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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  so far so good - 2003 Honda Civic
  By lynne - February 13 - 10:13 pm

  bought brand new, have had only minor issues. check engine light came on for no reason and would not go off, fuel filler door cable broke (2 days in the shop, covered by warranty), most recently (around 30-35K) it started making loud clunking noises when switching gears (auto transmission). had transmission fluid changed, seemed to help a little, but not by a lot. still takes a bit to get into gear and makes a noise, which makes me want to get rid of it before something happens. dealership says there is "nothing wrong"...? also, have had 4 flats in as many years. overall, recommended, but be ready for trans probs. also, body seems very easily dented and scratched, this has cost $$$$$$$

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  Youre driving an accord ! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Jawad Arsh - February 13 - 4:20 pm

  When driving an accord , dont expect a sportiness or exhilarating ride, just look at how much you paid for it. Its a very reliable car with an excellent fuel economy (53/mpg) for my daily drive to work. I own a GTR and Miata for my fun factor and the accord can never ever be a toy car. Its very economical and a reliable drive from point A to B without much drama or fuss . Great value for money, highly recommended . If you want a fun drive, get something else.

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  Almost loyal as a dog - 1994 Honda Accord
  By SPARKY - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been a reliable car. Before I owned 2 Chevy Cavaliers (ugh), an Audi, a VW Golf, a Ford Escort (double ugh), and a Chevy Celebrity Wagon. Only the Audi and the Golf lasted longer; now at 108,000. However, the finish (white) lost its luster in the FL sun after a couple of years. Recently it wouldnt start within a couple of minutes of shutting off the engine, as when you get gas or are running errands. I just had to replace the master brake cylinder and now stops are bumpy and one setting of the AC doesnt work any more. In thinking about a new car, I wonder if any one that I can afford will hold up as well.

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  Almost loyal as a dog - 1994 Honda Accord
  By sparky - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been a reliable car. Before I owned 2 Chevy Cavaliers (ugh), an Audi, a VW Golf, a Ford Escort (double ugh), and a Chevy Celebrity Wagon. Only the Audi and the Golf lasted longer; now at 108,000. However, the finish (white) lost its luster in the FL sun after a couple of years. Recently it wouldnt start within a couple of minutes of shutting off the engine, as when you get gas or are running errands. I just had to replace the master brake cylinder and now stops are bumpy and one setting of the AC doesnt work any more. In thinking about a new car, I wonder if any one that I can afford will hold up as well.

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  Pilot Review - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By David Dean - February 12 - 4:04 pm

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  Excellent alternative to an all-out-SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lawrance - February 12 - 12:56 pm

  Ive had my E for about 2.5 years now and havent had any problems worth taking to the dealer for. The drivers seat needs new bushings to keep it from shifting, and every 10 minutes or so, the headlights go dim for a second before returning to normal. Both of these items are inherent to the 2003 model. The cabin does have some wind noise, and the suspension is rather jarring. Otherwise, this vehicle has been 100% reliable. It has a very tight turning circle, and is very fun to drive. The lack of carpeting makes for easy cleaning and the seat configurations make it one of the most versatile vehicles on the road. I usually get 21 MPG on average. Wish Honda made an upscale version.

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  Warning on the run flat tires - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By David Rivard - February 12 - 8:00 am

  This is an OK van to drive. Do not expect more than 18 MPG on average forget the manufacturers quote. Also do not get this van with the run flat tires. If you get a flat it can only be fixed at a Honda dealer. If you get a flat in a rural area on a friday night your only option is to drive it to a dealer to find that he is closed. You wait until Monday morning and he may tell you that he does not have a spare but will order you one. That can be a few days. It happened to me.

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  Puddle water shakes passanger side wheel - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nick - February 11 - 8:03 pm

  This is a reply to an earlier post. I had the same problem as Scott...Does anyone else have this problem with the 2002, Honda Civic EX, 4dr, 5 speed Man. When driving through puddles the water splashes on the exhaust and has a loud noise, the noise you would hear if a car had no exhaust. As it dries, 30 seconds, it goes away. Honda knows of this issue and calls it a "characteristic of the car". They said not to worry and left it at that.

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  Good lil car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By 98_ACCORD - February 11 - 7:58 pm

  It really is a good car with 189,000 km on her.but wow what really really bad fuel mileage....only gettin about 18 mpg US in the city with it. (4spd auto).the car really hates the cold....the engine and the tranny..very sluggish until it warms up.

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  Too much mileage saving Hype - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tucson Tony - February 11 - 7:36 pm

  So far so good, but I bought the hype; and reality needs to be determined. I liked going the 5,000 miles between oil changes, I believe the mileage projection capability over promised what the car actually delivers. City driving about 24 MPH, On the highway, no Air conditioning, average speed control of 70 MPG, the mileage was 28 MPH. I expected much better