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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  Wish I Could Love This Car, But I Dont - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - June 16 - 9:36 am

  Based on Hondas reputation, I bought this Accord. Initially, I loved it. But, in the two years Ive owned it, I have had constant brake problems (car shakes under braking and the brakes wore out early). The dealership replaced the brakes all the way around at no charge. Then I had the A/C leak water all over my feet. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. I dread the thought of long trips in this car. Finally, my biggest complaint is the noises I hear from parts of the car. Honda is known for their build quality but all I do is go from one rattle to the other. The dealership has gotten to know me quite well. As long as I have a warranty, theyre going to fix my rattles.

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  Pretty Decent - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Adam - June 16 - 8:56 am

  I have owned my Passport for 5 years now and it has been great in the Colorado snow with upgraded tires. Only problems are the fuel pump, gas mileage, and the mysterious oil draining to never-never land. I also like how roomy it is - I am 66". Other than that it is great has decent power.

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  Very safe - 2nd one - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By ColoradoMom - June 15 - 4:09 pm

  I originally had a 05, but got t-boned at 50 mph and came out without a scratch. Needless to say, excellent in the safety category. I purchased a new 08 and really its pretty similar. Love all the room, can haul a lot of large teenage boys and baseball equipment around. Cons are you cant have your windows down due to the vibrating noise road noise could be better and have a squeak in my dash when the road not perfect. Had it in several times to fix it, they keep telling me they found a pen in the dash. How many can they find in there. Not from me. Would like a iPod jack.

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  Is A/C on all the time - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Nice4 - June 15 - 12:44 pm

  Just noticed the Civics A/C does turn on without my command. The A/C fan turn on first in the morning when I start my car (the command button is OFF and it is not at ON state). Then after some driving, park on driveway, see water drops on driveway (just exactly like when A/C is on in hot Summertime). Then noticed from time to time, I can feel there is cool air blow out and status shown is OFF state. All of all, convinced me that the A/C is some ON all the time. Is any other owner having similar experience? There are annoying rattle sound from the roof and/or dashboard in Winter. Reported to the dealer but the excuses is have to wait for the time when it reoccurs again - next Winter

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  One year old still nice - 2010 Honda Accord
  By andrew - June 15 - 9:06 am

  The Accord 6 cyl sedan is a year old now and has 11,600 miles on it with no problems at all. Its comfortable, sporty and it gets reasonable mpg. Winter driving 20 to 22 around town. Just did a check and summer combined 23.7. The one trip to n. Y. With mostly highway with some slowdowns it did 30.2. It would do better in a long run like to Florida I am sure. Always looking at other cars and for the price it is hard to beat this car. I have had 50 to 60 cars and this would be a hard one to replace since it does most things very well and is easy to live with.

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  Driving Performance Stinks - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mmp - June 15 - 6:37 am

  My car is 18 months old and I have had multiple problems. First, my check engine light kept coming on. It made the car miss when accelerating and almost caused several accidents on major highway because of this. It also disengaged my cruise control, so it did not work. They told me it was not covered under the warranty, so I had to pay for repairs. Now, it is making a horrible clicking sound every time I put my foot on or take off the gas pedal. I wish I would have never bought this car. It is nothing but problems. What a waste of money.

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  Avoid Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Avoid Honda - June 14 - 2:32 pm

  Transmission slipping. I thought Honda had fixed this problem, apparently not. Avoid Honda.

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  The new General motors - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Eaglemech - June 14 - 7:34 am

  Honda has the attitude that General Motors has. Had a 2007 honda civic and thought it was a good car until I traded it. with all the problems people are having with there Civics including cracked engine blocks, thought it was a good time to get rid of mine. I had over 81,000 miles, and no warranty. I traded the civic for a Kia Forte SX FOR $15,900.00, $800.00 cheaper than I paid for my Civic LX. The Forte is much better then the Civic not only because of the price. Comes with features not offered on the Honda, and is fun to drive and less road noise. averaging 32 to 35 mpg with the 2.4 engine and 6 speed tranny.

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  Civic Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Tedd - June 14 - 6:59 am

  We also own a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick Up. When we go out or take a short weekend trip we always take our Civic Hybrid. Much More Fun To Drive!

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  Great car! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By LBlal001 - June 13 - 11:55 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 02 and have had is since. Just got over 100,000 miles and it still drives great! And, of course, it starts right up every time without a doubt in my mind! Only minor issues with it, driver seat belt doesnt want to latch first time every time (just started this last Winter when it was really cold out), but would usually click in after two or three tries. SRS light just came on recently, havent gotten it checked yet, but probably has to do with that. Needs new belts, but never anything serious wrong with it! Great car! Looking to upgrade to a Pilot or Odyssey now! Got over 38 mpg driving across country and usually about 29-30 around town (w/o hills)!