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:

• 

  2008 Honda Accord Couple 2.4L 5AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RocTen - November 6 - 11:03 am

  Thus far its been a very dependable and trouble free car. Recall replaced rear brake pads at 27K. Front brakes lasted 90K. Only disappointment was center console trim vinyl bubbled up. Local upholstery shop for $65 upgraded it to leather. Had a 1996 Honda Accord Couple EX 2.2L 4AT that was still running strong at 250K when it was stolen. Best car I ever owned. Have the same expectation for this 2008. We will see.

• 

  2008 Honda Accord Couple 2.4L 5AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RocTen - November 6 - 11:03 am

  Thus far its been a very dependable and trouble free car. Recall replaced rear brake pads at 27K. Front brakes lasted 90K. Only disappointment was center console trim vinyl bubbled up. Local upholstery shop for $65 upgraded it to leather. Had a 1996 Honda Accord Couple EX 2.2L 4AT that was still running strong at 250K when it was stolen. Best car I ever owned. Have the same expectation for this 2008. We will see.

• 

  Great car for the price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Randy - November 6 - 1:36 am

  Bought mine brand new for $21,000 out the door and very satisfied with the overall car. At 125,000 miles now, this car is rock solid and I commute with it daily. Oil change every 5,000 miles. So far the only major problem was the driver- side automatic door lock mechanism failed at about 105,000 mi which cost me about $600 to fix but thats because I used to keep pressing the unlock button on my key fob to blink the lights as I walk to the car, haha.

• 

  Eight days and 2,100 miles - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ned Flanders - November 5 - 11:26 pm

  I enjoy driving this truck. Where I live I have to deal with severe weather and roads and the Ridgeline has performed extremely well. I also need a truck almost every weekend and I need to car pool with adults so this truck meets my needs and did I say this truck is FUN to drive?

• 

  Great Purchase - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By happyhondaowner - November 5 - 10:24 pm

  I have enjoyed this vehicle overall and recommend it. No, it is not overly powerful, but it does have enough power to do what I need it to. No, it is not overly roomy, but it does have a lot of functional space when configured that way. No, it is not a looker, but there are worse. You WILL be able to fit it in a garage, move moderate sized trailers easily at 55-60 mph. You will also get about an average of 16 miles/gal overall. I have gotten up to 23 (once) and as low as 12 (many times) in the winter. You can fit 5 smaller people comfortably. Not if they are over 200 lbs and 6 ft tall. It is a truck that is not great at anything but good at everything.

• 

  First minivan and love it - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Ven - November 5 - 9:45 pm

  This is my first mini van and I love it. Have all the nice features. Havent experienced anything bad. A few changes both cosmetic and technical which would cost a penny to Honda can make it even more fun. Cosmetic like: on the driver/passenger side when the seat belt is released, the hook that is retracted is making scratches on the plastic and it is looking ugly after a few months. Maybe a softer plastic can be used like Toyota. And technical, VCM. And the child seat, if that can be stowable it will be great.

• 

  Great car for your money - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tim_s11 - November 5 - 7:36 pm

  I bought it used, and have had it for four months now. I love it. It is fun to drive around town. Easy to park. I love all the room inside. Great car to take on vacations. Im getting almost 40 mpg on highway, and 35 in the city. We love to take it to the drive in and to lay in the back. It makes it easy to load up the mountain bikes and take off. It is the best car that I have bought.

• 

  So Far, So Good - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By texas22step - November 5 - 6:19 pm

  We purchased the Accord Hybrid shortly after its recent arrival at a local dealer, attracted by its new hybrid technology & claimed mileage. We had the chance last weekend to take it on an Interstate highway trip of about 450 miles, and found it to be very comfortable and achieved about 43 mpg on the trip despite driving almost the entire trip at the 75 mph posted speed limit. One can imagine the economy potential for more restrained highway driving. Beyond the comfort and mpg factors, we enjoy the fact that the Accord Hybrid looks like every other Accord on the road - no geeky look like the Prius or other green cars. The build-quality is solid, the design fine. Built in the USA-Ohio!

• 

  Honda should be ashamed! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed - November 5 - 3:38 pm

  I bought this car a few years ago. It had almost 50k miles on it. A year later I had to replace the transmission. A good thing that I had a warranty. About 9 months later, the check engine light came on. Autozone says its a transmission problem. Take it to Aamco and they dont know what the problem is. In the last 3 months I have smelled transmission fluid burning. Im not paying Honda a dime for a diagnostic. Im just gonna buy something else. The sad part is that Honda knows this is a problem with this model. For some stupid reason, the class action lawsuit didnt cover this year Honda. I will never buy another Honda!

• 

  Some short Comings!!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mac 8 - November 5 - 3:25 pm

  After owning for 5 months, some of the glamor has worn off. I bought it for economy and it is very good in that department. As far as driving I hate the fact that you cant see the right side to judge or even the left front, thats a minus. Also with the hybrid I would not recommend it if you live in hilly country, has little or no power on grades. Seats are not comfortable, esp if youre over 21.