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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  The best - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Mr. German - July 29 - 4:53 pm

  210,000 miles and its still clicking. Regular maintenance done every 100,000 - timing belt and water pump. The V6 has lots of pep, still get 30-32 on the highway, mucho comfort with the leather power seats.

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  Lovin My Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jayceebee - July 29 - 3:26 pm

  Weve had this Pilot since the end of March 2010. So far the driving experience has been great with the exception of the poor gas mileage (14.4 in the city), some misunderstandings with voice recognition, and sunroof not closing at times. We have taken it back to to dealer with ref.to the sunroof and it was reset. (We still experience the roof not closing on occasion.) Otherwise the drive is nice & comfy, gadgets are good, exterior is strong, and interior is roomy. Weve taken road trips with the the dog and other family and you cant beat the space or comfort.

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  Early brake failure - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dorrissan - July 29 - 2:59 pm

  I am very disappointed at the brake life on this car. At 19,000 miles, driven 70% on interstates, I had to have the front rotors turned and new brake pads installed on rear. Fortunately there is some compensation via the class action suit settled by Honda to offset some expenses. In contrast the 05 Camry I traded for this car had no brake problems and had almost 50% brake pad wear at 70,000 miles. Definitely a design black mark for Honda.

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  2000 Honda Ody EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Edex - July 29 - 9:27 am

  Id be very happy with this vehicle if it werent for the automatic transmission. I nursed the original transmission along for years, but it finally became too flaky to consider safe. I just had it rebuilt at 160k miles at a private shop for almost $4,000 exactly. I had my car serviced by the dealer until 4 years ago they kept telling me that they couldnt find anything wrong. Only when I took it to a private mechanic did I get the news that these transmissions are not up to par.

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  Cant Touch This - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Jimmy Jet - July 29 - 12:50 am

  Best Honda Ive ever owned. Great on Gas, fun to drive, As comfortable as my 2002 Accord EX. Great Handling, especially with my new 17" BBS Wheels and V Rated High Performance Tires. I added Direct cold air intake, a hotter thermostat, and High Performance wires and plugs... this car handles Awesome! Everyone asks me to sell it to them huh, right! Get your own.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jess - July 29 - 12:06 am

  So I bought my car back in January and I loved it until one day I was driving down the road and the sun visor on the passenger side just fell down and wont go back up and its not even covered on my extended warranty and the drivers side is bout to break and come to find out they have this problem with all of their 8th generation civics and they wont recall them. I guess they just expect you to pay to get them replaced every time it gets hot outside and they break because they are made out of cheap plastic. I dont know about anyone else but I dont have 130 dollars to dish out every time they break. This will be last one i buy since they dont feel the need to fix problems with their cars.

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  I love my accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tom M - July 28 - 11:01 pm

  A great ride comfortable and quiet on the road. Lots of room and a nice big trunk. The mystic green metallic makes the car look real good moving or standing still. i love my Honda.

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  Just ok i guess - 1999 Honda Civic
  By buddman - July 28 - 9:10 pm

  EX is a nice package for an economy car. Manuel transmission has its pluses as well. Decent mileage on flat Louisiana roads is a disappointment (32 mpg). but overall from 66K to 100K one thing after another is breaking. Master cylinder replaced distributor replaced. Timing belt and water pump replaced as recommended so I knew that going into it. Rear passenger door will not open at all, cruse control broken, CD player broken, paint chipping on bumper, steering wheel chipping and uncomfortable, horn pad broken off, muffler falling off. Cant think of anything else but i know i am missing a thing or two.

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  Great Utility - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chitown - July 28 - 2:12 pm

  We bought this last year and have put 15K miles on it. It has been absolutely trouble free. The engine performance is what youd expect from a 4-banger in a vehicle this size: a little underwhelming. Still, it handles brilliantly for its size, has a crazy-good turn radius and is surprisingly short in length (making parallel parking in the city a snap), and gets solid fuel economy. We average about 25 mpg. Cruising on the expressway at 70, we get up to 31 mpg or so. Cargo space is fantastic. Weve moved furniture boxes in this thing that wed have never suspected could fit. Its not the most exciting vehicle on the planet, but its super reliable and solid. Best car Honda offers for the $.

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  So far so good - 2007 Honda Civic
  By SPG - July 28 - 11:29 am

  Love the car- 60k now, about 34 mpg w/ 60% highway. Peppy and fun to drive. Too much road noise- replaced OEM tires-that helped- worn out @40K anyway. No maintenance except oil change and just did front brake pads. Front seats need to be a little longer and more back support.