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 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jml - June 26 - 11:05 am

  So far this has been a great car. I was kind of concerned with the high mileage, but after I had the car checked out by 2 different mechanics, I was told that this is a great used car to buy and should get many more miles on it.

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  3rd Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By dgalliher - June 26 - 9:13 am

  Just purchased my 3rd Accord, and first new one. Took a while to find an EX with the manual gearbox. Im coming out of a 99 LX, so its a bit of an adjustment. Awesome car though, fun to drive, great on gas, huge interior, comfortable, good build quality. Would buy again!

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  Road Noise and pulling to the right - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Fred Raven - June 26 - 7:02 am

  We have found the solution to the road noise and the problem with the SUV pulling to the right on our.The original tires were Goodyear and after changing them out to the Michelin Latitude tire the problem is now solved. Honda needs to think about replacing the Goodyear tire for the Michelin. It now drives like a charm!

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  Loving my cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By john - June 25 - 10:24 pm

  Ive had my cr-v for over 5 years now. Its great to drive in this little cutie. Its peppy enough for me. Great on gas and always gets me to point a and b and then some. I purchased it with 45,000 miles. It s just over 140,000 now it runs like a champ. I recommend anyone to purchase a great vehicle like this. You wont be disappointed.

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  Slow boat to nowhere - 2010 Honda Civic
  By kevin - June 25 - 9:27 pm

  I picked up this silk wallet and it was still a sows ear. Loud inside . When I demoed it the salesman said oh dont accelerate too fast it might not be good 4 the engine. so I obliged and drove it medium speed and it seemed to provide all that I needed. After I bought it , which was my fault as I was in a rush, when I punched it to get it up to 60 on the fwy it sounded like a 1000 pack of black cat firecrackers going off under the hood or tarmac level when a A380 takes off Heavy. Thought the damn thing was going to explode. Then the mileage -- Im getting sub-20s and I do 50/50 fwy city so I took it in and they said it needs to break in. My foots gonna break it in soon. theres more but no room.

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  Does not live up to its name - 1997 Honda Civic
  By slowcar - June 25 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased this Honda to replace my Turbo Eclipse because i needed a daily driver car for my commute to Nashville. Car has been riddled with problems. 139k transmission went out, spark plugs were seized in head. Now my electrical system is malfunctioning. The headlights Dim i am throwing codes for oxygen sensor, speed sensor, and ELD. cannot figure out what is wrong with it. I will never buy a Honda again, i must have been one of the few that purchased a true lemon. i have had the car for 6 months drove it 6000 miles and have had to invest 3500 on top of the 3000 cost. Horrible design why did i get such a lemon?

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  Great Truck, Super Value! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By TRacer - June 25 - 4:13 pm

  All around, a great vehicle. I had never owned a truck prior to buying my used Ridgeline, as my prior vehicles have been of the high or ultra high performance coupe or sedan variety, and I have racing experience. Performance for the average driver should be more than adequate (top speed is limited to 120), it rides very smooth for a truck, and the fuel economy is fine given it has a drag coefficient of The Vatican combined with substantial mass. I wish these had been available back when my 10 year old was born!

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  Extremely Reliable, Very Boring - 2005 Honda Civic
  By abanerjee - June 25 - 1:06 pm

  My parents got me this car pre-owned certified right when I got my license a year before I headed off to college. This was perfect for my use. Its safe, doesnt waste gas, and is completely adequate from getting from point A to point B. I love how its small enough to zip in and out of lanes without causing a problem, and its roomy up front. That being said, it is a really boring car. Its also incredibly noisy on the highway and the brakes are extremely sensitive. However, its economical, environmentally friendly, and since I got it in 2008 I havent had a single problem with it. Just regular servicing, and its good to go. Great car for college students or new drivers.

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  Accord Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By kelly - June 24 - 10:17 pm

  I have 55k on my accord as of June 2010. Rear brakes went out at 45k miles. Thank Goodness the powertrain is 60k miles, because both front brake calibers went out. $1100, but under warranty. The car is great on gas and dependable, but is noisy on the road, and the dealer said the calibers will probably go out again. I like my car, but dont love it. Ill probably be trading it in after 2 1/2 years. I would consider another vehicle.

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  LOVE Mine - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Kimberly - June 24 - 8:16 pm

  This is the most reliable car ever. Ive had it for 15 years and Im the original owner. The cup holders are a bit ridiculous as described by other reviews and the rubber piece that frames the moonroof snapped and broke about 3 years ago. It still opens and closes but it scraps the roof -|. By now my seats are getting warn and uncomfortable. Needed a new radiator about 2 years ago. A/C electrical panel needed to be replaced after 10 years. With the money Im saving on this car Im having no troubles saving for my next civic. Worth every penny.