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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  Nice Van, Pricey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By D F - March 16 - 9:55 am

  Bought new in 09 well under invoice. Van is comfortable, easy to drive, gets decent hwy mpg. Comfortable seating, plenty of room.

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  My Best Friend - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ALEX - March 15 - 9:49 pm

  Ive bought my civic last year when it had 77K miles. So far I have driven 10K miles and no problems at all. Although the car is not flashy or fast, it is very reliable and can take your from point A to point B with low gas usage. The handling is very nice and this car will look very nice with some sporty rims or a spoiler. I am planning on keeping it until I finish college, and then buying a newer civic! :)

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  Good little used car, glad I found it - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By L in TN - March 15 - 9:13 pm

  This is a nice car the money. Purchased it used and the very next day drove it to Smokey Mountains in TN. It is a 4 cyl but it held its own on the highway. Paid cash and enjoy carefree ownership. No sputtering, no slow start-ups even in the unusually cold winter, no trouble in the snow. Very good value. Nice for going to Sams, easy to load. Will be getting tinted this week, plan to keep this car for a while.

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  Good car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BELLA275 - March 15 - 8:31 pm

  This is my first Accord, after trading in a Civic. I actually love the car, despite the reviews. I have to admit, I had my rear brakes replaced. My car was making a weird noise and when i took it to the dealer, I was told that the brakes have sensors. The dealer did not charge me a penny. I guess because they know that there is a brake problem. They told me that models 2008-2010 get free rear brakes for three years. So to those who own this car, make sure you are offered the same deal.

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  never again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Richard - March 15 - 8:17 pm

  driving 200 miles round trip to work and needing a car rated with a high mpg i bought the coupe. although it looked sharp the seats were horrible. everyday i would get out of the car with a terrible backache. my wife hated to ride in my car because of it making her back hurt. this was my first and LAST Honda. ive always had Pontiac Bonnibelles and NEVER had a minutes problem. but with Pontiacs longer being in production, Ive traded this coupe in for the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata. it is SO much more comfortable and i dont dread driving to work. never had any problems other than the seats being uncomfortable. Good luck to those of you who bought this car but ill never own another honda.

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  Overall very good - details missing - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 15 - 2:19 pm

  The car rides well and with a powerful V6 its about as powerful as a FWD can get. Rides well and the interior is comfortable but - suspension is poor and you feel all the bumps. I think the added weight on the EXL model causes this. Also - dumb items like the digital compass broke in Mos #2 and both keys are finicky with opening doors reminds you this is a Honda and not a more expensive car. Overall - sometimes if feels like luxury and other times is feels like its being forced and is oh- so-close.

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  Miles of reliability - 1998 Honda Accord
  By 1998 Honda Accord - March 15 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my Accord right out of the show room in 98. I have a little under 300K miles and it never failed me. I am beginning to burn some oil and put in a quart every 1500 miles. Other than that, normal maintenance. Original tranny, motor, muffler. Starts in cold weather here in Boston, and had only to replace the o2 sensor about a year ago. I plan to keep driving her. I change oil every 3K and did all maintenance on her I am planning on changing timing belt soon and maybe I can go well on my way to 400K miles.

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  Dont buy a honda with pax system tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paxhater - March 15 - 1:01 pm

  Do not buy Honda. Me and my wife thought we were getting a quality minivan that would last forever, than the nightmare began. We got a blow out on the rear and found out only Honda dealerships could replace these pax tires and it cost about $325 for the one tire. Then after about 15,000 miles the front 2 were bald and those cost about 650. And you have to replace them you cant put any other tires on those rims. They will last maybe 15,000 miles before they are bald and you are forced to drive on snow covered roads with 3 children on bald tires because you cant afford to replace them. And the brakes are garbage and the yolk in the front suspension snapped and is rattling around.

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  Fun little car! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By tiff - March 15 - 9:22 am

  Overall, this is a great little car. It handles well, great gas mileage, and is really cute. I for one really like the black interior. It shows dust easily, but hides a multitude of other stains which can occur with 2 dogs and a baby. The seat versatility is awesome. The major negative that I have come across is that the car does not feel very stable when doing high speeds on the highway. It feels like the wind can move it around quite a bit. Also, it came with no floor mats, which seems just ridiculous. Otherwise, though, I love my car. This is only day 3, so maybe it will improve!

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  Never again... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Elijah - March 14 - 11:50 pm

  My first and last Honda. Rear brake job after 9 months - $180. Seats are most uncomfortable - after 1.5 years of ownership still trying to find a comfortable position. Exterior and interior design is sub par at best. Fuel efficiency is horrible - fill up every 7-9 days - $45 - driving to and from work and school. I am not quite sure what I was thinking when I bought this vehicle. Disappointed. Frustrated. Cannot wait to get rid of.