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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  Very disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gradle - May 30 - 5:43 am

  I purchased my car less than a week ago and am very disappointed. It is beautiful and fun to drive, but first morning I got in, tire pressure light was on and all four tires were low on air. Three days later we noticed the rear center brake lights in center of window and spoiler werent working. Tonight I find that my headlights, brake lights, and interior lights all flicker every 20 seconds when the air conditioner is running. This is an almost $30,000 car with less than 500 miles on it and shouldnt have problems. As beautiful as this car is, I wouldnt recommend buying one.

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  safe thankfully to car - 1997 Honda Passport
  By gratefullysafe - May 29 - 5:33 am

  We bought a 97passport used for our teenage daughters as her first car. Four months later, with her 2 best friends along for the ride, she hydroplaned and and sheared off a tree. The tree hit the front of the car direct center and came to rest on the roof! The air bags deployed as they were designed to do. The only injuries were minor burns from the drivers side airbag. As the police officer said "the girls were very lucky" "usually it is the tree that lives and the people dont" I credit the passports amazing structural design. Yes the car was total loss by the insurance standard but it was quite a sight to see the tree on top of the roof and the roof not even dented.

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  Very good everyday driver - 1996 Honda Accord
  By The Commander - May 28 - 10:08 pm

  Well, Hondas are known to be reliable and this one is no different! Ive owned it for past 5 years at 42,000 miles and other than AC problem and window problem, nothing major.

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  its ok..... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Miguel - May 28 - 5:24 pm

  the crv is extremely dependable and worthy of the honda logo. it performs well in the snow and gets ok fuel economy. its just very sluggish. really needs a 6 clyiner option, and the suspension is extremely stiff compared to the highlander, rav4, and tribute. over all its a honda and will last. But comfort, cabin noise, and ride stiffness was over looked

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  Plenty of "car" for price paid - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jsm - May 28 - 6:00 am

  I bought this vehicle from a used car lot, and was literally "sold" a few hours after first seeing it. The exterior is very attractive (except for a few dents left by the original owner!). The engine is efficient--you can ride comfortably without using "high gear." Happy with the car so far (23.5k right now, with 20k/year expected).

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  Dangerous Brakes - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bad Brakes! - May 27 - 7:53 pm

  I purchased vehicle new in 2003. It has excellent expected Honda reliability with one major exception!!! The brakes fail almost completely in winter driving conditions. My model has ABS and I am experienced driving in snow and this is the most dangerous car I have ever driven in snow. Thank god I dont live in an area that gets snow. Dealership did an inspection; said they found nothing..mind you...problem only occurs in snow! 1-800-Honda has done nothing either!!! Think twice before buying if you ever need to drive in snow. Chains made no difference when trying to stop.

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  Excellent car with one exception - 1998 Honda Accord
  By chuck seccombe - May 27 - 10:00 am

  the car is great and fun to drive. Has great pick up. One chronic problem is that the check engine light came on at approx. 75,000 miles and have not been able to determine why.

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  Good Buy - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Accord Owner - May 26 - 6:17 pm

  Ive been a satisfied owner since 2001. The car handles well and has been reliable. 130,000+ miles now. The V6 engine is not noticeably faster than the 4-cylinder, but it is noticeably quieter and smoother. I generally get ~26 mpg with about 80% highway driving. The car looks good yet, except for a little rust on the rear wheel well.

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  Classic Accord - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Michael Kass - May 26 - 3:03 pm

  Even though I bought it "used", I got a great deal on a low mileage 2012 Accord V6 Coupe. Having owned 2 previously, I found this one to be classic in its reliability and performance. No surprises. Good, reliable entertainment. The V6 is nice, compared to my previous 4 cylinder Accords. People complain about the drivers side lumbar support as being "agressive". This may be true for most people, however I have a weak back, and find the strong lumbar support to be a blessing. The front seats themselves tend to be a bit "firm". They dont massage you or envelope you in comfort. That would be my only complaint about the 2012 Accord.

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  One year old and 12,000 miles - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rob - May 26 - 1:23 pm

  Overall a fine car for city and highway driving. Its all Honda, handling and acceleration remind me of previous Hondas Ive owned. Dealer service is OK - they didnt correctly diagnose a power steering noises the first time. A week later, another service writer, and description "morning sickness" got the problem fixed. A seal wasnt correctly seated which starved the pump of power steering fluid. New pump installed, two-day stay at dealer and its running great. MPG has increased to 37 from 34 before the repairs.