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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  It runs so well, that I may be bored! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By martin189 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EX new in 96 and have had no problems -- just usual maintenance -- new battery, oil change and brakes. I just assume that this car is going to run and it does. Now that Im 50, I feel like I need something more expensive and a bit more comportable --but its really hard to give this car up. Ive even detailed it last year and it looks amazing -- the black paint has held up really well. I keep looking at Mercedes, but when I hear the problems that my friends have with theirs -- I realize that I got a great deal by buying this car. It still looks and acts new.

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  Gas milage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lou - July 10 - 10:03 am

  The car is well built and fit and finish is very good. The figure I provided for miles driven is from past experience. This Honda has 800 miles on the odometer. I am not pleased with the gas mileage. I did not check the first fill up, but I got 31 MPG on the second and 26 MPG on the third. The little booklet that is provided for fast reference indicates I can check average fuel mileage, but this feature is not available on my car. I am a retiree who drives very reasonably.

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  I love it but beware - 1999 Honda Accord
  By KAH - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Only problem is that I have been experiencing transmission problems since about 2.5 years ago, but it was just minor (or so I thought) rough shifting. I took it in and was told that everything looked ok. Just this past weekend the transmission failed on me at 91K. After doing research I found out that this is a known issue and a recall has been issued for the 2000-2001 models. http://www.auto.com/industry/iwirg21_20020921.htm. I am trying to get the dealership to take care of it. Wish me luck.

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  Just what I needed - 2004 Honda Element
  By jollygreen - July 8 - 2:00 am

  First time I saw one I thought it was the ugliest thing going. When I looked closer and did my research I couldnt wait to get in one. I ski, snowshoe, camp, fish and unfortunately have to commute everyday. This is about as near to perfect as a vehicle can get for my needs. ONLY SUV I have ever considered buying. Why? Because of its LEV engine and MPG. Its as good or better than most cars so no enviornmental guilt here. Compare and you will buy.

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  Suprising Honda Accord Problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Louis Amoanti - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Car was purchased new. After five dealer visits, a service bulletin was found regarding clunking and creaking noises from the cars underbody. A number of BODY WELDS were apparently MISSED AT THE FACTORY. The car is now being serviced by a body shop for spot welding the defect areas. There are also noises from something loose in the drivers seat. This has yet to be fixed. Face plate on Sound System needed to be replaced as it came loose. Car has some door rattles.

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  Not all theyre cracked up to be! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DaleMF - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Im surprised by the inconsistency between magazine reviews of this vehicle and actual real world driving. For the most part, it is a well built vehicle, though far from the perfect theyre said to be. Interior is plagued by multiple annoying rattles, especially in the doors, back shelf and the console bin cover. Stereo would be fine if only I could play it louder, but the vibrations it causes keep me from doing so. Dealer has yet to correct. Engine is outstanding, though. And while most cars grow on you after a while styling- wise, this one looks less attractive the longer I have it.

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  Great but design flaws - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jlaing - July 7 - 5:40 pm

  My first Honda. Great safety; good mileage. My fault for not paying attention to two major interior design flaws, in my opinion. Front headrests angled way too far forward, thrusting drivers neck forward when trying to sit back in the seat. Thought it was a mistake just on my car so ordered another headrest. Theyre all the same. No solution. Back seat headrests are perfect but they are not interchangeable. Also, severe front windshield glare due to expansive dash, which is a great thing otherwise! I was just going to replace the glass and the glass guy told me it would do no good. It takes a lot of getting used to.

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  Great car. Poor MPG! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr. MPG - July 6 - 9:46 pm

  One of the primary reasons I purchased my Odyssey was is EPA mpg ratings. It is nowhere close. I have had it for less than a month and I get about 16MPG combined.

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  Hoosier review on Honda Odessey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bbacaphd - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the vehicle and it is much more powerful than my previous minivan, a 94 Dodge Caravan 3.0. The ride seems a bit harsher than I would have expected as I drove a 2002 Honda Accord with same powerplant and transmission. The Accord was much quieter and sounded more solid. The Odessey sounded much quieter than my Caravan. Sound system is not up to par for vehicle

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  Traded 325iC - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Amberg - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Finally got married, bought an acreage, the Bimmer ragtop felt out of place in the country. BMW was the first time I strayed from Honda/Acura and although the Germans have it in the image dept., for most of us, its not a practical only car. Cost of insurance, repairs, reliability offended my sense of value. I feel intelligent having bought the CR- V - unbeatable value/quality for the $$