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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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Momma Watson - July 9 - 8:16 pm

  I am a mom of two small children. This is a great car for gas mileage, hauling my kids to birthday parties, etc. and I have been a Honda owner since 1994 so I am a firm believer in Hondas. They have never let me down, been very dependable, almost NO maintance at all. But this car has a 4 cylinder engine and it is not a very "fun" car to drive. But it is a great car and we have had no trouble with it at all. Highly recommend.

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  A good buy - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 986man - July 8 - 11:11 pm

  I bought this car late 2000 as my first car. It had about 69,000 miles and I have since run that up to almost 127,000. The cost of planned maintenance is low, tires are inexpensive, and oil changes at 4,000 mile intervals dont seem to matter. I have only had two unplanned maintenance issues: the ignition coil failed and the car shutdown. This was due to old spark plugs that I had not changed at the needed interval (my fault). Second, a CV joint cracked, although this was probably from normal wear and tear. Bottom line, very few unplanned issues over a LONG life :). Good reliabilty! The car (127 hp, auto trans) is not fast, but it handles well.

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  Dont buy if you live in cold climate. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By PeeWee - July 7 - 7:06 pm

  Everything is great about this car, except the climate control. I love the car, but the "heat" and a/c are very lame. It gets great gas mileage and easily holds 75 mph on the interstate. Fortunately not too much has gone wrong.

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  Does what I bought it for - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - July 7 - 6:10 pm

  I traded my nice Audi for this car because I wanted a car I could rack up a lot miles on it worry-free. I wanted something reliable, fuel-efficient yet retain a certain level of fun-to-drive factor. The V6 packs a respectable punch and gets pretty good mileage for its size (comparable to the 4 cylinder Audi it replaced actually). Even though fuel efficiency was one of my objectives, a V6 typically doesnt fit that description. However, the 3.0L V6 provides a good balance of performance and economy. The suspension is too soft to be considered sporty and the tires arent much help either. Im satisfied with the car. Its serving the main purpose I bought it for, even exceeding in some.

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  I hear imports were suppose to be better - 2006 Honda Accord
  By fastcarguy - July 7 - 2:10 pm

  Always heard honda, toyota etc... were suppose to be so much better than chevy, ford, dodge etc... I must say I dont really find that to be true. The V-6 Accord is a nice car, dont get me wrong, however I dont find it to be SO much better than the chevys or pontiacs I have had. Thanks but no thanks, next time ill save a few thousand and buy another Chevy.

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  Best Baseball car ever! - 2003 Honda Element
  By bballmom - July 6 - 8:18 pm

  I wanted a vehicle without carpeting and the Honda Element was the only one I could find besides a truck and I did not want a full size truck. The Honda Element has been a wonderful vehicle to drive for the last 4 years. My son is an avid baseball player and, with dirt and mud and cleats and baseball bags, having this vehicle has been a real blessing. He can have his buds ride with us anywhere and we do not have to worry about dirty carpet or spills that may happen. Just wipe it down with cleaner and it is good as new. I love it! It drives so easy and is very comfortable on long trips. My son also loves the fact the seats recline so he can rest before games.

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  More style than a Camry - 1997 Honda Accord
  By shamarcus - July 6 - 11:25 am

  This car has more style than a Camry but comes up short in the gotta-have department. I have owned a Jetta and a Maxima. The Accord would be my 3rd choice for the gotta-have-it factor. In my opinion, the car has been very reliable with low cost on the wear and tear parts such as brakes and belts. They actually last a long time. There are lot of aftermarket parts to personalize your Honda.

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  2001 Honda Civic 4dr EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Hamp - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 5th Honda product (including 1 lawn mower) back in 2001. We really enjoy the room that this car has and the gas mileage is incredible (35-42 MPG). Front end suspension is very noisy and loose feeling. The interior needs a little more attention to detail and the radio needs more power.

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  Practical and Cute - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mary-Mary - July 3 - 3:56 am

  After researching I was in love with the Accord Coupe design. I bought one. Belize Blue. Its cute and practical (I can drive a week on one tank of gas). This is a car for someone who doesnt want to buy premium gas or pay high insurance rates while still looking stylish and "with it".

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  Is it showing its age? - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By juliegal - July 2 - 7:53 pm

  Ive had my CR-V for 2.5 years. Its been a great car and fun to drive, but I think it may be starting to show its age! At 2 years/30K the brakes, battery and tires all had to be replaced--too soon, in my book. Car has pulled to right from the start, but I live with that. From day one, Ive experienced a grinding noise from the rear when turning hard (U-turns). Finally, at the shop today I was told there is a differential repair bulletin out for this, requiring resurfacing and new pads (work done at Hondas expense). Lately, I notice the car is a bit sluggish starting, and it surges at stop signs. The VSA indicator comes on occasionally. Hope this isnt a problem brewing!