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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  Too many problems - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By GunnerV - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I am the only owner of this car and Ive had nothing but problems. Ignitors, air conditioning, brake cylinder, transmission (x2), paint fade, leaks. It had regular maintenance at the dealership. I have finally had it! Its on the used car lot. I bought a Nissan.

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  High cost of Ownership - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bobs - July 7 - 12:10 pm

  2nd set of brakes at 50,000 miles. NEVER ever had this problem with any car I owned, let alone Accords. No change in driving habits. At $700+ a brake job, it adds up. Miss my 2004 Accord. Sold with 200,000 miles 1.5 years ago and I still see it around town. At year end, Ill look at the Lexus.

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  STIFF AND THIRSTY!!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By stadium722 - July 2 - 11:50 am

  How do these companies get away with misleading mileage estimates? I have had my 4CYL Accord EX-L for almost a month and have yet to break the 22 m.p.g barrier on mixed or extended highway trips!! The acceleration for the 190 h.p is very good and the steering is nicely weighted. The ride though is very stiff and the leather drivers seat is even stiffer. I have a 37 mile one way drive to work and it is annoying trying to find a comfortable seating position. Honda please isolate the road noises luckily it has a good radio to try and drown out the LOUD road noise. I think higher profile tires might soften and quiet the ride...MAYBE!! Ill need the high resale value on the trade in SOON!!

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  Bulletproof reliability, short on zoom - 1997 Honda Accord
  By honderfan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had this Accord LX for over 6 years now. Never had any trouble with it other than a couple of minor issues. Change the oil and put gas in it, and it will go... The engine is extremely anemic for a car this size, and this is *with* a manual tranny!! And ift he AC is on, foeget about any accelerations... The performance and corenering leaves a lot to be desired as well. But if you are ever looking for a good, reliable tranport to get you from point A to point B, look no further than this car.

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  Great car...few problems - 2000 Honda Civic
  By C. Whaley - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car to drive.Clutch is easy to push in and out.Power is wounderful.suspension is good..could use some work on the performance side.But rides great.One PROBLEM: Transmision mount went bad.

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  auto enjoyment - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dennyhow - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great motor, good transmission, driving enjoyment. Good handling, excellent cargo space, seating capacity good, 4 wheel drive feature excellent for light to moderate heaving going. Gas mileage is good.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By schmammel - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent, extremely reliable car with outstanding service available. My only complaint is that the dealers know how popular the car is and thus the purchasing experience is not pleasant.

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  car in good working condition - 1992 Honda Accord
  By barbara di pinto - June 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is in good working condition and has only been serviced by the dealer

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CJ2miller - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We have owned a number of honda cars over the years (even have a honda lawnmower)but the Odyssey has been a disappointment. At first it was wonderful, a dream to drive and ride in. But problems have developed. Ours has problems with the autodoor buzzer going off when we make a tight turn. The engine is not running well, it "chuggs" at about 1500 RPM, and it is out of alingment already. On top of that a freind who recommended it to us has a 2000 model with 50000+ miles and the transmission is going. This could be a great vehicle, but these problems keep us from enjoying it.

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  honda accord EX sedan - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ffchopin - June 25 - 2:00 am

  The automatic transmission seems to be the biggest worry in this accord. When the accords, I owned three of them, get above 100K, the transmission shifts abruptly and sometimes there is slippage before it pops into gear, especially in the first two gears. The is also vibrations in the steering wheel when car is stopped, but in gear.