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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  Be careful - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FC - November 5 - 6:06 am

  I know Hondas have a great reputation and that is why I bought mine. Great the first year, then the brake system fell apart. I am on my 3rd master cylinder already. Either the dealer mechanics are poorly trained, or there is something seriously wrong with the system itself. After driving for 32 years, and never having replaced a master cylinder, all I can say about Honda is that I am less than impressed.

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  Dont Believe all the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Gabriel Welch - November 4 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Honda Civic EX with 148,000 miles from a private seller. It seemed like a good deal at the time but a few weeks after purchase things began going wrong. The handling was non existent. Braking was poor. Suspension was stiff. Technology or lack thereof was unreliable. The ride was extremely uncomfortable. The list goes on. I didnt expect much from a used car with high mileage but this was too much for me. Ive never had so many things inevitably go wrong on a vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance just wasnt enough for this thing. Bad tie rods, tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, brakes, AC, coolant system, head gasket, everything that shouldnt have gone wrong did. The only thing that made driving this car bearable was the amount of money I saved on gas. The Civic truly is a gas saver. Needless to say I sold my Civic with 156,000 miles and bought something newer.

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  Dont Believe all the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Gabriel Welch - November 4 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Honda Civic EX with 148,000 miles from a private seller. It seemed like a good deal at the time but a few weeks after purchase things began going wrong. The handling was non existent. Braking was poor. Suspension was stiff. Technology or lack thereof was unreliable. The ride was extremely uncomfortable. The list goes on. I didnt expect much from a used car with high mileage but this was too much for me. Ive never had so many things inevitably go wrong on a vehicle. Keeping up with regular maintenance just wasnt enough for this thing. Bad tie rods, tie rod ends, timing belt, water pump, brakes, AC, coolant system, head gasket, everything that shouldnt have gone wrong did. The only thing that made driving this car bearable was the amount of money I saved on gas. The Civic truly is a gas saver. Needless to say I sold my Civic with 156,000 miles and bought something newer.

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  Keep shopping - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Cynthia - November 2 - 9:46 pm

  I bought a 99 Honda Accord EX V6 Engine, three months ago. When I bought the car it had 64,000 miles. Less than 2 months later the transmission went on me...what a headache when you are 200 miles from home. There has also been several recalls on the vehicles ignition switch. Even after having the ignition completely replaced, my key would get stuck in the ignition...another headache. I brought it back to the dealership 4x for the same problem. Finally, or so I hope, they have pin-pointed that when the tranny was replaced, the gear shifter was not aligned properly (???) which caused the key to get stuck. Lets see what happens. In any event, I am frustrated with all the problems I have.

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  Purchased new in 2001 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Bob Welsh - November 2 - 9:35 pm

  I like everything about the car except for the fact that for me, too low to the ground. Reliability has been fine thus far, had brake job at 60,000 miles and other than routine maintenance, no problems. Tires need to be replaced in about 1000 miles (630,,,). I do wish the sound /stereo was better but I like the 6 CD in dash.The V6 gives it enough power but I wish it had more. Fuel economy is around 22MPG with most of driving done on hiway

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  Not that good! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Brenda Starr - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Started out at 44-45 mpg; after 5,000 gets avg.of 34.Im disappointed. I do even mix of city & hiway. Flat out on open hiway gets 45. Low profile body is a disaster. Constant scrapes. Fenders pop out if bumped. Dealer has checked many times and tells me its my driving, and that it "has to be babied". I wish I had bought a Toyota!

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  nice suv worst gas millage of all time - 2000 Honda Passport
  By joshkl - October 30 - 3:23 pm

  I love the car but we are only getting like 12-13 miles to the gallon. I have had everything checked out on it and nothing is wrong (so they say) but other than that it is a decent vehicle.

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  Inconsistent manufacturing quality - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By wrod - October 27 - 7:39 pm

  After looking at other peoples reviews it appears that Hondas quality control is on this vehicle is poor. Overall the Pilot has nice features and is a practical SUV. But while others have raved about the power and the mileage, my Pilot has not excelled on either. When it was brand new it had good power and got about 19 mpg (mixed city/hwy) but at about 25,000 miles it started having problems with both. Mileage is now 15- 16mpg and power is poor. It sputters and loses speed at times on a level hwy. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times, and the Honda district service rep has looked at it. According to them everything is "normal". I have owned many Hondas, but this may be my last.

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  A little disappointed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Liz - October 23 - 4:10 pm

  I had trouble with the tranny but they fixed it, but when backing up then putting on the breaks, I hear a lot of clatter. ??? The idle revs a lot so into the shop it goes. (twice now) The light on the clock went out so that means drop the van off at the dealer for one full day, again. The check engine light is annoying and I hate to have to put the van in park to open the side doors. Milage is horrible but I like the large vehicle so thats the price you pay. I probably wont buy Honda again because of the hassle in the repairs. After the 36,000 mile warrenty, I almost have to purchase the extension. Cant wait for that expense!

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  CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike D - October 17 - 4:11 pm

  Great vehicle overall but uncomfortable on long rides. Poor fuel economy, nowhere near the 25-30 mpg that is adverstised. Harsh riding because of smallish wheelbase.