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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  Best truck on the road for the money - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By booboo - April 11 - 1:14 am

  Driven 7000 miles in 2 months, no problems, snow, desert, excellent drive, handles, tight corners on calif. Highway 1 no problem. Owned Mercedes, beamers, Honda beats them all for the money 22.9 highway mpg. For 4x4 too.

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  Good but not great - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Pat - April 10 - 9:37 pm

  Its been very reliable but the threat of transmission failure hanging over my head has always annoyed me. I change the ATF every 20K. I bought a Honda for reliability and not to think about the poorly designed A/T. MPG is only OK for a 4 cylinder. Im not crazy about Hondas insistence on using only genuine Honda fluids. The A/Chas never been freezing cold like some other cars Ive owned. Despite all my complaining it has been a good car. Its just that when you buy a Honda you expect so much. I feel the motor will do 200K but the tranny wont. Id buy a Ford Fusion next.

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  Just a headache - 2005 Honda Accord
  By brgls - April 10 - 3:24 pm

  This was my first import car, and I was not impressed at all. The reliability for the car is great, but small annoying things always go wrong. The driver seat started squeaking and making noises at 38000 miles and no dealership would help me unless I would buy a new $1200 seat. The interior makes bad noises over all the bumps and the I4 engine seems underpowered and noisy. The radio has static everywhere and the speakers are already blown out and I never turned the radio up past half way. The dealership also said this was normal. If you get a Honda, at least dont service one at a Honda dealership.

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  OK, but not as good as my last Honda - 1999 Honda Civic
  By K.S. - April 10 - 12:17 pm

  I had a 1991 Accord before this car. To be fair, we have put a lot of city miles on it and its up to 130k now. But I look to put 200k minimum on a Honda, and Im not going to get that with this one. The engine is great, but Ive had repeated problems with the exhaust system falling out and the brake system breaking all the time, despite excellent maintenance on my behalf and from the cars first owners. I spend about $1500/year fixing this car. Now the transmission is getting ready to die, which I suspect will be a more costly repair than the car is now worth, so I am going to trade it in soon. I would still consider a Honda again, but never again a Honda with automatic transmission.

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  I love Hondas - 2007 Honda Civic
  By MilesMom - April 10 - 11:11 am

  I love Hondas. This is my fourth one and the CRX I owned had 213,000 miles on it when I upgraded to a new Honda and it was still going strong. I love the design of the 2007 Honda 2 dr coupe. I have had no big problems with it. The rear seat belt ripped and it was replaced at no charge last year. Most recent service was on 4/9/10 at Commonwealth Motors. I would recommend this dealer for service. The express service was done quickly and professionally. The service technician that wrote up the order was friendly and took the time to explain options to me. Waiting area was large and comfortable. Convenient location right off 495.

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  Wish I Could Keep It - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Brenda Eiland - April 10 - 12:50 am

  The only reason I am buying a new car, and turning the beloved 97 LX wagon over to a relative, is that my leg can no longer handle any clutch and the car has a standard transmission. Otherwise, Id pay what it took to restore! The windows are slow, and some plastic pieces broke (holding visor and rear cargo space cover). Hubcaps paint peeled but new ones werent expensive. Has had good mechanical attention. Timing belt replacement at recommended mileage was difficult per an excellent mechanic who said he wont do it after the next 100,000 miles. Had 2 axle boots replaced, but the originals might have been weakened by being hit in the side by 2 big deer almost simultaneously. Tough car.

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  A little disapointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bryan - April 9 - 7:06 pm

  Hondas reliability and great resale value carried the day, so I bought one. On balance my Accord has been reliable transportation without too much to complain about. That said, if you fancy yourself a "car" person then do yourself a favor and consider buying something else. There is nothing in an 09 Accord to get very excited about nor terribly disappointed with. The premium 270 watt stereo is on par with a good bed side table top clock radio. The ride is road connected, to me bumpy and a little noisy even with the best new Michelin summer tires installed recently. Its car 101. Plain, simple, safe, reliable, boring transportation.

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  Good First Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Shannon - April 9 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my Honda as my first car. I am the second owner and it hasnt given me many problems. I have one problem however, my car will idle very high sometimes especially when its hot!! Im not quite sure why but thats the only problem i have had other then regular repairs (tires, brakes, rotors, etc.)

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  Internal Door Rust - Door Lock Failures - 2007 Honda Fit
  By JES_MA - April 9 - 3:45 pm

  I have garaged my FIT nightly and weekends in Massachusetts. My drivers side rear door after locking would not open with key, door pull, outside handle, or inside handle. With 35,000 miles and 37 months of ownership cost me $465 to have door forced open and entire lock / motor mechanism replaced due to severe rusting on mechanism. Makes me wonder if recalls for SRS Air bag failure due to water and the more recent drivers door electrical switches for water shorting indicate if there are leaks in the doors. Now concerned other 3 doors will need lock replacements. Has anyone else had the lock failures on their Fit? If yes check or ask about server rusting as a cause.

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  Dont buy unless driving highway & alone - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JP - April 9 - 12:57 pm

  The is my third Honda Civic and second Hybrid. I had previously a 2006. This car give good gas mileage on the open road but average 32 mpg in town. It has very uncomfortable seats and feels terrible when in-laws are in the back seat. Personally, I think Honda cut corners on their suspension (rear). I thought it was my 2006 but the 2008 performs exactly the same. Wish I had not risked the same buy a second time. On a positive note, it looks great and does consistently provide at least 40 mpg even at 70 mph.