
  By driveon2 - January 4 - 12:10 am

  I have owned Hondas for the past 20 years so when it was time to by a new car I naturally decided to get a Honda Accord LXP 4 Cylinder. I liked the looks of the car, it drove nice and I thought that with a 4 cylinder I would get pretty good gas mileage. Boy was I wrong! The fuel effeciency has been extremely poor 16-18 mpg in town and a combined Highway & City of 22 mpg. If I had to do it over Im not sure I would buy a Honda again.