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:

• 

  The Ultimate *Suburban* Utility Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sanesmith - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Owned for about 1 week now - 500 miles. Paid MSRP plus no choice options I negotiated to my satisfaction, bringing cost to 35K w/o tax. Kids love it - the DVD player is fabulous and well thought out w/ dual zone audio and wireless headphones. The seat/storage configuration flexiblity and ease of use make this a monster of a family SUV. For moving humans, groceries, and all stuff of life, this is the best Suburban Utility Vehicle now available IMHO.

• 

  No real problems yet - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Educatedblkm - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Accord EX in 2000, and currently have about 46,000 miles on it, so far no major problems. Paint on the rear bumper is scratched / pealing, but I dont know if that is a result of living in NYC or poor manufacturing. Additionally the rear seat teather cover for carseats came off, the rubber started to come off around one of the rear windows, and the clutch was sticking during cold starts. All problems were fixed free of charge (I got it all done before my warrenty expired) and I havent had any serious problems at all. So far, I must say I luv this car (although my 4 cyl. can use a little more punch).

• 

  Fun & Reliable - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jim18925 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  You cant go wrong with the 2001 Accord EX-V6 Coupe. The engine is powerful and smooth ... requiring minimal maintenance and providing good economy. The transmission is top-notch, also delivering great performance. Ive had no trouble with the car at all. My only dig would be that the car feels a bit less solid than it could ... keeping it from "best car" honors. However, Im sure that my Honda will be in service with fewer repairs much longer than the "best car".

• 

  Wonderful Value for Your Money - 2002 Honda Accord
  By - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Hondas offer great value and are the most reliable vehicles that you can buy. If you want a vehicle that is environmentally friendly, wont be worthless at trade in time, and provides a safe and comfortable environment while driving, then look at the Honda. I just bought a 2002 Honda Accord VP model. I put 1000 miles on it in three days. It has just about everything anyone really needs except power windows/locks. I paid in the $14,000-$15,000 range. If you are not adverse to a lower horsepower 4 cylinder engine, and can live without the other options I mentioned earlier, then this car will make you happy.

• 

  Ex Toyota Owner - 2002 Honda Accord
  By puca1974 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Toyota Solara and was content. When it was time to get a new car my mind was set on another Solara until I test drove the Honda Coupe. After the drive I clearly knew which car to buy.

• 

  2008 Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Linda - September 25 - 8:48 am

  My problem is the $1000.00 maintenance requirement (not covered by the warrantee) at 100,000 miles. Something about a timing belt. Other than that it has been a great car.

• 

  Great Ride; Unfriendly Electonics User Interface - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kenneth Smith - September 25 - 1:52 am

  I really like the new design and ride of the vehicle, but I have to say, the center electronics stack has a very "user unfriendly" interface. I have owned many vehicles over the past 15 years (Infinity, Acura, BMW to name a few) and all have far superior electronics packages. I am very disappointed in how unresponsive the the touch screen is and how inaccurate the nav system can be. Many well established main stream restaurants do not show up in the database. The voice activation interface is almost useless. You must go through layers of screens to make a call or to utilize the nav system. I have returned to the dealership on two different occasions to have a total of four sales reps agree with me that the electronics interface leaves a lot to be desired. It is impossible to control the rear entertainment system from the touch screen in terms of starting a DVD for a child. I have read several reviews and blogs critical of the design and ergonomics of the electronics user interface. Not sure why Honda would install such a rudimentary system in a $50,000 Pilot Elite???

• 

  My Mid-Life Crisis Car - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By IT Guy - September 24 - 11:04 pm

  I was looking for an all wheel drive utility vehicle that didnt drive like a truck and would be reliable for 150k miles or more. Im very satisfield with the ride, gas mileage, handling, and acceleration. Other competitors I test drove (RAV4, Forester) didnt seem to have the handling and smooth acceleration of the CR-V.

• 

  Kissis Review - 2005 Honda Civic
  By HONDA CIVIC - September 24 - 3:40 pm

  This car is excellent, the pickup is great, gets about 30 miles to the gallon. And with current gas prices, thats excellent! Im at 56,000 miles and had to replace tires and a battery - thats all! I am looking forward to another great year from my Civic.

• 

  2004 Element 4WD EX - 2005 Honda Element
  By Nate Hawkins - September 24 - 2:26 pm

  I highly recommend an Element to anyone interested. Goes great in the snow! The all wheel drive is, in my opinion, mandatory. It is seamless. Very reasuring on otherwise hazardous roads. I currently have 51,200 miles (I bought it new) on my 2004 and have had no service issues. This thing is built great! Im even still on the original tires.