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 ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By MissMary06 - March 5 - 11:27 pm

  Very nice car, drives smoothly and its very comfortable for the price.

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  Love Our Honda Wagon! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Rick H. - March 5 - 10:53 pm

  I am the third owner of this very reliable, comfortable, highly functional family car with 265,000 miles on it, which I purchased five years ago for $4,000. Ive used it for family vacations (placing a luggage compartment on the roof rack), commuting to work, hauling recycling, and just around town errands with our dog happily in the wagon area. The sunroof is awesome, the A/C great, the handling fine, the V-Tec sporty and the interior, very sexy. The only major repair I had was to replace the transmission two years ago, which cost only $800. (n.b.: purchased from a junk yard wreck). Minor issues are the slow moving front windows, rear fender rust and a broken antenna. We love our Honda!!!

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  Good car, but very bland - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Anthony - March 5 - 9:20 pm

  I got the coupe, and Im not overly impressed. It handles really well, and the gas mileage is excellent. But for the price, the interior is very boring except from the digital speedometer. The interior looks as if it could have came from a 90s car. Not very modern. Interior also feels cheap, no seat height adjustment. But the car is reliable and handles really well. Its pretty peppy. The ride is not very smooth though, and the engine could be quieter. Id recommend the Hyundai Elantra (2007 or newer) or the new Mazda 3 over this.

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  No 7 year itch for us. We love this car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda Owner - March 5 - 7:46 pm

  We purchased our Accord in May 03, it has 105,000 miles, and still love it. It still runs like the day we bought it. The only issue we had was the timing belt broke literally 2 days before I was going to take it in for the 105,000 mile maintenance where it was going to get changed regardless. Thankfully, it happened in the driveway. At first we were quoted a $2000 repair, but when they saw our appointment in the computer, they charged just the $1500 maintenance, and did all the other services for that check-up, AND found a 10% off coupon for us to use. My husband has always loved Honda, but this is my first one. With reliability and service like this, I now understand why.

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  Heated Drivers Seat - FIRE HAZARD! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By LorenzoRota - March 5 - 3:26 pm

  My 2004 Honda Pilot with 39,000 miles has problem with the drivers side seat heater. It gets dangerously hot to point of burning. If you to to the NHTSA incident database or to Edmunds discussion group , you will find several complaints about this same exact problem. All complaints reference a 2004 Pilot: seat gets EXTREMELY HOT on right side of driver seat. Some people have had FIRES OR SMOKE coming from seat. I contacted Honda Customer service and they refused to acknowledge any problem or to remedy the problem reported as a safety problem. Yes, it is out of warranty but a seat FIRE is a serious safety issue!

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  Best car ever owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MR.G - March 5 - 3:24 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. As near perfect as can get. I like the body style better on this car better than the newer body styles. If we take a trip its in this car. I buy the best tires and batteries when I replace them. Easy access to the cabin air filter behind the glove box. Takes me 3 to 5 min to change out once a year.

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  I cant decide - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By happyhippieinmymini - March 5 - 12:57 pm

  This Mini Van was my first car. I got it when it only had 125,000 miles on it and now she has 190,000 and still running. I have had some trouble with the radiator and oil leaking. I am considering selling her for scion xA or Toyota Matrix but this car has overall been great!

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  Noisy! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By daveintown - March 5 - 1:00 am

  I bought the LX new in September 2009. I am still not used to the SUV differences from my previous Toyota Camry. I find it noisy, my #1 complaint, even though I had it undercoated, there is still a lot of road noise and there is a lot of wind noise in the windshield area. The gas mileage is also not as good as advertised. I would spend a lot more time test driving other makes next time.

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  Great Value - 2010 Honda Insight
  By John - March 4 - 10:14 pm

  46 MPG so far, mostly city with limited freeway driving. Nice standard equipment, except lacking 4 wheel disc brakes, stability and traction control. These are no big deal, as far as Im concerned I bought for the great lease deal and MPG. Very happy with the car great economy, comfortable, decent sound, etc.

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  I Need Another - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Steed - March 4 - 2:40 pm

  Still cant believe its running , its now 2010 and i have over 300,000 miles. Besides the factory defect :( no big problems at all . If you need a car to get you around this is really it! It just wont quit!