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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  Shop Around - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By BuyersRemorse - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Just drove the vehicle on a +800 mile trip around Washington State. Sorry I bought it. I believe that it is unsafe. It sways more than any vehicle I have driven in a decade. Uneven road surfaces produce a tail-wagging effect when loaded. Couple this with an over-sprung/under dampened rear suspension and it spells nothing but trouble. Best milage for the trip was 20-mpg.

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  Not as good as I though... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By infinifrog - August 8 - 10:00 am

  At its 7,000 miles, the car refused to start, and the dealer said it is normal... it happened again for a couple of times until I traded it in for a Nissan Pathfinder after 15 months The VTEC V6 engine is good... very powerful and smooth...but style is just so-so and interior looks cheap... the leather seats just look like plastic...the painting is horrible...I can even scratch the bumper with my nails...

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  The Straight Scoop - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Busy Dad - August 8 - 9:52 am

  Know what you are buying! This model has many positive features such as roomy, comfy, functional interior, good gas mileage compared to SUVs, and sufficient power to keep most everyone satisfied. However, it also has high incident rates for transmission failure, rear brakes noises, interior noise and various electrical issues with clocks and lights. Every vehicle has its weaknesses and this one is no exception. Some may get lucky and avoid any major problems. We have not been so lucky and have spent more than $7,000 on maintenance and repairs in the 18 months we have owned it. Dont assume the Honda nameplate means anything. You may get a quality vehicle, or you may end up with a lemon.

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  Si Sedan or bust! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Si_ower - August 8 - 7:40 am

  Ive owned Lexus, BMW, Toyota as well as various other cars. Thus far my 2007 Honda Si sedan has been the best purchase Ive made. This car seems to keep on surprising me. Its fun to drive and has remarkable accelleration. Its just plain fun to drive as well as beening a serious eye catcher. All this for around $20k? Who in their right mind wouldnt want it? This car simply rocks!

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  Great Reliable Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By John - August 8 - 7:37 am

  Im the second owner of this car. It has 180K miles on it and is running perfectly. Great gas milage with 30/35 city/highway and a very comfortable commuter vehicle. It is easy to maintain (oil changes, filters, fluids, plugs, etc.) and is very reliable.

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  happy owner - 2001 Honda Accord
  By tmeo - August 8 - 7:20 am

  Great car to go to work in. I travel 70 miles 5 days a week, and it hasnt missed a beat. Have 28,000 on it and its better than ever. wonderful in traffic, in and out of lanes, stereo cooks, everything is handy.

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  So far... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By CosmoKramer - August 8 - 4:33 am

  ...so good! Just got this 4 cylinder LX and love it! Its quiet and responsive. Havent notice any of the rattles that some reviewers have indicated. Plenty of power at whisper volumes. Interior is well designed with everything within drivers reach. AC is ice cold. Mileage has been solid so far. No wonder this car is so popular!

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  Honda Dropped the Ball - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By dblardner@aol.com - August 8 - 3:26 am

  This vehicle vibrates, shudders, motorboats, however you want to describe it, will shake you thru your bones!! Acceleration is good, fuel economy is good, ride is a bit noisy, storage is adequate. Honda has admitted to the shuddering problem but has not fixed it. Ive had the car for 1 1/2 years and they keep telling me to be patient. I definitely would NOT recommend this vehicle, and because of the way Honda has handled the issue, I would not recommend any Honda product.

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  Love This Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Doug - August 7 - 10:13 pm

  I love this truck. This is truly the Swiss Army knife of pickup trucks! The cargo capacity and storage nooks are unbelieveable. The in-bed trunk, console crannies, one handed folding rear seats, etc. Has the ride and comfort features of a luxury sedan. Amazing rear seat comfort and room, automatic comfort control with rear air. If you can only have one vehicle, yet need a pickup truck, this is the vehicle of choice, it does it all. Great size, not as big as those humungous full size pickups.

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  Never lets me Down - 1998 Honda Accord
  By HAPPYNVA - August 7 - 10:52 am

  Ive had the car nearly three years and do a lot of driving. Other than routine maintenance, Ive never had anything fail. Of course you always hear about the ones that have problems out on these reviews-you dont hear about all the ones that are perfect and there are many! Am hoping that this Honda keeps never letting me down as it has been a pleasure to own and still looks great!