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:

• 

  Best car I have ever owned! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jake C - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I drive about 20k per year. This car takes my lead-foot abuse and has been such a great car. Drove from Indiana to California and back through ice, wind, sleet, snow, hail, and desert heat. This little car is a trooper. I get about 40 mpg on highway, 30 in city. No problems so far. Car had 11k when purchased in April of 09 and now has 40k. Had to replace the brake pads at 20k which kinda irritated me, but the overall quality of this car makes up for it.

• 

  Great SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Family - November 7 - 1:00 am

  We love our new Pilot. We owned a 2006 Pilot and traded it for a 2009 Odyssey. It only took a year to figure out we are not a minivan family. So we traded for this and my wife couldnt be happier! Great lines and well laid out interior. Couldnt get much better of a vehicle in our opinion

• 

  Good Car, But Far from Perfect - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Marin Driver - November 7 - 1:00 am

  The 2011 Accord is rated at 34 mpg/highway. Im averaging 27.5 for mostly highway driving. Unlike my 2003 Camry, there are no cargo hooks in the truck, and the trunk carpet is one-sided only. In contrast, the trunk carpet in my Camry is two-sided, with rubber on one side - a must have for carrying potting soil, bags of cement, etc. And unlike my Camry, the Accord lacks a tray for 1-gallon jugs of milk. The installation of cargo hooks and a cargo net in the Accords truck requires rivets and a lot of work. Most people will have to pay the dealer, which is expensive. The cargo net is not as good as the Camrys, as its not very deep, cant hold heavy loads, and fits fewer grocery bags.

• 

  Good quality too much cabin noise - 2010 Honda Accord
  By James Brunskill - November 7 - 1:00 am

  We are happy with the quality of the car and the color combinations that are available over previously owned Camrys. A bit more sportier. Very disappointed with road noise in the cabin of the vehicle and squealing brake noise on occasion. Will look back to Camry next time and include a look at Sonata and Ford Fusion before buying.

• 

  3rd Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By STLAdam - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Best Accord yet. Low comfort ratings? For who? mini me? This car could not be more comfortable. The deck lid spoiler is a must to complete the rear. Voice commands, navi and many other geeked out toys on this bad boy are better than what my BMW friends have. Some say too many buttons...I say give me more! Its 2010 more buttons are coming anyway. Very classy car.

• 

  Not quite the Accord it used to be - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tom H - November 7 - 1:00 am

  This my 4th, and worst, Accord (I had a 98, 02, and 07). The Accord has never been quiet, but this one seems loud at all speeds, with an ever-present booming sound in the cabin (ANC?). The ride has improved, but its still quite firm. It handles fine, but the steering feels dull and spongy on-center which is unusual for an Accord. Power from the I4/5AT is mediocre. Its fine at part-throttle, but always feels flat-footed when you push it. The interior is big and well-arranged, with a large, comfy back seat. The front seats are the worst of any Accord yet (the 07 had the best) because the headrest pushes my head forward uncomfortably. Terrible sound system, even my 02 sounded better.

• 

  198,000 Owned for 164 Months! - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By chrissy - November 6 - 2:00 am

  198,000 miles 14 years later. This was my first and only "new" vehicle. I dont want another "new" one. Dependable! Dependable! Dependable! We have taken care of her--timing belts replaced (preventative maintenance) at 63,000 and 146,000. At 198k now, we are planning another belt at 219k---without a doubt! A few years ago, in the winter, I let her warm up for about 20-30 minutes. Mistake! she blew a tiny o ring. oil everywhere. I shut her down. got her to the shop/ paid hundreds for the repair. The door locks have a mind of their own-so what. The valve cover gasket was replaced a few years ago and around 1999 we had to replace a seal in a tail light. She is awesome!

• 

  A Family Hauler - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By P33B - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Odyssey new in April 2000. Had a 92 Chrysler minivan previously which was the most unreliable vehicle ever. Have 4 kids and needed something large. Now has 113,000 miles, extremely reliable (routine maintenance only) except for transmission. Replaced transmission last year at 105,000 miles. Honda split the cost based on extended warranty for transmission. Sliding doors stick in wet weather. 16-18 MPG city, 22-25 MPG highway at 70-75 MPH. Reasonable for a heavy vehicle. Still solid with no squeaks or rattles. Dont use to too often anymore but it runs great. Own three other Hondas and Odyssey has been just as reliable.

• 

  Not Bad for an Econobox - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Truck Dude - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I "traded down" from a Titan and 1 year/ 22k later, I am very pleased. I average 30 MPH in mixed driving, 36 MPG on the interstate at 80MPH with AC. The car handles VERY well. Its smooth with minimal body roll. In dry weather, it can stick to a 25mph cloverleaf at 55mph, no sweat. I dont like the sound of most 4cyls, but the R18 actually sounds pretty good. Do not expect this car (1.8 + auto) to be a rocket. It will move if you mash it past 3.5k, but at a serious fuel cost. There is minimal rolling resistance, so it is easy to glide up to and hold cruising speeds to save gas without any "hypermiling" nonsense. The interior is generally ergonomically correct, and can accommodate 4 adults.

• 

  Eyes catching car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Edward - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Always drive 6 cylinder cars, first time with 4 cylinders vehicle and I am happy with the performance and most importantly, the gas mileage. I have seen so far none 2011 Accord on the street of Atlanta metro (of course there are some but I havent seen yet) the tail lights are very well designed, much more classy than the 2010. Love it!