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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  In it for the long haul - 2007 Honda Accord
  By CMG11 - March 4 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased new on 12/2006. As of 3/2010, have 147K miles. Mostly New England interstate driving. Purchased this car because of reliability reputation and high resale value. Hope to keep for 500K. Average about 30 MPG over the years with a min of 23 and max of 36 in a single fill-up. No issues with transmission or clutch, engine, electric, or body. Very reliable in all weather conditions once stock tires are replaced. Only one unscheduled stop for brake replacement. Issues: - Front brakes replaced at 30K due to heavy pulsation. No replacement since. Same with rear brakes (55K). - Stock tires not great especially in winter. Snow tires are a must for New England.

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  I hate my accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By None - March 4 - 12:56 pm

  I have owned many cars, for 08 Honda took a step BACK in quality. Never have I despised a car as much as my 2008 accord EX. My car has less than 40,000 miles and I have replaced the rear brakes THREE times! Each time at about $200 at the dealer. The dealer told me they are designed to be quiet, so they wear out fast. Be prepared for an additional couple hundred dollars in repairs every few months if you are considering buying. Interior noise is MISERABLE. Road noise is insanely loud as is wind noise. Dealer looked into the issue and stated my car is flaw free, Accords are just noisy. Horrible build quality with that much noise. Trading the car in, will never buy Honda again.

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  I Love My Civic! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By alicia - March 4 - 11:28 am

  I have owned my Civic for nearly 10 years. It is by far the best car I have ever had. I have done the necessary maintenance throughout the years. As a result, it has been very reliable and Ive had no mechanical problems with it at all. It gets great gas mileage and is an inexpensive car to own/maintain. I would definitely purchase a Civic again.

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  Unhappy buyer - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Sanjay - March 4 - 8:13 am

  Worst car Ive ever had. Problem after problem pretty much right off the lot. Transmission, engine mounts, wheel bearings (twice), suspension. Ive plowed so much money into this car it makes me want to cry and I still feel it will easily break down on me on the highway etc. This has been the worst used car buying experience in my life. Next time I will go to Ford - I hear they are topnotch now. I don not recommend this car or Honda to anyone.

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  For the Price, this car is The Bomb! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Colt - March 3 - 8:11 pm

  Love the size of this SUV. Its perfect for the traveling sales person, as its a large safe car with excellent crash test scores. Too many bells and whistles to even begin to discuss. Id keep this SUV on your short list. The kids are begging to take this car to Florida for Spring Break, instead of the minivan.

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  All Kinds of Problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Terrible Car - March 3 - 12:54 pm

  This is the first Honda I have purchased on my own. My entire family owns Hondas but this will be my final Honda due to so many problems. Brakes replaced under 20000k miles rotors turned and replaced under 20000 miles and rear dash replaced. 3 out of 4 door actuators replaced. Heated mirror took 6 trips to fix after they told me I didnt have heated mirrors and I had to prove it. Brakes still squeak a lot and Honda Customer service will not do anything about it. They just say they have not had any recalls when they clearly have issues with the brakes. My parents have a pilot just had their 60k mile service replaced brakes first time and still have not turned rotors. Accord is awful.

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  Update on 29000 miles - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Umi - March 3 - 11:24 am

  Bought on Apr-08. Now has 29000 miles, just changed tired. Had a big problem with TPMS light. The tires were changed on Firestone. They broke one TPMS, so visited service place 4 times. Finally it was fixed by Honda Dealership, but the money was reimbursed by Firestone. So, CHANGE YOUR Tires ON HONDA DEALERSHIP. TPMS Light must be reset when you change tires. At all, the Civic is not bad. Average getting 24 miles per gallon just in City driving. 35-39 miles per gallon on highway. As of today no mechanic failure. As of today spent $1400 including tires changed at 29000 miles. Generally good car. Would recommend to anyone who know how to count and save money. Save money-buy quality!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By gordo - March 3 - 10:01 am

  I bought this Accord to use as a business vehicle and it did not disappoint. 3 years and 73K miles later, it is still running strong. I have seen 32 MPG on the interstate. I like the V6 power and build quality, but the front rotors warped very quickly after buying the car. That issue will cause you to go through front tires very quickly and you have to put up with the noise and pulsing pedal. At times the brakes can be "grabby", where you are braking smoothly and then they "grab" and you lurch forward, but that is relatively small. Other than that, the car has been great, and still runs well.

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  Best, most reliable vehicle out of 10 - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Bob Caz - March 2 - 8:32 pm

  Bought my 1999 Passport new, best vehicle -- reliability and low maintenance -- I have ever owned out of 10 cars. 162,000 miles now and still going strong. Only two batteries and 3 set of tires. Absolutely no major repair costs. I have the Passport serviced every 3000 miles. Love it and will keep it until it gets tired of me.

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  Never buy a honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By julieinky - March 2 - 7:25 pm

  Have owned Odessey since 10-08.My husband and I thought we were buying a reliable vehicle for our family, but proven wrong!While driving with our 2 children in the van hit the brakes to slow down and the vehicle accelerated on its own.We had to fight to keep from hitting the turning car in front of us.Had in dealership 6 times to fix the problem NOT fixed yet. This isnt a constant problem and dealer can not diagnose a problem. May not happen for another 600 miles. Therefore while driving constantly have hand on gear shift in case the van needs to be put in neutral.Scared to death to have kids in the van. Air leaks, wind noise, interior lights come for no reason!