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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  GREMLINS IN THE CABIN - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Aimey - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This could be a great car. Honda seems to neglect a major problem. This is the third brand new honda I have owned. I have had extremely annoying rattles in all of them. Honda needs to address this issue. Dealership is very unhelpful but friendly. Fuzzy tape is their fix for every rattle. This has been very unsuccessful. I wish Honda would step up to the plate and make this the car it could be. That being said it is a beautiful car inside and out and the reliability is outstanding. Would I buy another honda???

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  Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Melody9999 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Very good car. I have owned it for 8 years and the only problem Ive had was a headlight burning out.

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  A Car Enthusiasts Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Southern Oregonian - October 7 - 10:00 pm

  The days of choosing between a fuel-efficient "pregnant rollerskate" and a car that passes everything but a gas station are over. The Accord Hybrid nicely packages performance with fuel economy. The exceptional marriage of the vaunted 3.0L V- TEC V6 engine with an electric motor is definitely the vehicles mechanical strength. This is Hondas third-generation IMA project, and it shows far greater refinement than its predecessors. My primary concern rests with Accords standard automatic transmission. It surely contributes to the vehicles "smoothness," but my tranny can be finicky. It waits too long to shift at times and can create a pause-and-burst sensation between first and second gears.

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  LUDES RULE - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By gatorfan69 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Just upgraded from 97 auto to 00 SH model. Base model is nice, but SH is a must for true performance. The SH offers dramatically improved handling and whips corners as fast as the driver can handle. The car has ample power, but anything could use more power. Add some bolt ons for a few more horses. Love the styling (the headlights grow on you), but interior is a bit bland, and can be unconfortabe for a taller person. Good gas mileage unless you push into Vtec on every gear. Could use a 6th gear for better hwy mileage. I have some worry about my clutch already making noise at 44k mi. But I bought it at 40k, and I dont know how it was treated.

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  Whats happening to Accords? - 2007 Honda Accord
  By k03ep0r - October 6 - 10:16 pm

  My last 2001 Accord LX V6 was probably the last best Honda Accord model. I had to trade it in for EX-L V6 and here all my disappointments started. New EX Accord interior design is very good, however leather trim on steering wheel is sticking out on one side, while its flush with plastic on the other side. The car developed rattling noise somewhere in the rear door or behind it. The car is in repair now at only 300 miles on it. Trunk liner and rear door plastic are cheap and not flush with metal.

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  Bluetooth interface Issue - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tony2222 - October 6 - 2:35 am

  I have a 2013 Honda accord sport cvt model. I noticed the bluetooth interface with Pandora and the phone is not working correctly. I took it to the dealer and they noticed the problem also. they check with the Manufacture and they said that they not have any software updates for this model they said they have it for the EX model. Now Im stock waiting for more people to complaint for my interface isssue to get fix. I dont want my car to be the testing car. Help. Problem. Phone: Call history delays about 10 minutes for it to show in your call history. Pandora: Does not connect correclty all the time. Issues with dropping Pandora thru bluetooth.

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  Best choice for family needs - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Did my homework - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the first Pilot in the county. Liked the price value even at MSRP compared to other similiar sized SUVs. Wanted the room of a minivan but the look of SUV. The Pilot was right choice for 80% of my needs (family of 5, camper, reliability, traction in snow).

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  Excellent Honda - 1991 Honda Civic
  By jclaunch - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This car my have simple styling by todays standards, but an excellent example of Honda quality and reliability. Excellent vehicle.

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  Standard Honda Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By stargazerm31 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  After four years of driving, this van is still holding its own. Only problems were with the bad Firestone tires. Once changed to Michelin, we have had no problems. The fold down third row makes this a very versital vehicle.

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  Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By TSR - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This was the first vehical we have owned that made it 70,000 miles with no service other than scheduled maintenance! It was recently totalled after being hit by a semi but I walked away without a scratch- lives up to the safety claims. Hope to have another one soon.