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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  Best car for the money, period - 2004 Honda Accord
  By STINGRAY - July 20 - 6:55 pm

  I love my Accord. I put on about 30,000 miles a year. I am around 155,000 currently. No major mechanical issues at all. Major cost are 50k, 100k and 150k scheduled maintenance at the Honda dealer. Brakes lasted 75k miles before replacement. Shocks lasted 140k before replacement. Still have orig. exhaust which is unheard of in NH. Very comfortable, sporty ride and performance. Perfect mix of sport and comfort. Liked much better then Camry or Maxima. Do not waste your money on a 3-series BMW! Accord V6 with leather - cant be beat.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Honda Owner - July 20 - 6:47 pm

  I have owned my Pilot for 8 months now and I love it. Its clean, comfortable, resourceful, and well built. I have not had any problems whatsoever. It is the smoothest drive and has lots of room, more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its great for traveling, camping, fishing, family and more. Everything is durable and well put together, even the engine looks clean and easy to work on if necessary. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone. I havent been so satisfied with my car like this ever. Before I owned 2 VW Jettas and had nothing but problems and I have never been happier with my Pilot.

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  Another great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Paulinflorida - July 20 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased an Accord EX-L 4dr, 4 cylinder automatic after looking at Camry, Mazda 626 and Ford Fusion. All around comfort in the Accord is heads above the others I looked at. The seats are comfortable for both front and rear passengers. Displays and control knobs are easy to reach and easy to operate. Ride is quiet and smooth on the highway and the 190hp engine provides more than enough accelleration merging into traffic. Honda also is willing to deal these vehicles, I got mine for $1100 under invoice, with some extras also added. If shopping for this size sedan, give the Accord a try, I do not think you will be disappointed.

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  Best in Class Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By cman - July 20 - 2:23 pm

  2006 EX-V6/AT We have a 2004 Accord and needed another car. Test-drove the new Camry, Acura TL, and IS350. All great cars,and honestly didnt want to have two of the same car, but there was really no comparison. The steering feel, performance, ergonomics and comfort of this vehicle cant be beat at this price point. The Camry is very quiet and has more rear seat room, but not nearly as fun to drive and lacks the same standard features. The 2006 is definitely more fun to drive, might be the drive-by-wire throttle but this Accord gives more steering response and the suspension is more sporty than the 2004 EX V6. Couldnt stop smiling driving it home from the dealership. No contest. Honda definitely improved steering feel and agility over 2004 model which was my main complaint back then.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By G*Luck - July 20 - 1:15 pm

  I bought my Accord new in 2000. It currently has 227,000 miles on it and still runs great. The car has always had the scheduled maintenance done by the dealer and I have only had to replace the alternator (2007) and the starter (2009). The gas mileage isnt fabulous but the quality, durability and reliability far exceeds my expectation for any car.

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  Great purchase - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Deborah - July 19 - 10:37 pm

  I bought this car for my oldest daughter with 60,000 miles and it now has 146,300 and is still going strong. I have always done all the recommended maintenance on it. The AWD feature is good in the snow or rain. It has lasted longer than I ever expected and has been a great investment. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  No complaints - 2003 Honda Civic
  By PA commuter - July 18 - 9:40 pm

  Sorry to hear about all the transmission problems. I have 83k on mine and no signs of auto tranny slippage. Averaging 35mpg city and 40+ highway. Ive found that if you drive above 70 on the highway, mpg declines dramatically. Bought the extended warranty in august of 2003 and never used it. Only complaint is that Im replacing the brake pads every 25k miles without intensive use.

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  Civics Rule - 2006 Honda Civic
  By cool124dude - July 18 - 5:33 pm

  I love the digital tier and it gives back when you give it gas. I can go 0- 100 km/h in about 4.0 which is really good for an 1.8L 140HP civic

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  Hybrid forever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gregory Kees - July 18 - 4:16 pm

  I have an 03 civic hybrid and I have almost 90,000 miles with no issues and the 2006 is more powerful and void of road noise and gets from 7 to 10 more miles to the gal than the 03. The navigation system is the best I have ever used. A great little luxury car for under $25,000. I added the optional fog lights and day night mirror. The mirror is very important because SUV and truck lights are blinding at night because the Civic is low to the ground.

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  Great Daily Driver Pick Up Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian - July 18 - 3:21 pm

  This is my second Ridgeline. I originally owned a 2006 RTS which I drove for almost 60,000 miles. I was going to buy the new 2009 body, but with the great deals they offered on the 2008 I opted to get it instead. I was able to get the loaded out leather, Navi, Moonroof RTL for what I originally paid for the 06 RTS. I was very pleased with the reliability and overall performance of the 06, which is why I decided to buy another one. In 60,00 miles the only thing I had fixed was a strut which was under warranty at the time. I drive a lot for a living so comfort is extremely important. I have owned a few trucks over the years and have never had one that drives as well as the Ridgeline.