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 Reliable Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Kyaw Naing - February 18 - 10:42 pm

  Ive owned Honda Accords for 15 years and Im on my 5th Accord. They all were good cars (except the very 1st 1979). I sold my 2nd Accord at 200K miles. The 98 Accord by far the best car. It has about 120K miles and has been very reliable. Still drives like new. There was no major mechanical problem so far. However, I had occasional check engine warnings mostly from a few bad oxygen sensors. I took those warnings seriously when the car was new. But lately, I just ignored them. To my surprise the warnings just disappeared by themselves. Just hoping that the car will quit on me soon so that Ive an excuse to buy a new one. But seems like, itll be another 10yrs for me to get a new car!

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  Nice vehicle but needs a few adjustments - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By patman - February 18 - 5:03 am

  It is hard to go wrong with a Honda. However, there a few quirks with the 2005 Pilot. While the interior is spacious and the instrument panel well laid out, leg room comfort of the driver is less than desirable. Honda needs to rethink the placement of the emergency brake - it interferes with those of us with moderate and long legs. It is hard to strech out and take advantage of the foot rest with brake pedal where it is. The stiff rear-hatch tension makes it hard to close an open hatch - particluarly while carrying something. Acceleration is often jerky and unrefined - particularly in city driving. The sound systems is OK, but could use improvment - my cd changer was broken at delivery

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  Disappointing - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TN2003 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I do have the same rattling problem in 2003 Honda Accord (EX 4dr Sedan) as indicated by “jp1234” for his 2004 Honda Accord (see 2004 consumer rating) The rattling problem started when it just reached 8000 miles. The worst thing I’ve experienced, when I went to my Honda dealer (Curry Honda, NY) for this problem, they just told me they are not hearing any extra noise! I bought Honda for its quality, but now I am really very disappointed with Honda family.

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  very pleased - 1994 Honda Accord
  By xrs54 - February 17 - 12:00 am

  this car is great! has not had any major(or minor for that matter) problems. had the car since february 2003 and had only had to take it in for a hood cable. it gets good gas mileage and has good acceleration when you need it. going to and from school can be long at times, but the seats are confortable. this is a very reliable car and am looking forward to it getting me through college.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2002 Honda Civic
  By chuck1hogs - February 16 - 1:08 pm

  Leased car due to special promotional deal...have driven it from KS to Los Angeles 2 times now and was impressed with the mileage, comfort and trip performance on all types of driving conditions and roads, mountains, etc..great car..no problems at all in the 3 yrs weve had it...ride is a little stiff, but thats just a Honda..the residual value is so cheap, we are purchasing it outright when the lease expires next month!! Great car.

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  My Civic makes me happy - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Fernando - February 15 - 5:31 pm

  A good car, no doubt. I did my research before buying and paid off. Except for one time when the car sort of fluked (I think it was Minnesotas harsh cold winter and snow), it runs smoothly as the day it was new. One thing Im not sure about: I feel I dont get the mileage that other Civic drivers get. Winter mi/gal runs at about 25, and in the Spring/Summer is on the 32-36 range. Still, Im planning on getting another Civic when I change this.

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - February 15 - 4:36 am

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  Certainly a Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RMForlenza - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Another in a long line of reliable Hondas. Cant be the low cost of ownership. Get your oil changes and no problems. Only problem is a drivers side window quirk. Cold wet weather and it requires some help closing.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 50MPG - February 14 - 11:13 am

  This is a great highway cruiser - if you travel long distances, this is a great way to get there cheaply. 43 mpg on the 1st fill-up, I expect more when it breaks in completely. Rented a Prius (got 44 mpg with it) and shopped one as well - the Civic stickers for less, Honda is dealing on the sticker price, and you still get $1050 in cash back from the Feds - whats not to like? The Prius is a nice car, this is less expensive and equally as nice. I like the "normal" Civic look as opposed to the unique design of the Prius. The Prius has a bit more room inside, and I like the fold down back seats and rear space. The Honda can carry 850 lbs (pass + cargo) the Prius 800 lbs.

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  Good Car with Some Problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By ajc - February 14 - 11:07 am

  A previous posting here regarding the ERG system and the transmission led me to write this review. I also have experienced these problems and both were covered under warranty (7 year, 100,000 Limited Powertrain on the transmission). Honda knows about the these problems and will help on these items. They have extended the warranty on the ERG and will participate in the repairs on the transmission even after the warranty expires. I recommend taking the car to the dealership for diagnosis and then calling Honda customer service. All things considered, this has been a reliable car and fun to drive.