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 and Bad - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By supernerd - August 20 - 12:58 pm

  I am very thankful that this vehicle has side curtain airbags for all 3 rows. My family experienced a major side impact accident and they worked beautifully. Ill only buy vehicles with side airbags for ALL 3 rows from now on. That being said, this has not been the best vehicle. We had the power steering go out twice which was not covered under regular warranty (thank goodness for the extended warranty). I also had the brake pedal go down to the floor once and nearly didnt stop us in time. That was fixed under recall. Also, we were lucky to get 14 mpg in town and the dealer told us that was normal. Great driving vehicle but with these type of issues I wont buy again.

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  Good work car. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By ETB - August 20 - 11:39 am

  Good work car, getting 26 mpg in city. Dislike the 2 level dash, but hey, its a work car. Honda paint finish is sub par- but I knew that at purchase from past experience. Meets its purpose, Civics have historically been a reliable work car for me.

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  A little bit disappointed - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ivan - August 20 - 10:17 am

  This is my second review. I have this pilot for 5months now. It is fun to drive and performs well except of the following. 1. Moonroof occasionally has problems. i already received letter from Honda that they will update it. 2. Paint on the bumper starts to peel. I was disappointed because i am not expecting that i will have paint problems in just 5 months. dealer said that they will fix it. 3. Seat belt at the 2nd or 3rd row rattles. this is somewhat annoying. I suggest that if you want to buy a pilot check the paint quality on the bumper and door edges of the vehicle.

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  2004 accord coupe v6 6 mt - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Barry - August 19 - 10:08 pm

  Bought my black on black, Accord coupe in 2008 with 49,000 mi. The 6 disc CD player, trim pieces over door, sun glass holder needed new spring, and emergency cable were replaced under warranty. One rear strut replaced after warranty. Car sticks to the road like glue during heavy rain storms. Power to burn. Hang onto the steering wheel, car torques like crazy in the first three gears with a great exhaust sound. The six speed is one slick shifter. Gas mileage continues to improve with age (90,000 mi) 35 mpg highway. Firm suspension, corners well. Great stereo. Love the heated seats and auto up and down driver window.

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  Love this car. Hate the mileage - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By EGuy78 - August 19 - 9:16 pm

  This is my favorite car that Ive ever owned. I love everything about it, except the mileage. But, Im willing to look past that! Love the center console in the front seat. Love the cargo room. Love the spacious back seats. Love the looks. Love the pep. It really is a fantastic car! Weve always had Hondas, but for some reason, I wasnt interested in the Pilot until we drove it, and now, Im hooked. Best car ever.

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  Really Bad Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By David - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  Its hard to believe that Hondas are reliable. This car has had so many problems so far, and I only have 6K miles. Brakes vibrate, steering wheel shimmies (yup, most likely rotors, but dealer is baffled as always). Build quality is sub-par. Dashboard top shelf is warped like a wave, but dealer says all are like this. Glove box hangs down about a centimeter, and thats after being "corrected". Engine whine is annoying at best, maddening at worst. Car has no power, not get up and go. The AC pump vibrates the car at idle. Its crude and unrefined. My wife hates the front seat. At highway speed, there are gaps where air comes through and you can hear it! 22 mpg really poor for a car this slow.

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  Sorry to say good-bye - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mikecassidy1 - August 19 - 4:34 pm

  Two years ago Our mechanic persuaded us to go back in time and buy our 1990 Honda EX automatic. Its been fun to drive and has cheerfully handled our daily rounds and our regular weekend trips to our cabin near Ottawa Canada. with drinking water, 2x4s, and cottage paraphernalia. The Honda needed a bit more updating than we expected - muffler, pipes, timing belt, alternator but has driven less than 150,000 km. and has many more to go, has been reliable and friendly and is in v. good shape. Were saying goodbye (for a Sonata) to get the absolute smoothest ride possible, for health reasons.

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  Driving 100 Miles a Day - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rick from Woodstock - August 19 - 3:22 pm

  Ive had my Insight for less than a month, but I drive 100 miles every weekday and Ive already driven on highways, in mountains, and in NY City. I feel I can now rave about how much I love this car (and not just because my monthly gasoline bill will be half of my gas bill for the 2000 VW Golf I traded in). Others in these reviews have complained about the auto stop feature, but Im a fan. I like the idea that my engine isnt idling for no reason when Im sitting at a long red light. The first time it happens you might thing you have stalled, but by the second time it happens, it just seems cool.

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  The Best Used Car Ive Ever Bought - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By link4253 - August 19 - 2:18 pm

  I was 15 when i bought my car from some guy down my street for about $3,000, he told me it might need some work on it, but after i did my research on how much it would cost, i was bought within the week, it only cost me about $150 for the parts i needed and the labor was only $85, but after all that, it was ready to hit the streets, its never broken down, its been the most reliable car if ever seen.

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  Great Overall Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dennis Schlottman - August 19 - 1:35 pm

  Purchased this car in April 09 with just under 28k. Now at 58K and no problems. Great performance from the V6.Fuel economy is excellent at 28 - 32 mpg. I do my own maintenance which includes draining and filing the transmission fluid every 15k. "Honda Trans fluid only.