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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  Great vehicle - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By j_dub1 - February 4 - 6:22 pm

  This is a great little SUV, it pushes through snow with no problem, it can take a rough driveway, and will get you where you need to go no matter what. We live in the mountains and the little 2.0 4-Cylinder struggles sometimes and the transmission has trouble keeping you at 70 on the interstate but around town or on a back road you cant beat this car. 4 adults can ride in it comfortably. I can fit in the back seat without issue and im 6 feet tall. If it wasnt for the mountains this would be the perfect small SUv. It starts every morning without issue and the leather doesnt feel cheap. Just a great little vehicle.

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  2000 Honda Accord -- Dependable? :/ - 2000 Honda Accord
  By danielmchick - February 3 - 4:28 pm

  The transmission is terrible in this car. I mean, absolutely terrible. Hondas claim at reliability is totally false-especially with this year model range. I purchased the car two years ago, and Im very lucky I got that much out of it. I had the standard transmission failure that most experience: first gear shifts hard when going to second. Finally, the car went into fourth gear and stayed there it wouldnt shift down unless I used the gear shifter even then I only had access to first and second gear. Cost to fix it? $1500. Even then the repairman said the car would go through the same process three or so years from then because of an inherent defect in the design. Dont buy this car.

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  Practical Daily Driver - 2007 Honda Civic
  By robliski - February 1 - 3:09 pm

  I have owned my Civic EX Coupe since Sep 06. This is an excellent car for the daily commute as it gives a decent MPG but this is completely dependant on your driving style: If you drive agressive then kiss the MPG goodbye but if you drive more mellow then youll be very pleased. Its a bit stiff which is normal for Honda. The handling is really good for a front wheel drive. The part that always irritates me about this car is: 1) I am always thirsty for torque, and 2) The transmission is sometimes a bit lazy to shift down. So when you take it on a trip, when you get to the hills, you cant use cruise control at all the tranny is constantly downshifting gasping for torque.

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  Time to sell or trade - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By exhondaowner - January 27 - 9:31 pm

  Sold at 80K miles. I expected to keep the car for at least 10 years. Rear power windows went in 2008. The transmission has slipped for 10k miles and I do not trust it. Much worse recently. Power door locks are failing and the radio controls on the steering wheel and radio were not failing. I have had 3 other Hondas. 1986 Accord went 186K. 2000 Accord replaced transmission at 80K in November. The 2005 Accord is still going strong with 35K miles. I did not realize how noisy they were until I purchased the 2011 Highlander.

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  More comfort than a box of rocks! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By moitz - January 27 - 3:12 pm

  Well, its been 5 years since I purchased this car used, with 32k on the clock. It now has 145k on it, and Im expecting to own it another 3 years and 60k. So that right there should tell you something about it. This gen of Civic is, quite simply put, the ideal commuter and city car. The engine is reasonably smooth and peppy. Very low road noise with Goodyear Affinity Triple-treads. Steering is nicely weighted for city driving. Ride quality is sportier than its American counterparts, and build quailty is far and above the class leader. 5 adults will fit if needed. Sunroof and power gizmos abound. Repairs are infrequent and cheap. 36 highway, 30 city. How can you go wrong?

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  Its a great vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By rkhamilton920 - January 24 - 8:51 am

  I purchased mine in May, 2010. I already have 12,000 miles on it and I am quite pleased. Its everything I expected. Comfortable commuter car - although I would think Honda could do better on the fuel economy (getting 18-19 MPG overall). I really like all the room and the utility of the vehicle - exactly why I bought it. The navigation system is fine - sure wish they had live traffic though (possible upgrade??). Finally, Id say that the only downside has been the sheer size of the vehicle has intimidated my wife from driving it. It does have a pretty wide footprint! All in all I am really glad I purchased it - I am a huge Honda fan.

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  So... why are people buying hybrids? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - January 24 - 7:32 am

  Ive owned six cars in my life: two Chryslers, one Chevrolet, two Volkswagens, and this is my second Honda Civic. My first Civic, a 1996, made me a Honda fan for life. Im actually embarrassed for having bought into the "German engineering" hype, because neither of my VWs was that great of a car, and as for the Chev and Chryslers, well... we all make mistakes. My wife and I have two other vehicles, but because my Civic (past and present) has comfortable front seats, lots of room for the kids, tons of trunk space, a decent stereo, phenomenal fuel economy and bulletproof reliability, we always seem to take it everywhere. The 1.7L VTEC engine is a perfect blend of economy and performance.

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  Excellence for the Masses - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 90in55 - January 24 - 12:44 am

  I purchased this vehicle certified pre-owned, in order to accommodate my growing family. There is an abundant supply of these at Honda dealers, so its not difficult to track down the Accord with the features you want. Ive put on almost 5000 effortless and trouble free miles. The car feels solidly built, yet is nimble to drive, with a relatively light curb weight. 2007 was the last year for this model, as the next generation Accord got larger and heavier. The EX-L in particular strikes a luxurious note, with such features as dual-zone climate control and heated seats. The leather seating surfaces are not very convincing, but easy to keep clean.

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  My 5th Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By mj06iu - January 24 - 12:01 am

  Overall I am happy with this car. I have owned 17 cars in the last 19 years and Hondas have been easy to drive because of their great resale value. I drive about 40K miles per year, so I need a reliable that I will not lose my shorts when I fall out of love with it. I am a bit disappointed with Hondas lack of extras compared to competitors. So like I said, Im happy with it just not in love. I will say that my last car that I owned for 30months was a 2007 Acura TL S-Type and I LOVED it. At the end of the day I would love to be able to buy American, however the reliability and value for my buck just doesnt seem to be there yet.

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  just keeps on going flawlessly - 1999 Honda Accord
  By mthurl - January 23 - 9:47 am

  I purchased this car new in 99, and have had very very little problems with it since. It now has 212k miles and still drives pretty close to new. I live in New England and this car has gone through some of the worst winters you could imagine...ice, snow, road salt, pot holes, sub zero temperatures. It still has the origanal engine, tranny, struts, starter, alternator, exhaust and steering components. I believe if I had lived in the south I would not of had to replace much of anything at all (rust has had me replace the brake lines and fuel tank). Aside from that, the only repairs made were a ball joint, tie rod, evap solenoid and vtec solenoid. Not bad for 12 years and a total of $200.00