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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  Nice to drive - but poor reliability - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By georgiadriver - August 27 - 5:35 pm

  Purchased this to replace problem prone Sable Wagon. It was nice for 3 years but has had many problems since, new transmission (replaced by factory @ 44K thanks), door problems, rattles under hood, electrical problems, poor mileage ~ 13-15 overall except on long trips where its > 20. All service has been through the dealership. Overall we like the van - but too many little problems. The power doors hang up now - causing a buzzer to go off. Were told $500+/- to replace a motor. This isnt something I expect after 6 years and 90K miles from Honda.

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  Great Teen Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Mike - August 27 - 1:48 pm

  Bought for my 16 year old son with 123K and now has 125K. Excellent transportation and good gas mileage. It is my 4th Honda we currently have in the family and cant say enough about their products.

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  Transmission problem - 2001 Honda Accord
  By rbur56 - August 27 - 1:47 pm

  Initially I was very satisfied with the vehicle. The car had good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. The auto is comfortable in city or highway driving. The brake pads needed replacing prematurely. The factory Michelin tire provide good traction but wear prematurely. The transmission also failed and required $2500 to repair at 140000 miles. The transmission had shifting difficulties before this. If the transmission had not failed I would have rated this car much higher.

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  Excellent little motor - 2004 Honda Element
  By English_Knave - August 27 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my E since new, it has never had a single thing go wrong with it. Its a bit noisy and gets a little breathless on the highway, but the mileage is good and the handling is excellent. Incredibly versatile, I have had bicycles, lawnmowers, snowblowers and even a mid-size motorcycle in it. If you want a fun to drive, utilitarian , pickup type vehicle with a good standard of creature comforts this is the vehicle you want. I am still on the original tires . Dont buy the multi player CD player...buy an Ipod instead. I am currently looking to replace it with another E.

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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kchorzewsk - August 27 - 10:53 am

  Car is extremely inviting. Even with 7 passengers in the car, it handles well, is roomy and the rear passengers enjoy the same heat and air conditioning as the front area passengers. Cars cargo area has six hooks, which when used with bungee cords, holds down most transported items nicely. The raising and lowering of the rear row of seats is effortless. Plenty of glass make this car a safe car for viewing the sides and rear oncoming traffic. As good as the MDX at thousands less.

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  RAWNESS - 1997 Honda Accord
  By THEPITSTEELERS - August 26 - 9:43 pm

  THIS CAR IS AWSOME THE POWER THE SPEED THE DESIGHN AND IT IS THE EASIEST CAR TO ADD ATREET RACING FEUTURES TO I WILL RECOMONED THIS RAW CAR TO EVERYBODY IT IS TRULY THE BEST

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  2001 Civic EX Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 2001 Civic - August 26 - 9:09 pm

  Purchased this car as a replacement for my 1993 Civic Coupe. Overall a good used car. Fuel Mileage is great as long as you keep below 3500 RPM. Ive had a few issues such as front wheel bearing, pass side front window regulator, alternator but overall expected since the car has over 130K. Build quality seems lacking compared to my old 1993 Civic. Just more rattles, etc than the old car had.

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  Losing it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By A. Jenkins - August 26 - 7:05 pm

  I have driven Hondas for many years and paid a premium price for their cars. Late last autumn my Accord started to have what I thought was a slight engine tap when it was cold. I took it into a Honda dealer for an assessment. The written assessment stated that their was a slight piston slap but only when the engine was cold. Honda considered the piston slap acceptable. Of course the noise continued to get worse and finally, after a great deal of agravation Honda agreed to replace the engine. They did not provide a loaner nor refund the cost of the analysis. The car runs fine now but I have certainly downgraded Hondas prefered status. Alex. Jenkins

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  Impressed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Patty - August 26 - 1:26 pm

  We purchased vehicle 5/31/06 and have taken it on a 600 and 1700 mile trip. Its pretty comfortable to ride in and looks great. We had a trial period of 3 mos. of XM Satellite Radio and thats all we listened to on our trips.

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  New CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Shawn Higgins - August 26 - 6:12 am

  Although it was an odd situation at best and far from the expected norm, when we left the dealership, we never made it home. The master cylinder was bad and would not release the brakes after traveling a short distance. At first we were not certain what was going on, but after the third time we had it towed back to the dealership and they checked the calipers and all the brakes. The replaced a few things and still it persisted. They ended up having to change out the master cylinder three times and since then it has worked well.