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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  Buy this! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By csgmjones - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Great family van. Roomy, lots of ammenities. Hondas are terrific. But wheres the side airbags for the rear?

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Cars4me89 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  The car is perfect in every way. It does 0-60 in 7.4 sec. that is also with fulltime 4WD. The comfort is excellent and rides just like a car (very smooth). Its fuel economy isnt so hot (16-19), but thats O.K. The build quality is excellent because its a honda (duh). And the kids love watching movies. It got a ***** (five star) safety crash rating. So now the kids beg me to drive them in the Pilot.

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  My Civic-Lex Hanson - 2001 Honda Civic
  By hanson - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Civic LX in November of 2000. I have enjoyed driving this car since then. Though the car is not perfect, I still feel that the Civic is the best car for the money. What other car in the market can provide the value that the Civic does? I think that the style of Hondas appeal more to the younger croud. I would not want to drive a Toyota, too many older drivers driving them. Since, I have had my Civic, I have had some issues with some squeeks and rattles. The dealer has tried to fix them, but there still there. I know that my Civic is very reliable, and I know I will last me.

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  The Perfect Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mark Springer - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best value out there. For $22,500 I got a car with good exterior styling, a great interior, impeccable fit and finish, great power, great handling, awesome reliability, and absolutely great resale value. This is my 3rd Accord - I owned a 97 LX and a 99 EX previously. I absolutely LOVE the power of the V-6 on the 02. I have test driven Camry, Maxima, Taurus, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Lexus IS 300, Infiniti I30, Mercedes C, E & S classes (all but the Benzs at Edmunds live!), and dollar for dollar the Accord blows them all away. There is no better value out there.

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  Buy It - 2002 Honda Accord
  By TxTn - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car for the money. Considered Volvo S60, Acura TL, Infiniti G35 but cost was minimum of $6k less...You get a great car without the snob appeal! Considered the Toyota Camry but could not get comfortable with dealer cost..one dealer quoted 3% over cost and was $1,000 over the price that another dealer quote 4% over invoice. Thank You Toyota...you just sold the Honda!

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  Lots of Fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By alawabla - July 20 - 7:30 pm

  We have now owned our Fit for 14 months and are very pleased with it. Sold our 2004 CR-V, which about 21 mpg, and purchased the Fit. This is my wifes car and she absolutely loves the Vivid Blue color. Her driving is about 50/50 city/highway and she averages about 33 mpg AND SHE DRIVES WITH A LEAD FOOT. No mechanical problems to date. We love it.

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  Battery Died -Towed Twice in One Day - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BAC - July 20 - 6:35 pm

  Only have 16,000 on this baby, owned under 3 yrs. and I was shocked when my battery died on a very hot day. My shop says it happens! He also said the breaks are fine, just noisy pads (after 10,000 noticed a slight squeal). Still like the car for what I paid under $18,000 everything included Cash. Nobody is perfect. Must last 10 yrs.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hugh - July 20 - 6:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Accord. It is a 4-Dr V- 6 EX Accord. The 1st was a 1976 2 Dr. This car is fully loaded with the Navi system. The car performs flawlessly around corners. I have 2 problems with this car however. The 1st is that the gas mileage is very poor. Around city I only get about 18 MPG. On the highway about 22 MPG. The other problem is the outside temp gauge. It does not work consistenly. When it is 98 degrees outside the gauge would read 74 degrees for hours. Aside from these 2 complaints, I am very please with the car. Now I have a 1990 & 2004 Accord. The 1990 has over 239,000 miles w/o any major problems. The 2004 should last at least this long with proper maintaince.

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  No probs here - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 08owner - July 20 - 4:36 pm

  I have almost 19,000 miles on my car (got it Apr 2008) and I have had none of the problems mentioned on here. My brakes are fine. I do use the parking brake often as I also heard that it aligns your brakes properly as another poster mentioned. The leather seat is not the most comfortable, but not bad. I drove from Chicago to Cleveland with no stops and I was fine (I am 63"). I got 29+ mpg on that trip, so I dont know what Edmunds is saying that they cant re-create the 29 mpg highway number. I average around 26-27 mpg (mostly highway). Acceleration not the most responsive, but once you drive it for awhile you know how to get it going.

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  Follow up review - 2005 Honda Accord
  By cal_cal - July 20 - 4:13 pm

  I wrote a review earlier when I first bought it. Now it is 3 months since I owned it. The car gives me 29 mpg in city and 33.5 mpg in highway driving between 70 and 85 MPH. While the fuel efficiency is great, the more important is that the ride is great and the interiors are well done. The car is still very smooth and a joy to ride. I still love washing it and keeping it shiny sparkly.