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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  Gas Guzzler - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By manny - May 16 - 10:55 pm

  Not happy with gas mileage she gets 12 in the city and 18 on highway not what I expected from a Honda. Rear sub rattles sounds way to much, been in two others same thing. Seats are impossible to clean. Besides theses issues runs well no problems.

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  Tranny Leak - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Val - May 14 - 3:47 pm

  After 1 week I got it the tranny leak on the transaxle left side. Honda dealer wont fix it because I brought it as-it.What a big disappointment! When you brought a car from Honda dealership, you think they maintain the quality. I will never gonna buy a Honda car again!

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  Not so great! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cel5000 - May 12 - 3:58 pm

  Traded my Lexus 06 IS250 for this based on Hondas reputation and the fact that my wifes 04 Accord has been a great car. I was initially impressed with the styling which led to the test drive. Power is impressive and the ride is harsh but the payoff is in the handling. I just turned 14K and have noticed a slight brake shimmy at highway speeds so there may be something to all the complaints logged here. I also have the "bumpy" feel to the driver seat when adjusting forward or back. My dealer told me that Honda is working on a solution for this - well see. Overall its a good car that is reliable but, in my option, not as great as its predecessor.

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  Here One Not Depressingly Apperciated - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hbechara - May 11 - 2:38 am

  I swapped my (BMW 323i 2001) into this car, was seeking for better fuel economy simply by thinking a 4cyl consume less than 6 cyl But unfortunately i was WRONG! in addition to the super 24 valves where each plays its own orchestra with unsupportable noises. The AWD sounds like you are driving a tank, simply lots of noises with a poor sound system. About the interior, dont expect something more than Honda, Luxury is devilish and we must keep away. Great A/C but you may freeze in front seats to comfort whos sitting in the back. Bad deviation if accelerating up in a ramp.

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  Its not the Accord that used to be - 2009 Honda Accord
  By joo - May 9 - 6:11 pm

  Its ok for the family car but dont buy it if you look for a sporty car. This is the "slowest" car in the midsized segment. Specially, the acceleration is the one of worst part in my disappoint. (177 hp, where is it?) Also, Ive visited Honda dealership 3 times for one and half years since there have been "annoying" noise in my car. (1st dash board, 2nd drivers door and now rear and passenger seat). I really miss my 03 Civic and its much worse than before.

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  Not crazy about honda - 2010 Honda Civic
  By tquigs - May 6 - 11:54 pm

  Hasnt Honda ever heard of auto headlights? I cant believe Hondas dont have them. Whats up w/ the tiny steering wheels and tiny sun visors? Its better when window controls are in center-that way you can get to them even if the door is open. Im used to gm cars (bring back Saturn). Its hard getting used to Hondas molded seats. I have to retrain myself to turn the headlights off/on. It was nice not to have to worry about that for the past 10 yrs. Cup holders would be more functional w/ different design. Power outlet needs to be on back of console, not inside-cant charge phone w console closed. Cant drive w/ it open. Had to by adapter to convert other outlet from 1 into 2 to charge phone

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  Too expensive to maintan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By tired of my honda va - May 6 - 11:21 am

  I have to admit, I am terribly disappointed with the Honda Odyssey. Every trip to the dealer for BASIC maintenance is dreadful since I always walk out spending hundreds of dollars for some reason or the other. Definitely consider reviewing other vans before you decide to buy this one.

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  Ok but not as good as they use to be - 2007 Honda Civic
  By k.singh - May 6 - 4:02 am

  Have 50k miles at 500 miles cv boot was replaced at 12k miles there was lot of road noise but it was linked to rpm. Dealer replaced my water pump under warranty and that fixed the problem. At 40k miles there was road noise - had to replace the front bearing without warranty. There was recall on rear bearings but not on front. Inside door handles broke. Ton of recalls. Overall it is not bad car - no major problems I have traveled across country multiple times. Only complain is that on hills it has hard time keeping up with speed limit forcing me to go into slow lane. 30 mpg city 40 highway. I will not recommend because for same money you can buy better brand car.

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  Honda Issues - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HoNda Jole - May 5 - 3:44 pm

  2008 Honda Accord with non-stop brake issues. Honda will not recall this, maybe after they have issues like Toyota did they will get it together.

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  Vibration at idle - 2009 Honda Civic
  By pod doc - May 1 - 7:09 am

  Since i purchased my civic i have noticed vibration at idle worse with the A/C on. I have been to the 2 dealers about 10 times with this complaint and there has only been 1 update that did not rectify the problem. The vibration is apparent when the A/C compressor engages at the same time as the cooling fans kick-in.