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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  Cabin Pressure? - 2010 Honda Accord
  By PINOY - July 10 - 12:52 am

  Been driving the car 30 miles one way to work for a month now and been satisfied so far with the ride, power, and space. One negative is my ears gets plugged when driving this car. I thought it was because I had a cold but now that my colds gone, I still experience the same plugged ear. Driving my 2 other cars dont give me this problem. Not sure what this is yet but hopefully it goes away soon.

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  Love it- but hate things as well! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Orangegirl - July 9 - 9:30 pm

  Sold our 97 Rav4 for this, comparing both, Id lean towards the Rav for my personal use. Dont get me wrong the CR-V is a GREAT SUV, but I hate the fact you cant open the back window/door manually, you need the remote or button inside the vehicle. VERY ANNOYING!! The space in the back, though sufficient, is lacking in height, because of a useless " picnic table". My Rav I could fit my bike in it and a dog, plus when yard sailing buy a snow blower or something else higher and fit NO PROBLEM. But all in all this a good car, and I do love Hondas, will only buy Honda or Toyota, however I do miss my Rav.

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  145,000 miles and going strong! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CPS - July 9 - 8:06 pm

  We purchased our van brand new and have been extremely pleased with the purchase. We have had to repair the basics that would be expected in a 9 year old, 145,000 mile vehicle. Honda extended the warranty and fixed the transmission at 105,000 miles. Other than that, its been brakes, tires, timing belt, fluids, etc. No major mechanical or electrical problems

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  Excellent Automobile - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By vamsi - July 9 - 3:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago,so far drove 1000 miles,mostly combined driving and MPG around 19to20. It drives like Car, easy to maneuver,i came from car to Minivan, did not feel much difference compared to car. I like driving this van with my 3 month kid,its kid friendly ample space to keep family stuff for travel,daily commute. This van is really fun to drive I chose Honda over Toyota because Honda Scores way over in safety ratings than Toyota Sienna.

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  Some flaws but Im buying another one - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Toomanycars - July 9 - 11:14 am

  This car is above most Detroit built, easier to maintain, and improve. When I first got the car and did a long trip, I hit an amazing MPG of 55. I havent hit again: avg city 25-35, highway 35-45. I live where there are a lot of hills and often having a manual is a bad idea but it works great once u get use to it. Ive had a tone of chevys, fords, and dodges, I bought a 99 civic and then this one. the 99 feels like a toy compared to the 08. the 08 has more capability and room than all my previous small cars. I dont leave a car as is sense no car is perfect, this is the first car I didnt need to do a single thing to the engine, but I did install a new air intake any ways :) helped with hp.

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  Pseudo Sports Sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By joe287 - July 9 - 10:16 am

  Here is what is I see as some major flaws with this car. Turning Radius. Making tight turns or getting into a parking space is frustrating. Delay in shifting gears what the heck is this about? I have to wait 2 full seconds before the car is engaged in gear. Quickly performing a 3 point turn is not possible. Front end floats during quick accelerations at times when I want to accelerate quickly and there are bumps in the road, the front end is floating far too much! Gas mileage my wife’s RAV gets the same mileage as this sedan, not good. Overall this is a pseudo sports sedan that is overpriced. Closer to a value car with nice dressings. Good, but not great!

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  Perfect everyday car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mrl - July 9 - 8:54 am

  Borrowing Bill Belichicks favorite phrase it is what it is. And what it is is an superb getting around town, going to work, day trip kink of car. And given the tremendous gas mileage, I wouldnt even mind taking it cross country. I average 40 mpg on the highway with my standard transmission! Comfortwise, it is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Very comfortable front seats, good leg room in the back for a smaller car. If performance is paramount for you the Mazda 3 may be a better choice, otherwise this is the car you want.

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  Transmission problems - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Ed - July 8 - 9:16 pm

  Bought the car new. Loved it until around 65k when the transmission gave out. $3000 to replace and no problems since. Honda really needs to pony up for the faulty transmissions on this year similarly to the recall on 2001 models

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  Not your "usual" Honda... - 1995 Honda Accord
  By texas89 - July 8 - 5:52 pm

  When I bought this car in early 2009 to replace my 1993 Corolla, I expected the famed Honda reliability. I bought it for $5000 with only 70, 000 original miles on the car. I assumed I would get at least 100, 000 more miles out of it, not the case. Five months after buying the car, the AC and brakes went out, and I replaced the AC compressor fan and refrigerant ($350), brake pads, shoes, rotors, and master cylinder ($800). The steering is very "sticky", a problem that has mystified at least 10 mechanics. Back in March, less than a year after doing all that repair work, my AC and brakes went out again. The mechanics I have visited estimate repairs will total upwards of $1000.

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  Great Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 1st-time Honda - July 8 - 10:24 am

  Love my new Pilot. Very comfortable interior and ride. Better gas mileage than advertised. PLENTY of room for cargo. 3rd row reasonable for average adult, great for kids. Do have the sunroof issue periodically, awaiting the permanent fix from Honda.