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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  Luv My Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By luvbigdogs - February 18 - 2:48 am

  This has been the best vehicle for reliability, safety, & comfort Ive ever owned. Unfortunately yesterday my husband was hit in the front end, which totaled out the car [when a wheel, not just a tire, is ripped off plus the front end is hit so hard it pushes it back 6", that car is a goner]. I plan to get another Odyssey because its such a great vehicle, even if I do hate the shift position of the gear knob.

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  love it! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By celticwolf122 - February 17 - 1:23 pm

  I love the interior design of the cargo space. even after folg the rear seats I can fit......lol get it......things under the seats. This car corners like a bat out of hell. The acceleration is a little lagging but it is compensated but a sense of control in every corner. I love the stereo system and the fuel econom is great. The best car under $15000 (that is of course the base model) I hope to see future base models come with cruise control. Way to go honda. btw this is my first honda and I think I may be hooked on the brand.

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  Tough Little Truck - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Randy - February 17 - 12:41 pm

  I purchased my 1999 Honda Passport brand new in Anchorage Alaska. It came with a 5 speed manual transmission. I changed the battery and do all my own oil changes, tire rotations. You know, the basic stuff. I take it to the dealer for major maintenance. This Honda will run forever! I have over 120,000 miles and still running strong. The few problems I had over the years are: fuel gauge unit went bad in 2009, fan clutch went bad in 2008 and rear window wiper motor went out on me in 2007. The only real engine problem I have ever had was the mass air flow sensor went out on me in 2006 causing the check engine light to come on. Other than that, when I turn the key, it starts!

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  Excellent Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By HondaLover3 - February 17 - 5:51 am

  Loved the Car bought at 100,000 miles and drove it for a couple years with no problems, just reg maint. Oil change tune up etc, sold it when I hit 210,000 miles for a newer sport accord. Car driving like brand new when I sold it.

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  Excellent Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By HondaLover3 - February 17 - 5:26 am

  I purchased my 1997 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6 months ago after my 1994 Honda Accord EX-L Sport Couple was totaled by someone pulling out in front of me. I love this civic it is my 3rd Honda it had 209000 miles on it when I bought it and just rolled over 218000 miles in 6 months. The car had one previous owner, needs a paint job but other than that it has original engine and clutch and transmission still drives as its brand new. get around 320 miles per tank. Just regular maint done since I have bought it, oil changes and brake pads. I LOVE THIS CIVIC! as excellent as my dads 95 Acura integra with original motor and power train (automatic) that has 670,000 on it and still drives like new!

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  The little Rocket - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Honda Kid - February 17 - 12:16 am

  This little car handle like a rocket.I own a 2007 Honda Si, this car handle well, but not as good as the S2000. Well, if you want to hear this little rocket vtec kicks, shift to first gear and accelerate until you hit 8000 rpm and shift to second gear and will will know what I am talking about. Dont believe me! Try it for yourself.

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  Terrific - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Mistyfiedw - February 16 - 10:18 pm

  I wanted to hit 1000 miles before my review. The reviews I read were pretty up and down. I am overly pleased with my Pilot! Brakes are great, no pulling to the right and I ADORE the boxy look. Exactly what I wanted. Mileage? Going from a car to a truck I expected less, it only cost $10 more to fill than my Camry and I do not feel like I am stopping for gas that much more often. The room is invaluable, very comfortable and (come on it is not a BMW) but for an SUV this is way fun to drive. I hope to have this Pilot for many years. For reference I am a 31 year old professional, I have never owned an SUV before.

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  New owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Koolhunk - February 16 - 9:33 pm

  Just bought a 85k used accord 2003 ex,i ddnt even reach home an routers started screeching had multiple problems with car but all minor.I am bit scared after reading evrybodys review of radio display,transmission,moonroof leak problems hope and just pray it doesnt trouble me more.

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  2007 Honda Civic EX Coupe A/T - 2007 Honda Civic
  By anonymous - February 16 - 5:21 pm

  Ive had my Civic for over 2 years and I absolutely love it! Of course, like every car, it has its quirks, but all in all its a great car. 40,000 rolled up last week, and its still tight as a drum. It does have several rattles, but they have gone away with time. I LOVE that I only have to change the oil about every 6,500 miles rather than 3,000 (the Maintenance Minder system even tells you when its time to change the oil). I have the coupe, and the trunk is surprisingly roomy. I do about 90% city driving and get about 34-36 MPG. The car also holds up well in accidents Ive been rear ended and clipped in the front, and both times the car had less than $500 worth of damage.

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  Honda engineering not perfect - 2009 Honda Accord
  By VicLmech - February 16 - 4:23 pm

  First, I own a 2009 Civic in addition to this car. Honda has a reputation of bullet-proof cars, but this particular model is lacking in several ways. 1st, the remote door control has been defective. Not just my model, its a common complaint and Honda has a SB about fixing it. 2nd, the rear brake design is horribly inefficient. The 08 and 09 models have a bad reputation of wearing out rear pads anywhere after 15k miles. In my case, they wore down to the metal at the 22k mark, but from internet reports most go out before this far. 3rd, this engine seems to consume oil at a faster than normal rate. Dont know why, but its a known problem for these models.