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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  Cute Little Tank - 1992 Honda Accord
  By nurse607 - November 24 - 4:51 pm

  I got this car as a beater for 1500 dollars in 2004. Ive since put over 50,000 miles on it, and had only one mechanical problem that wasnt directly attributable to the infamous New York State snow rust. This thing has treated me so well, Ive gotten 5 times my money out of it in under 4 years. I never bought a foreign car until this one, and Im never buying anything but a Honda again. Every car Ive had, which were all American pieces of garbage, had so many problems and were built terribly. This car, and Honda in general, are made FOR the people, FOR the long run. This vehicle is no joke, and is no exception to that rule. I got lucky and got one with all the options&its over 200k miles!

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  Good little Honda - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By nonye - November 24 - 3:49 pm

  I love everything about my Honda-CRV with the exception of two minor things. I did not like when my antenna broke off, but it was probably broken off by someone. Not Hondas fault. I also grew less in love with the manual transmission by the day. Seven years later, Ill admit it, Im lazy and Ive shifted enough. No more sticks in my life. Of course, this isnt Hondas problem. This car is a GREAT winter car. Even in 10 inch snowfalls, I couldnt get stuck.

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  Great New SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - November 24 - 3:36 pm

  I have had this car a total of 1 day. I previously had a 1999 CRv and have owned 7 Honda/Acura cars/suvs. The build quality is greatly improved over the previous CRv, plenty of fun gadgets, heated leather seats, moonroof, ABS, Tire pressure monitor, mpg gauge, XM radio with MP3 player line in. Lots of Airbags (hopefully will not be used) Overall, Nice design and shape and the fit and finish, like all Hondas, is great.

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  Love this car! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By cbsayer - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after owning an Acura and absoltely love it! Its been nothng but wonderful. It gets great gas mileage and has never given me a problem. I bring it in every 3000 miles for an oil change and take it once a year for a tune up. I would recommend to anyone who wants a reliable, fun to drive, and easy to maintain car!

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  Last Honda I will Purchase - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Tom Giese - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I know Honda has a reputation that precedes itself. That being said I must have purchased that one in a thousand defective vehicle. I have had nothing but problems with my car the past two years(check engine light constantly coming on) O2 sensors, transmission control unit ($2400). The engineers at Honda spent weeks helping service stations. When I tried to contact Honda for help with my problems I encountered the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Again my experience may buck the norm but it has been bad enough for me to catagorically state I will never again purchase a Honda. Cheers.

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  Never thought Id own a minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 2002 Family Man - November 24 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at the ‘03 Expeditions and ‘02 Suburbans. We could have gotten an EXCELLENT deal on a 02 Suburban, but the gas mileage stinks (13 MPG city). We decided to look into the practical thing...a minivan. I am in my mid-20s, I thought I shouldnt own a minivan, but I was wrong. We ended up driving home in an 02 EXL. We are very pleased so far and believe it or not we got it below sticker. My advice is to do your car buying on rainy evenings because after being told by other dealers to pay sticker plus some or go somewhere else this dealer must have wanted to make a sale that day.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Erickrocks - November 24 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Coming from a 300ZX, I was used to a sports car. My 2dr V6 coupe has the power of my old Z (and more) but the comfort and room of a full size car. Just turned over 60200 miles in 3 years, and have had almost no problems at all. Handles well for a sedan type car (with high performance sport tires -- ditch the Michelens), comfy to drive, looks good, decent power, and a great value. Removed the stock airbox and put in a KN cone type air filter system...the motor sounds great!!

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  Saved me from the Mini-Van - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Informer - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I had been following this SUV since Honda first announced its release earlier this year. With a growing family a larger car was a necessity. My wife wanted a Mini-Van, while I the me image conscious of us wanted something with a little more style.

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  Love My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By joey8544 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome! It is very comfortable and rides great.

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  Pilot your own Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JackJ - November 24 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle...comfortable...bold and filled with Honda quality. This will be undoubtingly the next "must have " vehicle