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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  So far, so good... - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jimmy - March 9 - 8:43 pm

  Just got the car. Got black on black, and it is really slick, especially at night. I got the 4-cyl because it was about 2K cheaper than that v6, and I really wanted navigation but that was about another 2K. After driving it, I was surprised at the zip it had as well as the quiet and smooth ride. The v6 is easy to differentiate when compared to 4cyl on most cars, but this 4cyl feels like most other v6s. Drive it and you will see. I did get the bluetooth/heated seats/xm/alloy wheel package, and I couldnt see myself buying the car without these features. The entertainment system in the car is just like the Acura system. It is easy to use, but takes a little getting used to.

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  2000 Civic,my first, but not last import - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Bullitt - March 9 - 5:36 pm

  I had never owned an import, and never bothered to listen to those who let me know how great their imports were... well now I tell others how good my import is. The mileage is amazing, and it doesnt comprimise the performance (granted this is not an 8 cyl, or the SI for that matter). It is very fun to drive. Above all else it is well built and still feels like brand new (30,000 miles into its life).

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  Odyssey is a good van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By James - March 8 - 4:48 pm

  This is a very stylish and comfortable van. It is great on long road trips. We go to Montana from Seattle every year and it is a pleasure to drive there. We took it on a long trip down the Pacific coast from Seattle, along the Oregon coast, through the redwoods in northern California. Then to San Francisco, down through Big Sur and to Los Angeles. We then went along the coast to San Diego. We returned to Seattle on I5 (we were tired of scenery and wanted to get home.) It was a pleasant, trouble free and comfortable trip. We use it daily to shop, take the kids to school, haul the dog, and go out to nice restaurants. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  Reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Sid - March 8 - 3:25 pm

  Like the other posts say, the car is relibile. Only took it to the shop once.. to do a valve adjustment because I didnt want to do it myself. Everything else I worked on and its been running great. Theres so many things you can customize on this car. The service manual for this car is the best manual Ive ever seen. Shows you how to do everything in detail steps.. Honda is known for this.Power Windows can be a problem. Had to replace the driver side power window assembly twice. Power Windows are slow due the flimsy design of the pulley system. Too much tension being place on the cable.Over all its been a very good car.. Its taken a lot of abuse and keeps on working!

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  1998 Honda Accord EX with a Moon Roof - 1998 Honda Accord
  By E L Stair - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, especially in the Spring and Fall. It is easy to maneuver, holds the road very nicely and is economical. Good for small families. Does not seat 5 adults comfortably. The center console takes up too much space. Leather seats would help seating and leaving. A quality automobile. Too close for a 6 footer in the drivers seat.

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  Good, but not perfect - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Olsparkee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  In a nutshell, I leased for less than $300/month with zero down, a car that has almost everything I was looking for. V6 with decent power, leather but not ventilated or heated seats, decent CD player but not MP3, quiet but still too much wind noise. But I dont love it. I cant really explain why but it just doesnt grab me the way that my previous cars did even though it is the fastest and highest end car Ive owned. Sad but true.

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  Great Car for the money. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gdog477 - March 7 - 10:23 pm

  I got my accord dx a few months ago and have put on about 7000 miles. I have had no problems, and find the car to be great fo long distances. It is comfortable and roomy.

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  BRAKES!!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By MJ - March 7 - 7:13 pm

  I really loved this car the first few months I got it. Until I had to replace the rear brakes at 13,000 miles!! Absolutely ridiculous! I am now at 31,000 and just replaced them for the 3rd time. This was the only problem I had with the car. But hopefully some good new awaits as I read from another reviewer that a brake update/recall is coming from Honda in December 2009. Lets hope that happens. There is also a lot of road noise, I cant hear my bluetooth coming out of my speaker. I paid $500 for it too! Just use headphones or ear piece. I have yet to get 30 mpg on the long trips I take. Im going to look at a Prius now if they dont fix the brake problem. Waste of money!

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  190K miles and still runs grrrreat - 1995 Honda Passport
  By mark - March 6 - 3:23 am

  190K miles and still runs grrrreat, I replaced just basic parts like brake pads, filters, and all belts. I had just 1 problem. My belt tensioner was cracked

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  best ever - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ckhatchblack - March 5 - 9:45 pm

  i bought my 1995 civic in 2001 as a winter car. there was 334000 km on it then, and it was in a fender bender. There is now 445000 on it now. Fourth timing belt, same clutch. First owner put 317000 on it, sold insurance, oil change every 2 weeks. 45 miles to the gallon winter, the hotter the summer the better - it is 50 plus miles. All i have replaced is tires, exhaust, rad, doesnt burn any oil. I still change often.