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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  163k and still going - 1994 Honda Civic
  By YamInIA - January 28 - 2:47 pm

  i bought her used w/135K on her, and even tho the body is rough, the engine is fantastic. i change the oil, and am taking her in this month for the timing belt/w.pump r&r. i doubt its ever been done, and is recc.every 70K or so. i use this car to commute avg.of 150 miles/day, and it never fails me. handles well in winter conditions due to low/wide build. i LOVE the 5spd manual trans..is so fun, and good mpg too. I love this car so much, im putting about $1000 into her to get her looking nice and getting the engine to 100% performance. most would say it isnt worth it, but i bet its only used 1/2 its life. hoping to get 300K+ before she calls it quits.

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  Ok for the $$$ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By pocho - January 27 - 10:00 am

  All said it is a good car for the price but its a bit overrated, the car is not all its made out to be, drove camry V6 for 8 yrs and liked it much better, Hondas V6 engine does not feel like 240 HP, Im not getting near the MPG advertized, and radio needs improvement, Bad experience at the dealer, they did not apply hondas incentive at the time ($500) to sales contract, after finding out there was an incentive was told "too late". 3 year guarantee period is too short compared to other makes. Built quality appears to be good, good materials and finish all around and very good interior.

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  Fast, Smooth & Refined - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 07V66MT - January 26 - 10:43 pm

  I also tested an 07 V6 6MT altima but decided to purchase an 07 Accord sedan v6 6MT 2 weeks ago so I havent opened it up yet but, coming from someone whos owned 2 5.0 Mustangs, Taurus SVO, and a Grand Prix GTP, the 6speed manual definitely holds its own. I wish others would discuss prices and help future buyers determine a decent deal -- with destination charge i paid 24899, plus 6/100,000 warranty (no ded.) and wheel/tire protection both for 1130. I dealt directly with the sales manager and this was his first offer -- and I always heard Honda wouldnt negotiate. Only modification is K&N drop-in air filter which seems to help some. Im very pleased thus far.

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  A Nice Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By donald gleason - January 26 - 7:03 pm

  The car an 2005 ex V6 with leather is a very comfortable car. The only the I would do if I bought another car with leather is treat the leather seats because they are rough and hard. My wife sat down with buttons on her pockets and scratched the leather. Once a week with armoral leather wipes does the job.

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  A great car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By GW - January 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is a great reliable car, not expecting anything less from a Honda! Purchased car new in 2001 and has been working great with no major maintenance just regular oil changes and service -granted it has only been 4 years, but our previous car which we also got new, within few months transmission went bad and car was never the same afterwards.

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  Honda knows econo-comfort - 2007 Honda Civic
  By plasma_man - January 26 - 5:00 am

  As for blind spots: the B-pillar is thick, but the rear passenger windows allow for more than ample eye sight (these are things you notice on a test drive, not 2 months later!). As for the quality ext./int. yes its cheaper, but for the price the quality is more than sufficient, and the design is quite nice. Go look at Chevy and tell me you dont love Honda interiors. Performance wise, this is sufficient, but definitely not sporty. The engine has 140 hp@6300, and 128 lb-ft@4300. So really, Ive no complaints about this car, and have been quite happy with its MPG. I recommend it to any one needing an economical car that is almost guaranteed to last 300,000+ miles if you care for it.

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  Amazing performance, bad body! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Berzerker77 - January 24 - 6:20 am

  I love this car, it really performs well, and I believe the engine has a lot of life in it. That is if the body holds up. I was in a slight fender bender at about 5 MPH and the entire back end cracked. Other than the body though, this car is amazing, and is a definite buy.

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  honda hype - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mad in rincon - January 21 - 4:38 pm

  I have never owned a Honda before thisvan. I will never own another. Weve had the belt tensioner recalled, the transmission problem with the second gear fixed, a sliding door broken radio control on the steering fixed and now the warranty is up. 300 miles past and now the SRS system failed and we have to pay over $600 to fix it. Dropping the car off with a family of 5 and no courtesy car is a great inconvenience. Dont believe the Honda hype on this car!

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  Absolutely love it! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Marleigh - January 20 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Pilot after researching it for a year. I am so impressed with the room inside. It is definitely more spacious inside than it looks outside. I really love how the middle row can seat three people comfortably, something you dont get with most SUVs. It rides great, and I love how nimble it is. It drives just like a car, and I can get in and out of parking decks and parking lots with no problems. It is great for my family, and I cant wait to take it on a long vacation. It will be me, my husband, my young son, and my parents. My son fits fine in the 3rd row and loves it back there.

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  Window Issues - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hondaman - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is excellent in every respect except with the windows. The driver and passenger window has poorly designed seal making for air wooshing sounds. The back windows, when opened on the freeway, shound like someone is running a jack hammer in the back seat. That the only thing I can call a problem. The car is a charmer and I think Ill keep this one for a few awhile.