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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  Nice Car With Minor Flaws - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - June 4 - 10:50 am

  I purchased my 2008 Accord LX-S 2Door in January of 2008. The car is very sharp looking and has some nice size to it for a 2 door. There is an abundance of headroom without the sunroof, which I love. The 190-hp 2.4 is semi-quick, and good for daily driving. I have have had some problems fixed under warranty: 1. Trunk was misaligned from factory (fixed under warranty), 2. Tail lights were rubbing where they meet rear quarter panels causing paint chipping (fixed under warranty) 3. Trunk lid sometimes "clunks" when opening the car (not fixed yet). Gas mileage is OK, averaging about 23-24 city - 31 highway normal driving, I dont drive fast, but I dont drive slow either.

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  2008 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Trey - June 4 - 9:43 am

  I bought my Honday last May. Overall the 08 Accord is a solid vehicle with some minor annoying flaws. This car is very comfortable car to drive. It handles well and I dont fell any vibration when the car shifts gear. The LX Accord car is a very powerful car especially to be a low model Accord. This car have a easy time drive up hills and does not struggle like my previous car. The most annoying problem I have with the Accord is the noise problem. While driving on the interstate you can hear every time the engine revs up or shifts gears. While driving on the interstate with the window down, the wind makes an annoying sound as it bounce against the interior of the car.

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  Keeps on ticking - 1997 Honda Civic
  By moz52 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, with about 30,000 miles on it, and now it has over 120,000. I have done nothing but regular tune ups, new tires, and oil changes. Although I would love to have something a little more sporty, I will most likely purchase a new Civic sometime this year. You just cant beat the reliability.

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  1995 Accord LX 4-door sedan - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Zizzy - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A creampuff. An inauspicious car but it has held up very well through 8 midwest winters. Very low mileage, no repairs of any significance. Will buy another.

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  My CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By zulan78 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned this reliable car for 4 years now. It has not given me any problems except for slight squeaky brakes. It runs like all of Hondas other cars. If you like Honda then youll like this car.

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  2002 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BLH - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Have owned vehicle for over one year and am pleased with it. Handles well, lots of room to move about. Have some recurring problems with brake noise but otherwise a great van for the money.

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  Never Again - 2003 Honda Accord
  By softmom - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 3 Hondas & this is the worst one. I have encountered a brake recall, transmission recall and now the audio unit has a service bulletin because the display has gone out. I had to call Honda Customer Service and they agreed to foot the labor bill plus the unit cost. Long distance mileage is good, appearance of car is great. Mechanically unsound.

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  Satisfied with MPG and Comfort - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Satisfied on MPG - June 2 - 6:00 am

  Looking for great MPG and comfort on long trips in car I plan to own over 10 years and 200,000 miles. Have owned the car for 2 months and have over 5,000 miles. MPG has ranged from 42 to 47 using 89 octane 90% Ethanol fuel in Midwest. 1/2 has been Interstate mileage at 75-80 mph with A/C. Best mileage was 47 mpg with 65 mph highway night time with no A/C. Car has been everything I hoped for! My concerns include (1) Auto stop engine cutoff at stop light/signs on hill and car will roll back if break not fully depressed. (2) Accelerating power at either a stopped position moving into traffic or passing at high speed is limited. Only 2nd new car bought. Prius wait 9 months; Civic 2 weeks.

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  Follow up review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By L B - May 30 - 6:50 am

  The window sticker says to expect 29 MPG. That did not happen in 7 of 11 fill ups. The AC continues to be a thorn in my side. Only cools good on max air recirculating. Switching to outside air makes my temperature probe go up 15 degrees. Its a fun car to drive; its quiet and peppy; but MPG and AC are big distract ors.

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  97 Accord EX - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Remus - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for almost 2 years now. Good sedan that gets good gas mileage. I wished theyve used a DOHC head instead of the SOHC. Good response. Car is slow up the hill and loud engine noise. The windows roll up too slow. Very comfortable. A/C sucks. No problems with the car since Ive owned it.