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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  Follow Up Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mikec - July 18 - 11:16 pm

  I have had this Hybrid for 2 months and still love the car. MPG for city driving is 29 on average and highway is running at 40. I bought this car used to save on gas, very pleased with mileage and performance. Great car!

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  Another transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By me - July 18 - 10:40 pm

  I had to have the transmission replaced at 93k miles I was lucky that I had the extended warranty. The dealership replaced it with one that had 50k on it now 30k later I have to put another transmission in it and replace the ABS modulator and my TCS comes on, on when I am on the hi-way. This is just crazy, I love my Hondas I have had and I am sad to say I will be getting rid of this one soon.

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  So good I completely reconditioned it - 1997 Honda Accord
  By JOHN PINE - July 18 - 9:39 pm

  This car I gave to my daughter in 2003. After 5 years it looked like it had been driven in a demolition derby but it ran almost perfectly. How much do I think of this car? I completely re-did the exterior and interior, spending $3000. Shell have to earn the right to drive it again. In my opinion this wagon is a true classic!

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  Worth It! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Ryan - July 18 - 8:56 pm

  I have never owned a Honda but had seen and heard about the Odyssey and decided it was worth a look. We bought and have fallen in love with the van. We only have one child but really like the room, convenience, the ride and overall quality. My wife has been stuck on SUVs and has told me over and over again what a smart buy this van was and how she absolutely loves it. You will not be disappointed and can be comforted with the fact that as a Honda product your going to get the value (resale/residual) and the performance and life expectancy you expect. Oh and the gas mileage after 3,000 miles is pretty good. I can cruise at 75 and be on 3 cylinders. Im getting about 22.5 - 25 city/hwy.

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  Old Friend - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Marko - July 18 - 6:38 pm

  My faithful 2000 Honda Accord LX 4 cyl auto has just hit 211,000 after nine years of ownership when I bought it new. It has never had a failure or unscheduled service of any kind during that time. There really isnt anything more to say. Ill swap it in this year for a new Accord, but Ill miss it.

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  09 Accord Coupe V6 6 Speed /Navi - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Rick - July 18 - 4:46 pm

  After lots of searching and test drives (Acura TL & TSX, and BMW 3), I ordered a 2009 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 6 Speed Manual with Navigation. I wanted the unbelievably gorgeous Belize Blue Pearl and thus the order. Car is everything I expected. The V6 6 Speed combination is a blast. The interior controls are EASY despite the reviews. The car drives and handles almost as well as a BMW 3 series coupe for $20k less. I think it looks better too. I have been stopped in parking lots and asked "who makes that?" & "is that really a Honda?" The Blue pearl paint simply glows.

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  Any time anywhere - 1990 Honda Accord
  By First lady eve - July 18 - 2:25 pm

  I love my car. Shes always ready to go. Shes more reliable than any person I know and shes going on 19 yrs old. typical service things have gone. I recently had to replace the clutch. But there have been no major issues

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  A great family car for young kids! - 2008 Honda Element
  By Ginger - July 18 - 12:02 pm

  We just bought a 2008 Honda Element. Being the parents of two toddlers we needed a car that could take a beating and this one looked like it could. It has delivered in spades. Our kids LOVE IT-they climb up inside themselves (we bought the side steps) and into their car seats. I love it because I can actually stand in back to buckle them in, which means no more opening one door into oncoming traffic. I just put them in the curbside door and climb in after them to secure them. They also love that they sit up high and can see everything. The audio system is pretty impressive for factory installed.

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  Great Car - EXCEPT. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mark - July 18 - 10:06 am

  Ive had this car for almost two years and I still love it except for ONE thing. At 25,000 miles I had to replace all four tires (Bridestone Tourenza) because of flat spots, cupping and feathering. Bridgestone basically said "tough luck" and Honda said that its obviously a tire problem. In researching this situation I am not alone with this problem. It IS the cars fault due to some faulty struts and suspension components (mostly at the rear). Now I have 4 premium Michelins and, believe me, Im keeping a close eye on them for irregular wear. Other than that, this is a great car to drive and is fantastic on gas! I always get 38-40 mpg on the highway, even at 75 mph with the AC on! Nice!

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  Love this nearly perfect truck! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By David - July 17 - 6:58 pm

  Bought my 2008 RTS in April 2008 and got $4,500 cash rebate. Out the door I paid about $6k below sticker price -- nice! The truck is my second vehicle (1st is a BMW M3), and I use it pretty much only for carrying a quad to Rocky Point, Mexico, or out to the desert here in Phoenix. The Ridgeline is perfect for these trips....the ride is amazingly smooth (better than my BMW) and the truck tows and hauls pretty effortlessly. Mileage varies from about 15-20mpg, but again this is always with a 400lb TRX450 quad in the back which is both heavy and not aerodynamic, so I am not complaining. Plus, did you know gas is only $2.15/gal. in Mexico??