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 be in CONTROL - not it!!!!! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - February 7 - 7:21 am

  I know I should love this car and I know old ladies shouldnt swear. But, I freaking hate this car and wish I had bought an older model, which is sad because I havent bought a new car in 13 years! 1)Auto Stop - if you are stopped for a tiny amount of time, the engine will shut off and restart when you move the steering wheel or take your foot off the brake. IT IS UNNERVING!! When I bought the car, the dealer said you can turn that irritation off but he meant you have to turn it off every time you start the car. 2)The freaking BEEPING - you can turn the incessant beeping off and risk backing into a brick wall if youre not used to the camera, or you can leave it on and have it annoy the living @!#%& out of you - when youre backing out of an underground spot with nothing for 2-3 in any direction, when youre rounding a tight turn on your daily trip home (??????), or when it thinks youre too close to a car in front of you - Im not yet dead, Im not blind, if Im that close to a car in front of me its because I WANT TO BE!! 3)The incredibly stupid feature that unlocks all the windows - my boyfriend says its unlocking the doors, then holding the unlock button down. However, it happened to me when I LOCKED the car and not sure what got pressed as the key jostled in my purse. In any case, who EVER wants all their windows opened unless theyre IN THE CAR? I live in Seattle - rain, rain and more rain, twice now in my car completely accidentally. In summary of the features, TOO $%^&& MUCH! When I want a driverless car, Ill get one, til then LET ME DRIVE THE CAR!!!!! And finally, I dont know if its suspension or what, but going over speed bumps or into a big profile driveway (dozens of times a day for most people), is detrimental to your spine.

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  My big mistake (worth $22,000) - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mobile - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago and the car is being in shop for past 10 weeks. My first problem was when i turn on the car it will make big abnormal noice in the hood. Dealership fixed it after 4 days (i waited 2 weeks to get to honda repair shop). My next problem was transmission. It will make big pushes at around 30 miles per hour (switch to second gear). again i had to wait 2 weeks to get appointment to repair shop. The other problem I had was steering wheel would not turn smoothly but will turn with bumps and makes big noice when turn left or right. It was also discovered that steering wheel fluid was leaking. I dont mention small problems.

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  Hondas are overrated!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By BMWboy - January 27 - 6:13 pm

  I bought a 2005 civic ex coupe brand new from my local dealer, and at first it was really not that bad, however after about my third fill up i realized that i was only getting an average of 22 miles to the gallon in town, i was told i would avarage 30 in town, then on cold days the car didnt want to start, took it to the dealer and of course they said they could not get it to act up, then i had issues with the passenger door panel failling off, finally i decided to trade it in for something better, which ended up being a 2000 bmw 328i the best car i have ever owned, i will never own another honda or will i recomed them to anyone.

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  Never again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jam1000 - January 24 - 4:36 am

  I cannot say how disappointed I am with this car. Horrible transmission - long delays while upshifting, slam on the brakes feeling while downshifting. Do not buy this car if you are looking for a smooth ride. VCM feature makes it feel like the car is constantly hunting for gears at 60-70 mph. Fuel economy is horrendous -- 17 in the city at best, even despite the VCM. Honda says car is "operating normally" so if you think youre going to do better, its not likely.