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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  Good decision so far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ShelbyJason - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased mostly due to high ratings across the board & Honda reliability although we purchased extended warranty after owning a Grand Cherokee. Exterior appearance is nice and comparable to luxury sedans for the price. Accord is sporty but also suited for family. Un- lit steering controls not a big deal once you get used to them. Wouldnt suggest the black interior since it always looks dirty and I like clean, but thats what silver comes with. Hard to rate reliability at this point but Ive owned a Civic for 6 years and have never had any problems. Test drove the Camry-made us feel like old people. Also Mazda-6- didnt like it or the dealership.

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  Awesome Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jason Goldman - January 17 - 10:00 am

  My family just purchased a 2004 honda accord v-6 sedan. We love it. It rides very smooth and is always comfortable. We sprung for the extra option by spreading the wood across the dash. We chose this car over the BMW 3-Series and are glad we did. We love everything about it. Everything from the smooth ride to the XM satelitte radio to the armrest in the back seat. WE LOVE THIS CAR! My family previously had a 98 Accord and we like the 04 Accord better.

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  2004 Honda Accord EX V-6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jeka - January 17 - 10:00 am

  As a family of mostly Toyota products including Lexus. This is our first Honda. We test drove many cars before deciding on the the Accord. We looked at the Toyota Corolla and Camry and Volkswagon Jetta, but liked the roomy interior and quietness of the Accord. Thsi car just felt right in all areas. We chose the V-6 over the 4cy - the extra power is worth the couple of miles per gallon overall. With slow break in - Our mileage is around 32mpg. The side air bags in the front & back are a must! Especially with children.

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  Exactly what I needed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 17 - 7:36 am

  My needs were simple; I am in a household where we typically need a second car from time to time. I wanted a car that delivered good MPG and was safe and reliable that I could pass on to my teenager in a few years. I looked at the compact and subcompacts from Chevrolet, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Saturn, Pontiac, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Mazda, Hyundai and Kia. The best compliment I can give the car is that I wouldve still bought for myself even if I didnt have a child approaching driving age. I really love driving it on my work commute. It really is a great car that is a much better value than the ones I listed above. Plus, it will be a dependable and safe "starter" car for my kid in a few years.

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  Transmission Issues BEWARE! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie Lyle - January 17 - 4:52 am

  We have had our Pilot Elite since August 2015. In the past month out of nowhere, we are also experiencing the chirping noise and shifting issue between 20-30 MPH. There are also issues with shifting and jerkiness at other speeds and the cruise control constantly fluctuates and jerks. We took the vehicle in to the dealer today and they admitted that this his a frequent issue they are seeing with the Elite and Touring models. They are going to put us in a rental and replace the transmission. I am not happy that my car that is barely a year old has to have a new transmission. We have always been Honda owners and have NEVER had a problem with our cars. This is beyond disappointing. I intend to contact American Honda and voice my concerns and open a case. If there are any further problems after this transmission is replaced, I will expect Honda to replace the vehicle. Other than issue we have loved the vehicle up until now.

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  My 2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn Duff - January 17 - 12:29 am

  Great dependable car! I came from a plush comfortable Car. At first the CRV was uncomfortable, but now I have adjusted. CRV is an excellent reliable Car! I give this Car a thumbs up!

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  Purchased 4 months ago, Follow-up Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jay - January 16 - 9:33 pm

  Ive owned the car for 4 months (4K miles) (See "This car has it all" review posted in March). Im very happy with my purchase so far. Im getting about 27 mpg, mostly highway and some city). Im glad I purchased the 4 cy. to save in gas. However, it doesnt handle like the 6cy. I recently drove a 4 Dr 4cy 2006 Accord and it corners a little better than my coupe. Acceleration is better than the 4dr and for the size of engine especially with Super in the tank. The interior design is the best part of the car. The car also handles very well on the highway and isnt bumpy The exterior design gets a lot of compliments. Havent had one issue with this car. Oil changes every 5k miles

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  My first new car is a honda :) - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Adrienne - January 16 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought this vehicle about a month ago. Coming from a 03 Chevy Silverado, this is much more comfortable and fun to drive. The gas mileage is amazing also. I used to have to fill up my Chevy twice a week. I fill up once a week just out of choice. I only use half the tank a week. UNBELIEVEABLE. This is a great buy, especially for soon-to-be moms. I bought the honda because I read about how safe they were and how efficient they were. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone.

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  First Accord Hybrid in Canada - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Barbara Fullerton - January 16 - 12:43 pm

  Dealer says I bought the 1st of this model in Canada. My purchase was for ethical reasons - concern for the environment. It gets about 9 km per 100 litres for city driving and about 6.5 km per litre on highway: about 850 km per tank. Promo said potential is 1000 km per tank. Empty tank takes ~ 54 litres (tho specs indicate it is larger.) Dashboard indicators help me drive in a way that conserves fuel. But, when I need power, it is THERE - LOVE it! (When I do not drive in the "eco" zone, my gas mileage goes up, of course.) My primary critique is that this technology was put only into a luxury model. I do not normally purchase leather, seat warmers, 6-CD changer, etc.

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  Great Car in a Mini Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sachit - January 16 - 11:40 am

  Its been just under 2 months since we had this 2005 OdysseyEX w L & Navi and have done about 2000 miles in driving. We drove from Philadelphia to Toronto and back with two toddlers, who were well entertained in the back seat and had very few complaints. The Navigation system helped find our way around in Ontario to which we were new. The Odyssey feels like driving an luxury SUV with its power and smooth ride. The only con is the fuel economy on long drives. I got 22 mpg as agint 25 to 28 which is listed in the specs.