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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  BestBuilt - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Tom T - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and it is a justified success story. It always starts and runs smoothly,getting great gas mileage all the while(36-40mph hwy). All I do is change the oil,rotate the tires, and wash it occasionally while driving about 15k mi. per yr. My original tires lasted 49k miles and I will not do a tune-up until 60k miles. Overall, its a very solid car for a reasonable price. I have friends with over 200k miles on their Hondas, so I expect to keep this one awhile. The only problem I had was a loose front passenger int. door panel which was replaced quickly by the dealer at 5k miles.

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  what is with power lock solenoids ? - 1999 Honda Accord
  By honda99 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car overall. However, as soon as the warranty expired on my Honda 99, the power lock solenoids started to go bad one by one. I thought it was just a sticky solenoid. But, now, I have all four solenoids that are inop. Has anyone else experienced this ? What is the estimated cost to replace these ?

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  civic2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mannych - August 13 - 2:00 am

  a great car in all aspects.gives excellent fuel mileage and superb handling.nice interiors and styling. gives you value for money.

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  cheap built - 2002 Honda Accord
  By m&m - August 13 - 2:00 am

  we have a 2002 honda accord and a 1992 honda accord it is amazing that honda has went so cheap as to put thin metal in the 2002 accord. and the ride is terrible and lots of wind noise... we will be trading asap...

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  World Class all the way - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Al - August 12 - 5:28 pm

  Years ago I owned a 1976 Triumph tr6 and I really missed that car. It was a true classic. This is a modern day tr6 classic. The dimensions are identical with the exception that the s2k is 10 inches wider. The car is world class. The 6 speed transmission is the best that I,ve ever experienced. It corners incredibly. The car is very civil below six grand. Above it and the excitement begins. The vtec kits in and you are a happy camper. The high reving motor sounds great. A great driving experience at a fraction of the cost of owning a Porsche boxter, Z4,or even the 350z. What a bargain. This car turns as many heads as the more expensive brands.

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  Honda owner for life! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lynda Alsup - August 12 - 4:27 pm

  Mine is a Honda Civic EX - 5speed manual. I drive 85% highway and average 33mpg. Previous car was a V6 2000 GrandAM (automatic) and I am VERY impressed with the pick up & acceleration onto the highway with my Civic. I call it my poor mans BMW but thats a compliment because it has the classic exterior styling of a BMW without the outrageous price tag. Ive always been a GM buyer - especially Pontiac but after owning a Civic - Im Honda forever!

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  Terrible transmission - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mo - August 12 - 7:57 am

  2016 Honda Touring! Will be trading in this fairly new care as the transmission is horrible. $45,000 and you get a transmission that is stuttering, slow to respond and a car that is jerking at low speeds. May others with the same problem....look it up. Loved Honda until this.

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  great auto - 2000 Honda Civic
  By bob - August 12 - 6:43 am

  my wife bought this car new. it has never been back to the dealership for anything. not even a loose screw. no maintenance at all except change the oil every 3k miles. great gas mileage.

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  Had major problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By SSK - August 12 - 2:06 am

  I was excited to purchase what I thought would be a reliable and great looking car, which also possessed an awesome Vtec engine. However, I was sadly mistaken. Gas meter broke around 10,000 miles and was fixed under warranty. Later engine was rewired free of charge due to potential fire hazards, according to the Dealership. Later I received a written notification that the engine switch had to be replaced due to complaints of stalling. Around 75,000 miles, the alternator had to be replaced along with the timing belt air conditior also broke (friend has same problem). Finally, the transmission is almost completely broken.

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  Flying Toaster on Wheels - 2005 Honda Element
  By Flying Toaster - August 11 - 7:32 pm

  Make sure you test drive this car before you buy! If you haullots its perfect. If for sheer driving pleasure, dont! The stock Wranler tires do a GREAT disservice to the car. The plastic in the car scratches EASY. You have to pamper what you put in or it WILL tear up. Gas mileage with K&N air filter is 24- 25 hwy and 21-22 city. Highway noise comes thru the cabin and the Wrangler tires dont help. Near 90-degree windshield catches rocks, bug etc that would bounce of more streamlined windshield. Engine in very adequate. For lots of cabin space, there seems to be little of for actual driver accessible storage, unless you put stuff on segmented dash-tray. Oil filter crammed in.