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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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By RentonResident - April 21 - 3:40 pm

  Purchased Pilot March 4, 2007. Getting between 13-16 MPG. Have 1500 miles on it. Carpool friend has a 2005 Pilot also 4WD and same engine size. They get 17 - 22 MPG (and have from day 1). We have the same commute! What has changed? I agree with other reviews - needs auto locking doors, rear door should auto lock if not closed hard enough. Temperature gauge should be on mirror not behind steering wheel.

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  Love My Van, But 3 Repairs 1 Yr - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By 98Ody - April 21 - 2:17 pm

  I bought my van last summer. Overall I love it. Its fuel efficient, the interior is comfortable, 2.3L engine gives good acceleration, and the exterior is very practical. I bought the car with 130K miles. I have put 12K miles since purchase. Repairs have included starter motor ($300) and rebuilt transmission ($1500). Also, I am having trouble turning the key in the ignition so I might need new ignition switch ($???) or key replacement ($80). Have you noticed the 2007 Honda FIT has similar body styling? The 1998 Odyssey was definitely way beyond its time.

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  Gauge lights bright boring white!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda accord 2008 - April 20 - 11:36 pm

  I just traded in My Suburban 2007 LT for the Accord. The inside of the Honda is a bit disappointing to me because it is cheap looking, it reminds me of Hondas I drove in the late 80s and 90s. I previously owned a Chrysler 300 2006, so it is difficult going from a real comfortable interior, really massive dash to a bland and old fashioned interior. My husband really wanted the Accord. Of course we didnt like putting over $100.00 worth of gas into the truck. My accord doesnt run smoothly, you can feel every bump and hear it loudly. Exterior looks good. I have over 6 foot tall boys (13,15) the leg room is barely enough. If you get migraines like me the gauge lights are bright white Yuk!

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  So far so good - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Steve G - April 20 - 12:26 pm

  I like this car. It is comfortable, rides well and has lots of room. As a long-time Honda owner, I am very impressed with how quiet the car is.

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  Practical car with hidden benifits - 2005 Honda Element
  By dwillington - April 19 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this car b/c it was inexpensive and seemed practical. I have to admit I was attracted to its styling also. It looked cool. The car has been good to me. The biggest plus I have to say is space. Dont let it fool you, there is a lot of room inside. I was able to move between apartments in 3 trips with this car, fitting beds, desks, etc. It is not for long distance, and is loud at high speeds. It doesnt get too dirty, and has so much room to put stuff, wallets, keys, phone, anything. The mp3 audio port is a great feature. I need something faster and better looking though, so am trading it for Benz/BMW.

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  What?? I cant hear you !!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By notijeka - April 17 - 4:33 pm

  Purchased our Accord without any hesitation as we have had a 94 Accord for many years (still have it) and our sons have Odysseys and a Pilot. The main problem we encountered with the 08 model was ROAD NOISE. Exterior noise from trucks, motorcycles, construction equipment on the highway and the constant whining of the tires on the interstate. The noise problem has reached a point now where we are getting ready to trade in the Accord for another brand of vehicle. Driving on the highway, at highway speeds, with the windows rolled up and the a/c running sounds like we have all four windows rolled down.

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  Very, very good to me! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mick - April 16 - 9:06 pm

  Bought a silver one new in 99 and have replaced brake shoes and the timing belt. Thats it.. Besides a plugged windshield sprayer and a fuse for the cooling fan nothing to report. Selling now with 194,000 kms and oil is still always clean.

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  Fun!!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By phoenix56 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Everyone loves driving my car!

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  Would not buy another new Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Slim Jim - April 16 - 10:00 am

  V6: Too many rattles for a Brand new car. RR side window drags thus scratchws it on the FIRST try. 16 days after purchased. Paint is just OK. Slight pings become dents throughout. I placed my hand on the side roof and a small indentation remained. I weigh 148 lbs.

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  Need a better transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Transmission sucks - April 15 - 5:30 pm

  The transmission began to jerk after 50000 miles and totally broke after 85000 miles. Spent more than $22K to get it fixed and now the driving is very smooth. There was also some transmission issue in my another Honda Accord (1996 model), which was totaled by a drunkard. Everything else is good.