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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  Luxury is not always expensive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By asoriano67 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased a 2003 Honda Accord EX sedan and I must say, its one of the best built car Ive ever driven. The cabin is very ergonomic, roomy and comfortable. The voice- activated navigation system is easy to use and a great feature. The handling is superb...and even though this is only a 4-cylinder engine, its pretty nimble and quick on the road..whether youre on the streets or the highway. Compared to other luxury vehicles like the Lexus, Infinity and BMW... cant beat this Honda for the money. Another huge advantage is the fact that the first scheduled tuneup is not until 105,000 miles.

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  A Sheep in Wolfs Clothing..... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Unhappyowner - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Honda told me the drastic hesitation experienced after negotiating a turn at an intersection and applying the accelerator normally is just the way the car is engineered, for economy, not all around performance. Dont be fooled by the cars looks! That consistant hesitation ruins the entire experience. From a dead stop there is no problem but if you are coasting or breaking and transition to acceleration you WILL feel the hesitation! Check the trim where the doors meet the windows on the coupe. Look for wrinkles in the glossy film covering the trim piece.

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  Transmission Broke at 90,000 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Illinois Honda Owner - April 23 - 9:11 am

  I have the familiar problem of having a bad transmission. Dont believe the others on this website that say changing your transmission will help avoid this problem. Whoever says this works for Honda. I say this because that is actually what I did (regular transmission changes) and it did not help, I now need a transmission repair at 90,000 miles. Honda wont help. I will trade it in for another car. I will also trade in my Honda CRV because of the frustration with this issue.

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  Almost Great - 2008 Honda Fit
  By kenshanklin - April 23 - 8:46 am

  I have had this car for almost 15 months. I like the roomy interior design and the handling. I am disappointed in the in-town mileage. It averages 24 mpg. The front air dam is too low and it should come with an arm rest. The suspension is rough on uneven surfaces. The interior fabric is a lint magnet. I added film to the window for sun protection and the vinyl protective mat to rear compartment. Overall I like the car.

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  Makes me WANT to drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By phunklife - April 23 - 4:56 am

  I knew I wanted a hatch so I spied this in the latest car and driver. The FiT blew the competition out of the water. I checked it out and signed the same day. I love the handling. The suspension feels like something more likely to be on an acura and the electronic steering is amazingly precise. The sound system is great (especially that big, bright, blue screen). The shifter is precise and the clutch is light. This car truly makes city driving fun! It could use a few things like a dome light, armrest floormats and some more horesepower. But all of those things can be added so its not a major gripe.

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  Mustve gotten a lemon - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By too_bad - April 23 - 2:40 am

  I purchased a new EX Odyssey and have had a lot of problems with vibration. The dealership replaced the tires several times and now that they are sick of seeing me, they are saying that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. This is an otherwise great minivan, but there is a flaw in the rims/tire combo and my dealership knows this since they did tell me that they have had to replace tires in the past on other 2005 Odysseys...the tires were replaced at 5000 miles due to incredible vibrations. Test drive and be absolutely certain that there are no vibrations or wheel shimmy before buying.

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  So Far 92000 Miles and 0 Problems - 2004 Honda Civic
  By fredericktoo - April 22 - 8:19 pm

  I bought my 04 Civic VP new and no problems. Gas Mileage is better than advertised - I get about 42 mpg highway. Drive it 70 miles per day and has never let me down. All it needs is scheduled maint. This is the best car I have ever owned. My next car is probably going to be Honda Fit or the New Civic. This Civic wont need a tune up until 110K Miles.

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  The Ipod of cars - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Khidr - April 22 - 5:23 pm

  This is one of the most unique things on the road, and put simply, Honda got it right. They have a powerful integrated feature set, nimble handling, excellent economy and a love it or hate it style to themselves. This is indeed the ipod of cars, and likely there will be as many people aggresively arguing for alternatives as there are for the actual ipod, but at the end of the day, people will buy and love this car because it just does what its supposed to do better than anything else on the road.

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  Everything I expected and a little more - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lakerhater - April 22 - 4:10 pm

  Already had 58000 miles when we brought it. Love the power. Good getup and go. Have four kids and they like the dvd system. Not factory. A nice looking SUV. Is a little loud on concrete roads. But not bad. Like the safety, three row side air bags. 5 star ratings. Safety is a big selling point for me and my family!

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  Know what you are buying... - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ramaframitz - April 22 - 9:27 am

  This is a great truck. Just be smart about what you are buying. I am really happy with my Ridge. I wanted a truck that was reliable, comfortable, and had longevity designed in - not planned obsolescence. It is not a big Ford or Chevy - it is a medium sized truck more suitable for a person who values convenience, storage, and intelligence over outright brawn. I couldnt be happier as this vehicle fulfills all my needs for a truck - adequate towing, people mover, great ride, good at the lumber yard/garden center - in a 4 wheel drive long lasting Honda package. For most of us that want a truck, dont tow more than 5000 lbs, and dont live on a farm, this truck was designed with us in mind.