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:

• 

  Far more advanced then other vans - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Ruchy - May 22 - 7:54 pm

  We bought this van for $500, yes it needed work ( suspension ), it does have 259k on it. Why any one would buy another van is beyond me, if you have $3k to spend pick one up, even if it has a lot of miles. This van is FAR MORE advanced than anything from this year all the way up until now. The ride is great, the gas mileage is superior even to anything now, for a 6-7 passenger vehicle. I wish they still had them but Honda decided to use a 6 cylinder, boo-hoo. I call this car a wagon on steroids, we take it when we go on any outings because it is very comfy and roomy. Drive one, youll buy it.

• 

  So far so good! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ubobby - May 22 - 6:52 pm

  Have driven the car only 1500 miles and its OK.Nothing exciting, just OK but thats Honda. Reliability is why we all buy them!Now to the brake problem that everyone is stating, mostly rear pads? Talked to American Honda today and they said a class action had started and they will be in touch with us all to fix the problem. Hope that helps!

• 

  Best bang for my buck! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Pilot owner - May 22 - 11:15 am

  I test drove 4 SUVs before I decided to buy the Pilot. The SUVs I test drove were -MB GLK350 -MB ML350,Toyota Land Cruiser, Honda Pilot The reason for me to choose the Pilot were Honda built quality/reliability. Everything I wanted is all inclusive (ex.BT, Nav, rear DVD, etc.). Size and functionality of large SUV. -Drives and rides like a 4-door sedan. Compared to other SUVs, Honda gave me a better deal.

• 

  Stop Complaining - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DL - May 22 - 9:39 am

  I have put 76,000 miles on this car since it has been new. At first the road noise is bad, the stock tires stink, I replaced with General Altimax HP tires. These reduced road noise considerably. As for the several recalls on this car, I give Honda credit for issuing recalls on items that could easily be passed on to the consumer after the warranty period. Simply put this is a great car with a few flaws, but you get what you pay for. I wanted a very reliable car that was affordable and that is what I got. Plus its design allows me to preform most routine maintenance myself.

• 

  Worst seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tmf2 - May 22 - 12:35 am

  The accord always starts even after Ive let it sit for ages. The problem is that I let it sit for ages because the thing is so darned uncomfortable to drive. The head restraints are miserable, they push my head forward and cause intense neck pain, while the lumbar support just makes my legs go numb from putting so much pressure on my back. I sincerely regret the purchase of the accord. Seriously, I chose to ride my bike on a 20 mile commute nearly every day this winter in snow and sub- zero temperatures because that was more comfortable than the seats in the accord.

• 

  Hot Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By grenadian - May 21 - 7:50 pm

  Good drive around car. Not too sporty so not fun to drive. Great mpg. 2000 Civic is better. Can hold a good sound system.

• 

  Great Vehicle, needs a 6 cyl. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By WPFD - May 21 - 10:07 am

  The Honda CR-V is a fun little car to drive in the city and when there are no hills to climb. There is ample room to haul just about anything without having to fold the back seats. They are adjustable and move forward to make more room. Driving in the mountains was another story. To keep the speed up, the engine runs at 4500 rpm and sounds like it is straining the whole time. Even with its new 180 hp engine, this care is very under powered if you have any mountain or even hills in your area.

• 

  Great Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Georgia - May 21 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car at the end of 2002 with 92,000 miles on it. It was an extremely reliable car. I drive round trip 72 miles a day to work. I always said I would drive it till it died. It was a great car for the last 8 years and I just traded it in on a 2007 EX-L Accord. My 93 had 232,000 miles on it and still going. Had begun to replace things over the last few years - but that was to be expected. Got 180,000 miles out of the original clutch! AC / Heat still worked. Great, dependable car. One of the reasons I traded it, was the newer Accords are roomier and my kids are growing up and needing more leg room. I hated to see my 93 Accord go, but so far I love the 2007 as well.

• 

  Rear Brake Problem Disappointing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tom - May 20 - 11:04 pm

  Ive had this Accord since new, and have enjoyed the car very much. However, today at 20k mile service I learned the rear brakes already need replacing. After reading many similar complaints on the web, this is obviously a factory defect as rear brakes shouldnt wear out before the front, and especially not at 20k miles. This is extremely frustrating and disappointing. I bought Honda for quality, and learning this is a known issue for so long without any recall to correct is disappointing as well. Continued loyalty to brand has ended.

• 

  1994 Honda Accord EX Sedan - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Rahul K. - May 20 - 1:44 pm

  Great car when you run it on cruise. I recently bought one with 120k miles on it, very clean from inside, runs great, like the sunroof, cruise, spoiler on the back, nice handling etc. This car is not a racing car and takes time to pick up but once on the road and in D4 (auto)it runs smooth and no hiccups. I like the way the car handling, is there any room for improvement? yes! They could have made the seats a little more comfortable, lumbar support and power driver seat is a steal.Its not a luxury car but if you need a daily commuter or A to B this is the best deal.I got an avg of 27 mpg on highway with a speed of 70-80 mph and city around 24. Fabric- seats 94 held themselves really well.