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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  still will stick with honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By williams - August 30 - 7:25 pm

  I have had my car for over six years . it has 262000 miles on it so therefore it has proved its reliability .The problems have been the excessive use of oil of which there was a recall but I was already over the mileage, I had to replace the air conditioner last summer , I have problems with the doors not locking properly , the cloth seats are light and therefore maintain dirt easily and of course , the seat belt recall . Overall , I have been satisfied with the performance of the car and intend to drive it at least another year . I hope that they corrected some of the problems in the next models .

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  Disappointed in GA - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Doug - August 30 - 7:52 am

  05 Accord Hybrid is not all that it was cracked up to be. I bought it for the advertised mileage of mid 30s. I got that only a couple of times. Averaged about 24-25 mpg. Save your $$$ when purchasing a car. Buy a regular Accord or other mid size sedan. Youll save a lot more with the difference between the ridiculous price of the hybrid vs. the price of a regular car.

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  3rd Accord - Love it and hate it - 2009 Honda Accord
  By SouthernYankee - August 29 - 4:36 pm

  Have been driving the 09 since December. Have approx 8,000 miles on it already. I previously drove an 07 and before that an 03. This is the best for interior and exterior design as well as standard features. However, I have steering wheel vibrations at highway speed (70mph) and steering wheel vibrations when braking on the highway. Have been to the dealer 2 times for this. Dealer said wheels were out of balance - still vibrates.

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  Bad Fuel Economy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By degraff - August 28 - 10:50 pm

  Car drives and runs great. Good handling. The only issue I have is with the fuel economy. No matter how I drive I only get between 25-29 MPG now. This is not even near the 30-40 MPG sticker amounts. I was getting 33 MPG when I bought the car.

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  What More Could You Want? - 2003 Honda S2000
  By speedboy - August 28 - 9:31 pm

  This car is just about perfect, but know that it is a small, purpose-built sports car and does one thing very well - put a smile on your face. Better ride than a Miata but can still be choppy because of the short wheelbase, can out-accelerate 99% of anything on the road, bulletproof reliability, corners incredibly, chassis rigidity normally associated with steel I-beams, beautiful engine sounds that get even better the closer it revs to 9K rpm, even the top seals well. I even drive this thing in the snow with Blizzaks and it is useful. Like most Hondas, for the price this car is a no-brainer. Like a pair of favorite jeans, as the miles roll by this car just fits me better and better.

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  Darrels Honda - 2004 Honda S2000
  By darrel Winslow - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is the funnest car I have ever owned. I feel safe when driving on the freeway or on county roads. And I certainly get noticed alot..

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  Highly recommended - 2000 Honda Accord
  By patrickc2004 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second newer Accord EX V-6 (first was a 98) and I love this car! Quality in and out- heavy doors and seals keep road noise to a minimum, large trunk, comfortable seats, quick acceleration with good gas milage make this car a blast to drive.

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  New Accords First Year - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dhechinger - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My experience over 18 months of ownership of the Accord EX V6 indicates significant improvement in the engineering over the previous generation (handling, excelleration, drivetrain design, etc.). The exterior design remains lackluster, the initial quality of construction less than my previous Accord. There are some body integrity issues (door rattles, e.g.). The transmission, an exemplary smooth one linked to the equally smooth V-6, makes an annoying noise at 10 mph when first started. Aside from first year construction issues, the vehicle is a pleasure to drive both long and short distances, has a surprising amount of rear leg room, and has been dependable to a fault.

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  The way I see it. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Huggable #1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very nice riding vehicle. Interior in the LX is a little sparse. It could have a few more asthetic items,but it is quite comfortable. The instruments are user friendly and laid out well. I am somewhat disappointed in the fuel economy. The car has adequate power in most driving situations. The transmission shifts very smoothly. I would like to be able to pull the selector from P right into Drive without having to end up in D3. This should be because in most driving situations D is where you want to be. If this car holds up as well as my 1989 Honda DX with almost 200,000 miles and still going strong Ill be happy.

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  1999 Honda Passport - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Zankie - August 27 - 9:09 am

  No major problems or repairs.