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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  After 10,000 Miles, heres my review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jim Suss - August 23 - 1:23 pm

  Yes its dependable. It has some get up and go. But its a dull, boring car. The automatic transmission grabs and seems clunky. Descending hills and approaching stops, the transmission holds the car back and there is no way to turn this "feature" off. Apparently the feature is called "brake assist", but there needs to be an off button for this and there is not. Its very tough to get used to. I rented a Maxima on a recent trip and that was VERY nice. Fast, fun to drive, more leg room and no grabby transmission. In my opinion, if youre interested in the Accord, test drive the Maxima first.

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  My Element EX - 2003 Honda Element
  By Element Fan - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I probably got the 1st Element in Pittsburgh, an EX. I was patiently waiting for it since 2 mths whne I 1st heard about it. I like it a lot except for 2 things, 1. Pickup 2. Keyless Entry - When did Honda make this optional on their EX models. Its a real pain unlocking & locking the vehicle from the driver side!!!

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  Good user friendly SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By TROB - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CRV "V" new in 2002 I have had zero problems. I would like better lumbar support, larger tires less brake, road noise, and more bass in the stereo. Utility is great I have carried several large items which fit into an exterior that appears too small on the outside but fit inside.The fit and finish are great as is the rear leg room. I still think it is the best sport ute for the money getting the fuel economy it does. I would hate to be my neighbor who owns an suv so large he doesnt drive it but once every few weeks to once a month.

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  Its Not A Porsche - And Isnt Meant to Be - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rob - August 22 - 1:36 pm

  I got this to soak up some long distance travel miles to keep them off of my twin turbo Porsche Macan S while lugging kids and stuff long distance. So far its doing exactly what Im asking it to do, so Im pleased. It handles like a wet sponge, but hey, its a van. Cant fault it for doing exactly as it was designed to do.

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  Runs like a clock - 1993 Honda Accord
  By simmons195 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been the greatest car that I have ever owned! I have owned it for 3.5 years and I have never had to change the breaks (I down shift). It has never left me sit. The only two problems I have had are the power antenna mast, and the drivers side power window gets stuck sometimes. Thats all! No mechanical problems at all. I had to replace the exaust from the cat back, but that will happen with any car. But Its treated me very well.

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  Comfortable and reasonably powered - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Sums - August 21 - 12:36 am

  We bought our 95 Accord EX-V6 used, and now have ~90k miles on it. The only repairs outside of standard mainenance were a $60 part ignition coil and minor A/C repair--which were both foreshadowed. All in all, a very comfortable car that handles pretty well and is well powered.

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  Love to drive - 2009 Honda Civic
  By nyker - August 20 - 2:00 pm

  I recently bough this car a month ago and already drove around 1.4K. Highway mileage is great, I got like 33 mph with air conditioner on. City mileage is not so good though, I am making only 22-23 mph. One of the reasons might be the fact that I usually have to drive in heavy traffic, go little and stop again. Road noise sometime can be a little excessive. Even a little bit of uneven road surface can cause uncomfortably loud grinding noise coming from suspension. Other than the noise problem, the car runs smooth. Always fun to drive. I even sometime intentionally miss the exit on the way to work just because I couldnt get enough of driving this car. Love both interior and exterior.

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  Beloved Honda - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Nimble Simba - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Just sold it after 7 1/2 years. Will miss it a lot. Hardly any trouble at all very quick, reliable. Only reason to sell was I wanted an Outback Sport. But cant recommend the Honda Civic hatchback highly enough.

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  Honda reliability on its way down - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Rahooool - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are supposed to be reliable but my Transmission got messed up somewhere in the 50K - Lucky I bought Extended Warranty. Engine runs smoothly but lacks power for a V6 (I guess im comparing it to my previous Nissan Maxima which was awesome until i sold it off at 186K). Interior is quite convenient and comfortable but im beginning to hear squeaky noises. External sounds are minimal though. Car looks decent - better than the bland Camry but not like the Passat. If I was 40 Id probably like this car but not at 25.

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  Shows Hondas Quality - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Mictwentytwo - August 18 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car I was a Honda driver having had a 1984 Accord Hatchback. This car is still running great and looks great, Ive only had to do general maintenance over the years. To date it has 218,500 miles on it and still going, Ive been waiting for the right time to upgrade to a new one and this may be the year. I must add there are many Accords of this same year all over my city in great condition and still going. For these reasons and Hondas styling, build, reputation Ill be buying another Honda in the near future. If you are considering a car to buy you must check out the Accord, its been a wonderful car for me these past 11 years.