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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  Wish Id done more research - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sis26 - July 7 - 1:55 pm

  I bought the car new never had a Honda. Barely 3 years old & clear coat started to wear off. After 6 years old, clear coat/paint looked horrible and much worse than should for its age. Honda was unwilling to help and admitted no quality issues w/ paint however have found many others with paint problems as well. Lots of squeaks & creaks on inside that are getting louder w/ age Water from moonroof drains has left stains on the interior near windshield & did very early in its life. Doubtful that I would buy another based on my experience w/ paint issue.

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  Love it, but it fails for reliability - 2005 Honda Element
  By JZZDNCR - July 7 - 6:52 am

  I have a 2005 well maintained and cared for Honda Element. Its my favorite all time car...that is until now. Its a manual transmission just over 50,000 mi and its popping out of gears. Im being told that I need a new transmission! Can this be? I bought this car new because after being a long time Volkswagon owner I decided I wanted a RELIABLE car. Its out of warranty, Im out of work, and a new transmission will put me under. Reliability=Bad

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  06 coupe looks great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic - July 6 - 10:53 pm

  Traded in the 05 civic 2 door. was real pleased with the 05,but needed 4 doors. I looked around quite a bit and narrowed it down to two models; the 06 Jetta and the 06 Mazda 3.I went with the Honda because of its great reputation to building a quality product and because the gas milage was better than the other two.Iliked the Jetta better as far as trunk space and the "German" engineering and the Mazda 3 was a blast to drive but the Jetta was a considerly more expensive auto than the Civic and the Mazda only lost out because as I said the gas mileage and reputation of the Honda in my perception is the best. The Honda is not a zoom zoom car but is is upscale for a auto in this catagory.

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  One of the greatest - 1995 Honda Civic
  By milo - July 6 - 9:42 pm

  The 1995 Honda civic is one of the greatest cars ever made. They are easy to maintain and work on. Only minor work has been needed for mine. Oil changes, tune ups, brakes, tires are the only things that it has needed. I gave it a custom paint job since the original paint faded. One of the cars faults was the paint but everything else is great. Its fun to drive - very reliable and awesome in gas. If the American automobile industry made cars like this, they would not be bankrupt. I will not buy another car that is not a civic. For now Ill take care of mine because it takes care of me. I think it will run forever. I changed the timing belt and waterpump just to be safe, and it might run another 200,000 miles...

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  Satisfied - 2007 Honda Accord
  By JV - July 6 - 7:03 pm

  The car is responsive and pretty fun to drive. Feels powerful at higher RPMs. Tows a light trailer with 1 motorcycle easily with no issues at all. Trade in value is already lower than I expected for an Accord. Lots of storage compartments inside passenger area. despite VP coming with only 2 speakers. The other 4 are wired from the factory - just pop aftermarket or honda speakers in and go - mine sound great. Stereo does lack technology compared to competitors, does not support MP3 discs or input from player, need an adapter for another $200 to use CD changer jack as input for iPod etc.

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  Really Bad Brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By masta - July 6 - 6:20 pm

  I had major problems since I bought the car with real hot rear brakes and noise in the front brakes. I had to change rear pads at 14K and still no fix for my front brakes.

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  Enjoyment! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By DER - July 6 - 5:03 pm

  I did quite a lot of test driving and research before my purchase. I had several Honda drivers give their positive reports. This was the last test drive I took, and brought the car home the same night! I am very happy with the interior room. I am 53" and my husband is 62". We are equally comfortable driving. There does seem to be a lot of plastic in the interior, but thats no different than the others I drove. Was expecting poor gas mileage to begin with, but am already averaging 24. Lots better than my Pacifica that averaged 19.

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  Love my Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By pebe98 - July 6 - 4:02 pm

  I have owned this van for 4 yrs after buying it from my mother-in-law. Somebody backed into the van, then pulled forward and backed into it again, and the only problem I have with paint is some peeling of clear cover on the drivers door probably due to shoddy repair because the rest of the van is perfect. I have NEVER had a problem with the transmission and have never been stranded while driving a Honda. While highway driving and the wind is in the right direction, there is a howl that would make a dog cry. The horn is nice and LOUD and shrill (especially nice when people pull out in front of you and their window is down).

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  Nice, but Ouch!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dmailbox - July 6 - 1:43 pm

  I love the way my Honda looks drives. The ride is firm, but gentle and the braking is superb! The radio in the Ex-L sounds great. I am still trying to get used to the headlight flicker that occurs at night. Not sure what is causing that, but it is not that big of an issue. The one big issue that I am experiencing has to do with the drivers seat. The seatback has a pronounced lumbar support that "forces" your back into an S. For me, this becomes painful after a few minutes of driving. So much so that I may have to trade it in for a different car if I cant get used to it.

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  60,000 miles later - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tony - July 6 - 11:18 am

  I just got 60,000 miles on my Accord without a single problem with an average of 28 mph- I drive mostly highway. This is definitely a worry-free car. I posted an all 10s review a few days after I bought it and now I can say it definitely has met my expectation. At least once per day during my commute, I wonder why would somebody buy anything else but Honda (I mean in the same category).