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:

• 

  Paint - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By slmoody - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with paint chipping around the headlights, is anyone else experiencing this problem? Honda has already attempted 3 times to fix now for the 4th time paint is peeling off in the exact same spots.

• 

  Follow up-Four years later - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Josh - September 28 - 2:00 am

  60k miles later and I still love this truck. The only problems I have had in four years is the blower motor for the a/c and the recall for a wiring harness. This truck still drives like the day I bought it. The interior fit and finish is still tight and shows very little signs of wear. We have taken it on a few long trips from SC to NH this year and it has been a joy to drive. Very comfortable. Around town I am averaging 18 mpg. I am still on the original tires and brakes. No more maintenance than basic fluid/filter changes. Excellent value in my opinion.

• 

  The Car that refunds money at the pomp - 2010 Honda Insight
  By walt - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have 40,000 miles on the car now and drive 2000 to 7000 miles on trips. I would like a seat that is not so uncomfortable. But the 42 lo in town and 54 (as Hi as 57 hi) on the road is better than expected. On road trips it is always over 52 mpg. So, is it worth it? YES but comfort could improve. Also, a turbo or some additional power is needed.

• 

  Replacement Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By L-Willi - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 years old, and my old Civic which was 2001 got hit by a truck when it was parked outside of my house and totalled. We were shopping for a replacement car. It was between the Civic or the 2009 Toyota Corolla. We got a really good deal on my 2009 Civic. It only has 17,000 miles. I love it. It looks nicer and more up to date than the Corolla. Im glad we were able to get it. I just got it a few days ago so I cant report on the driving experience. So far I love driving it, and I love the auxiliary input. It handles very well. My only complaint, which I dont think should be changed because it makes the car what it is, is the hood is so short.

• 

  Satisfied - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Argie - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Accord and third Honda (I also own a Civic). After a year and five months, I can say that the results are good. It is a very comfortable car, the back seat is huge, ideal for long journeys (my two kids age 13 and 16 dont complain). I can even put two pairs of skis inside the car, no need for expensive add-ons. Reliability up to now has been OK, there is only a small rattle that comes from the right front seat head rest (when there is no one seating). In mi opinion, the seats are comfortable. Road noise could be less, but compared to my 2004 Civic is a huge improvement. I had no problems with brakes or paint, as some other reviews report. 4 Cyl engine is powerful enough.

• 

  Fun, fast and reliable - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Robert Smith - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is very sporty and fun to drive. The 6 speed is smooth and easy to shift. The 6 speed makes good use of the 3.5s power. Handling is great. This is a very tight and well put together car. Bought the car used with 16,000 on it and have not had a peep of problems. No brake issues at 22,000, guess Im lucky after reading some of the other reviews. This is my 4th Honda, 2 civics and 2 accords, and no complaints so far. For the money spent, this car lives up to the Honda reputation so far. I just have to say, in this price range, its hard to find another car that has better performance. The 3.5 6m is straight out of the acura line up and feels like it.

• 

  360,000 miles, like new - 1994 Honda Accord
  By MrKing - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car, purchased 12 years ago, never left me stranded at 360,000 miles. Very comfortable, very reliable, white paint still looks great, interior looks great. Very durable interior materials that really dont show any signs of wear at all, except maybe the floor mats. 5-speed is a must, original clutch after all these miles, shifts perfect. Recently replaced some wear and tear parts, radiator, stereo, ac compressor, timing belt (x2). Other than that it has never broke down, just maintenance. Although odometer stopped working about 3 weeks ago. About to get a new accord coupe, ill probably cry when i sell her though. Best relationship Ive ever had

• 

  Nice van, Poor quality on Motor. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kathy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The problem keeps coming back. My brother took his van for the recall, "got fixed". A week ago his van broke and he will fixed the transmission for the 3 time. My husband got me an Odyssey a month ago and I didnt want to exchange it because of the bad reputation it has. I was happy with my Nissan Quest it never gave me any problem for the 6 yrs that I own it. I keep the Odyssey because of the 4 doors, it has giving me some problems when I drive it, it loses power and one of the motor lights is now on. Its not a surprise, the mechanic says the transmission needs to be fixed. Ill not be surprise to hear their is a class action against Honda. Im selling mine, and wont be buying Hondas.

• 

  Best Gas Mileage Ever - 2009 Honda Fit
  By edwin delaney - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2009 Fit 13 months ago under the cash for clunkers program and have not reset the Avg MPG indicator yet. As of today it shows that my MPG avg from the day I bought is 40.0 MPG.It runs better than any car I have ever owned. And I have owned a lot of them .I bought my first car in 1946. It was a 1934 ford. If it wasnt for the Cash for Clunkers Program I would still be driving my old van getting around 17 MPG and it being in the repair shop too much.

• 

  Great Commuter - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rb - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a Fiesta and ended up with the Fit. The main factor in favor of the Fit was that it feels like a much bigger car on the inside. The Fiesta hatchback is claustrophobic and is tough to see out the back window. The Fiesta is quieter and has more bells and whistles (Sync). But the Fit has a much more flexible interior. I drive 50/50 highway/city and so far am averaging about 36 mpg. Mostly use to commute but can also fit my (2) kids and all their soccer gear. With one rear seat folded down I fit 4, 6ft soccer goals inside. Manual Shifter is great, and IPod/USB integration is nice. Also I was able to buy it used at a great price while the Fiesta is still new.