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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  I want to like this car, but... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Routerone - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car 4/14/02. In 3 weeks we heard a buzzing sound in the tranny. At the dealer, they opened the tranny and said they needed to replace a bearing. The part was ordered/installed and it was in the shop 4 days. 4 days and 100 miles later, the buzzing noise was back. Back at the dealer, I get word that Honda engineers in CA recommended replacing all the bearings in the transmission (10). The bearings were ordered and arrived in 4 days. Then, I was heard that 1 of the 10 bearings did not arrive. Its on back-order and would have to come from Japan and its still in the shop. My 11.5 year old Dodge is more reliable.

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  Should of kept my old car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By tonieJ - May 28 - 10:00 am

  And thats not saying much....my old car was a beat up fifteen yr old hyundai excel with 250,000 miles. A shopping cart hit my car in the parking lot and caused $1500.00 worth of damage. Looked like it was hit by a tractor trailer....the drivers seat detatched from the body two wks later sending my head crashing into the windshield....this is a safe car?!?

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  Great so far - 2002 Honda Accord
  By lynchmi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Did alot of research on this car before buying. Originally wanted a 5 spd 4 cylinder coupe but they were very scarce so I was concerned about resale. So far, everything works great and the car is a blast to drive. Also considered the Acura CL but decided the price range was too high for a coupe. Getting 23 miles around town and 27-79 on highway. This car has great, precise steering and a tight ride. My wifes 99 Maxima feels mushy after driving the Honda. Highly recommend this car.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tim - May 28 - 3:26 am

  I have owned 5 Hondas over the last 10 years and may be a little bias, But Honda has done it again. At first I was turned off by the small engine & the kind of high price for its class. I decided to give it a chance and took one home for a test drive. Very impressed with power of little engine, however dont buy if speed is your thing. I bought a manual and have had no problems getting where I need to be and getting on the highway works great for the most part. Very impressed with build quility. solid car with great gas mileage. If good gas mileage and quilty are your thing then this car is best in its class. Only had car 2 weeks will make another input after 3 months.

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  Best car ever!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By haide - May 28 - 12:53 am

  This car is the best car ever!! If I was rich and drove an Aston Martin I would still drive this car!! This car is perfect for your kids first car, college students, and people on a budget like me!! I am a single working mother and this car Fits me and my lifestyle!

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  A fun car. - 2005 Honda Element
  By WV owner - May 27 - 10:50 pm

  The Element was a great little car. I love the no carpet....great for hauling for my yard work, and great if you have a dog. The seats being water-proof is a plus. Took parents on vacation....plenty of room. Enormous head room....easy to drive. Great pick up on the highway.

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  Getting Bored - 2007 Honda Accord
  By cha - May 27 - 5:48 pm

  I have had this since 07 August and this is my second accord and second review. After driving it for more than 40k miles I am noticing some defects. When its cold its harder to shift the 3rd gear since mine is a stick shift. Also I hear some rattling noise in the front and and some noise under the stereo. Breaks and the clutch is fine so far and regular oil changes are done at Honda Dealerships. It has a great pickup when shifting gears since its a stick shift. No matter what it is a great econobox even after 40k but wouldnt buy an accord again cos Im getting bored with this car...By the way 2 months after I bought the car I had to take it back to replace noisy drivers seat.

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  Honda Ethics - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary F - May 27 - 10:26 am

  I bought my Odyssey Van new in 1999. It has been a great vehicle, with 2 exceptions, both noted in reviews here and elsewhere. The transmisssion: went out just over 75000 miles the first time I have had three in all. The rear sliding door on the passenger side has never worked properly. After many excuses from the dealer, we closed it for good. Too many reviews here cite the same problems. Honda knew this, and ethically speaking,should have lifted the mileage restriction on recall. These problems had nothing to do with mileage, but with production. The transmission was a big expensive lemon, as was the door. Quality companies stand behind their products. Not this time.

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  Transmission problems - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rich - May 27 - 9:33 am

  Would not be a bad van if not for transmission. Most other aspects of van are acceptable. However, I had to replace the transmission every two to three years. This seems to be a common problem based on the class action suits. My third tranny went after 120,000 miles, 10,000 miles out of extended warranty. When it ran, it wasnt bad, but I cannot depend on it.

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  Happy Customer! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By MelissaW - May 26 - 10:01 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a few months now and I have had absolutely no problems. I purchased the vehicle with 53,000 miles and I now have around 59,000. I have been averaging 32-35 miles per gallon (all highway).