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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  Bad Buy - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Kelly S - July 25 - 9:56 pm

  I loved this vehicle when I bought it. Honda is a good buy in general, but I soon discovered this model had an Isuzu engine which had been discontinued due to problems. After one year my transmission died. Under warranty $1700 then a year and a half later, $4900 to fix the blown engine and replace computer for engine. Its been only six months since and AGAIN my gears lurch when increasing speed and brakes grind. Interior plastic around windows have fallen off, and gas gauge is broken. Plus the engine light which comes on all the time. Very bad buy. Expensive fixer upper.

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  Excellent All-Around Vehicle - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Francesco - July 25 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my EX-L after a thorough review of the competition. In fact, I was set on the new Forester 2009 until I saw this CR-V parked in the dealers lot. I have had it for a week. I am extremely pleased with it. I had an Audi A4 beforehand. Now, with two small kids, I need something more practical. It is a great car: very refined on the inside, pretty on the outside. The ride is great, even if the engine can indeed appear to be a little weak when on the highway going uphill. But everything is relative: it is a fine ride even then, just not as powerful as it could be. The car is intelligently designed, lots of space in front and back and cargo, and all in all an excellent buy.

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  Nice car, really - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tc83 - July 25 - 9:06 pm

  Purchased the crystal black pearl with black leather. First time Honda owner, its such an attractive coupe for a single guy with performance, style, comfort, fun, reasonable economy. Love the looks in/out, power, handling, just overall feeling of the vehicle. Negative parts, the rear brakes started to squeal even before 1k and hearing interior rattle noises. Dealers going to sand down and buff the brakes to fix the noise but thats all they can do for the issue. This is a very common issue with 2008 and up Accords, Honda did find out about the issue but yet to come up with a solution, see what happens. VCM works fine, it doesnt bather me. Really love the strong, smooth 3.5L V6 engine.

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  Driving Experience - 2009 Honda Accord
  By WjBarnes - July 25 - 3:36 pm

  This Honda Accord is a very nice automobile overall; however, I find there is above average road noise. The front beverage holders are not able to hold two small coffees since one of the holders is deep .

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Roseberry - July 25 - 2:13 pm

  I have owned many fine cars including Infiniti, Toyota, and Mazda. This vehicle tops them all. Very comfortable in long drives, great cargo room, and room for 7 easily. Great economy for size and easy to maintain. Great power when needed and great visibility. The only negative, and its minor, a slight blind spot when checking traffic from the right due to post angle. Other than that, I rank this SUV as best in class.

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By J Milks - July 25 - 11:53 am

  To date my Honda has been great. No problems and I have over 4k now and still have oil life of 40%. The oil does not need to be changed till 20%. Rides good and nice power.

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  Good Car But Beware of Air Cond Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By L. Adkins - July 25 - 11:13 am

  For the most part I have enjoyed my CR-V. It is great for road trips and hauling a lot of stuff. Its very comfortable to drive and I love sitting up higher than a car. My main minor complaint is noise in the cabin, especially on the highway, but I knew this was an issue before I bought it. Also, the 4 cyl engine seems to struggle at times, especially when accelerating. My major complaint - at 55k, the air compressor just blew and the entire system has to be replaced. Estimate is $3,000.

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  Plain Jane? Maybe - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By White_Pilot - July 25 - 10:40 am

  I bought my Pilot a few weeks ago after a lengthy search that included other SUVs like the Pathfinder and 4Runner. The price and the Honda name helped me to decide on the Pilot. We bought a new EX-L Pilot with leather and aftermarket navigation. We also purchased a 7x100k extended warranty. I could not be happier with the decision both financially and with the SUV itself. The Pilot runs great, gives decent gas mileage and has more room than I know what to do with. I have always been a car person but now I dont think I can go back. The exterior is somewhat plain and is by no means a head turner but the interior layout and design is excellent. I would recommend this SUV.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jb - July 25 - 10:29 am

  Good car, great on gas, I love it. Its safe and reliable. I would recommend it for anyone with a family or not. Its very reliable

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Henry - July 24 - 11:17 pm

  I always wanted to have an S2k & when they said that theyre gonna stop selling in a year or two I decided to get one. Ive always driven automatic and I was nervous when I test drove this car. But it easy to drive this car. If the engine dies, one push of a button and youre back in business. The top goes up and down pretty fast. The seats are comfy. It doesnt have a lot of oohs and aahs as far as features are concerned (uber sound sys etc). But I pretty much knew about it before I bought the car. And the engine! I have to always check myself because they just passed a law in VA about speeding 20 miles over. Its gonna hurt. Im gonna keep this car even if I decide to get another car.