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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  Solid value but missing some features - 2010 Honda Accord
  By TheTick247 - July 1 - 1:20 pm

  I was leaning toward other cars (Legacy, Sonata) but got such a good deal on this I couldnt turn it down. Its everything you expect from an Accord. Solid, comfortable, fairly nimble & well made. That being said, its missing some features that youd expect it to have and that the competition already does. The powertrain, while competent is beginning to showing its age relative to the competition. In the end, its a good car thats better than the sum of its parts. It wont overly impress, but it wont disappoint, either.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Owner - July 1 - 11:11 am

  I have owned this SUV for six and a half years. The car is very reliable. Besides the normal maintenance (oil, brakes, batter), the car has needed new rear shocks ($450 at 66K miles) and two new engine mounts ($650 at 68K miles). The shocks were blown because we overloaded the car on a long trip, but the engine mounts are a common problem for Odysseys and Pilots. We love the car because it is powerful and does the job.

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  Speechless - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tporta911 - July 1 - 11:05 am

  I purchased this car 10/09, my 4th Accord. I was so excited! Brand new, black on black, I felt a little "classy"! All of that excitement ended in 5/5/10 when I began to have engine problems that left me stalled in busy traffic 4 times. After multiple visits to my dealership and 2 returned phone calls from Honda "customer service" out of 9 messages left I am still no where. Corporate is stalling (pardon the pun, just like my car). They are doing the 3rd oil consumption test after the last 2 failed miserably! Why? They have told me to check the oil every time I get gas, really? Isnt that one of the perks of owning a new car? I cant believe Im dealing with this. Beware and dont buy!

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  Love this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By alyson - June 30 - 8:52 pm

  Bought this 2008 Honda EX for my daughter used and I have to say that I am very happy with it. It rides nice, great fuel economy and is really fun to drive. It has fantastic pick-up for a 4 cyl. vehicle. The only 2 complaints I have are that the seats could be a bit more comfortable and the factory radio sounds very "tinny" and we will replace that. Im hoping she gets many good and reliable years of driving out of it!

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  Stranded - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By dalo25 - June 30 - 5:41 pm

  This car has been used up in NH which is rough on cars. I have had to replace the AC compressor twice. AC Compressors cost around $1200-$1400 to fix. Both times it has stranded my family on a main road. AC is lousy unless you’re in the front seat. Other issues have cropped up such as leaking engine mounts and various electronic issues. Can’t recall the last time the rear windows worked. Bullet proof reliability? Ride is very stiff and noisy. I think Honda just doesnt report their problems. Dont drink the Imports are better than Kool-aid. This mini-van is no better than a domestic model or a Sienna.

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  Overall a good car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By EyLct - June 30 - 4:05 pm

  I drive a lot for work. There is never a time where I doubt the dependability of my accord. Within the first 5k miles I had to have a tire sensor replaced. After 12k miles all of a sudden it started making this really loud grinding noise. I took it to Honda and they said it was the brakes. They replaced everything free of charge. So far so good. I do notice while idling the car with rev really low like its about to stall out or jump suddenly where if I didnt have my foot on the brakes I would have hit the car in front of me. Very concerning. Very poor acceleration. Horrible gas mileage. Though I love the look of the cars exterior.

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  Bad Driver Seat Ergonomics - 2007 Honda Fit
  By k morash - June 30 - 3:03 pm

  I love the fit, but I cant keep it. The gas pedal is 5" off the floor and this keeps my foot almost perpendicular no matter what position I put the seat in, at the end of 30 mins I have leg cramps and heel pain. My husband is 6 and there is not enough leg room for him as the center console is too close to the gas pedal to be comfortable. The amount of time a dealer offers to test drive, it would be almost impossible to discover the bad gas pedal placement, this has developed over months of commuting. I spoke to Honda and this has not been changed in any current models, so I have to trade for something other then a Fit and maybe something other then a Honda. Too bad.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Todd T - June 30 - 10:37 am

  Went from a truck to the fit during the gas hike. With fuel prices back down, I am still very happy with the car! It is small, still spacious on the inside. We drove across country with our two Young children without issue. The ability to configure the seats provides many options in storage and cargo that you cannot get in other small vehicles.

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  Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By logan.baranowski - June 30 - 2:34 am

  This is my first car ever! I love it. Has some transmission problems but it still drives, so no problems. It is 12 years old and I drove it 80 mph on the freeway and she got 33 mpg and that was with my bike rack. Bought from my dads coworker. Got a great deal $5000 and it is still worth $4000 after two years. I recommend this to all.

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  Just a suggestion - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Madame Butterfly - June 30 - 12:46 am

  I love my car but I had a friend get me front license plate made and I cannot put on the front of my car. I see that most of these Hondas do not have a place to put a front license tag.