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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  No regrets - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chris - February 9 - 3:56 pm

  I went with the Accord EX V6 sedan with leather after finding an incredible price over the internet with this dealership. The woman whom I corresponded with was a delight as well. The car took some getting used to, as visibility is not too good with blind spots in the rear and front right. With all the luxury features, I was disappointed that it didnt have heated rearview mirrors. Have had a small spot of dash around radio flake off, but other than that, no interior problems, no squeaks or rattles at all. Brakes are grabby and warning squeak has started after only 12000 miles. Ride is stiff and you feel each crack in the road. Its not a soft ride, if thats what you prefer. A quality car.

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  Love my Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Gil - February 9 - 12:35 pm

  Great fun car to drive. Handles well for a small car. Very roomy inside and lots of cargo space with rear seats folded. Averaging 40-42 mpg highway. Looks are deceiving from the outside, handles like a mid size from the inside. Lots of head room.

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  Love It! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By cardsinstl27 - February 9 - 12:06 pm

  Responsive, Sporty, quick, reliable, and reasonably priced. What more could u need?

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  Brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ThomasK - February 9 - 11:03 am

  Rear Brakes at 21K. Thats ridiculous. Replaced them in my daughters Acura also. Honda can do better. I have had hondas since 1988, never had a brake problem like this. Sums up as poor manufacturing and a disappointment in their design and QC. Buyers beware of the problem and Hondas lack of interest to rectify the issue. Pads cost $50 at the local parts store. In summary.. COME ON HONDA, WE EXPECT MORE!!!

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  ok, but sorry I didnt get a toyota - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By bobby - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Fuel mileage in around town driving is poor, at best. On the highway it is close to the rated 29MPG. Dont expect any extras like windows finishing going up or down after the key is turned off, or any kind of fuel economy readings or trip computer. When they say the radio is XM ready, they mean ONLY if you buy their version for about $500. Dont forget to ask for fog lights if you want them, add on is another $500. Dealers like to add another 1500-2000 for their special features, like paint sealant or vent deflectors, or sunroof deflector. All in all, if I ahd it to do over, I wouldnt.

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  The best SUV available for the money - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Kenny Dodson - February 8 - 10:10 pm

  It was between the Pilot, the Lexus RX 330, and the Ford Explorer. I chose the Pilot because it offered everything I needed and it still stay within my budget. Its been two months and I know now that I made the correct choice.

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  Definitely would recommend Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sherraypa - February 8 - 8:50 pm

  Car rides smoothly and is very stylish, I drive about an hr to go to work and dont use much fuel. Its very economical and cost effective. 4dr sedan is roomy and comfortable. Its a must see for single guys and gals like me or small families!

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  2004 Honda Accord Ex-V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - February 8 - 8:24 pm

  Purchased 2004 Honda Accord Ex-V6 new due to internet reviews. 1st Honda ever purchased. Worst car I have ever owned for road noise. Dealer worked road noise problem, but unable to correct road noise problem. 40,000 miles on car, started hearing pecking/knocking noise in engine. Honda dealer informed me that noise was #6 piston? Honda dealer explanation of piston noise was engine block might have out of tolerance machining during manufacturing and would cost $1300.00 for an inspection to verify. A 2nd independent certified mechanic opinion confirmed engine noise as #6 piston & not uncommon in Hondas. Not pleased with Honda quality or Honda customer support. First & last Honda I will own!

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  Sleeper sedan - 2nd review - 2007 Honda Accord
  By maxdriver - February 8 - 6:24 pm

  This is my second review. I now have 31k miles on my Accord. This has been an outstanding value for me. I do about 20K business miles per year in the Accord. If I am not in a rush, I try to cruise at 65 MPH on the highway and when I do, I get about 32 mpg. The car has been totally without problems so far. All Ive done for maintenance is oil changes. Third gear is a minor irritation, as it will pop out of gear when the car is cold and Im not careful with the shift action. The engine is a work of art, with a high redline and plenty of torque! I added an iPod connection and fog lights to the original package. TL sway bars and auto dimming mirror are next. Great car!

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  Junior styling for a mature vehicle - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Leonard - February 8 - 4:44 pm

  Honda has been able to maintain their sale figure but my feeling is it could have been much better. What are they thinking with their styling. It is ugly, disjointed, disorganized (the top crease line end up in nowhere in the rear quarter panel. It should have joined with the crease on the rear quarter panel over the fuel filler door). I feel offended because they dont seem to treat their Odyssey customers too seriously. This is like putting an experiment, a design exercise into a mature segment. If the designers were serious then they would give this design to the Acure line too. I dare them to see what kind of effect this would have on the sale figure of their Acura line! I am owning a 2001 Odyssey and love the design up until 2010 model. The lightning bolt was bad but somewhat tolerable but the 2018 is the worst. The placement of their vents in the second and third rows also killed the deal. I am holding back on my minivan replacement for a couple more years to see if Honda is getting serious about making a sensible design again; otherwise Toyota here I come.