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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  becoming very rare - 1999 Honda Civic
  By john9818a - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoyed driving my Si. The only problem I had was a bad strut. This car is very popular with thieves so if you buy one be sure to put an alarm on it. Check the vin to make sure that the car you are looking at is really an Si. Mine was stolen twice and both times the Si specific features were taken.

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  CRV - Theres only one - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By dtskiles - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I was heartbroken when we had to trade our 98 Cherokee in for a CRV - I was loyal Jeep driver since I was 14. The market is flush with over-powered off-road vehicles. We just need enough car to get us through the snow and haul some mulch and baby stuff without needing a second mortgage for gasoline. Honda has met a long-needed segment of the market - relatively fuel efficient, all-wheel-drive vehicles which are reliable and spacious. Of course, its a Honda, so its nearly bullet-proof.

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  New Transmission at 8K - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Barney - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I always thought the Honda Accord was a reliable vehicle until I purchased my Accord with a V-6. Transmission started clunking at around 4K and the dealership told me this was normal. At 8K the transmission failed and Honda replaced it. Now after 1K with the new transmission it is making a clunking sound again every time I back up! The dealership is telling me this is normal again! I am going to unload this lemon before I need another new transmission. Will never buy a Honda again!

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  Everything should be this solid - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Brad - March 13 - 9:44 am

  Purchased 5 yrs ago with 134k miles, now at 200k. No major problems at all. My car has led a very demanding life, and granted I maintain it well, but its still amazes me how well it holds up! A true testament to Honda using quality materials. The A/C has needed recharged, brakes needed some maintanence, exhaust, and suspension bushings replaced, but these are all very normal things for almost any car over 10 yrs old. Everything that has needed attention has been a Do-it- yourself saturday job, if you enjoy doing your own work. Ive never had to take it to a shop. Nearly every accessory still operates perfectly. Has NEVER failed to start, even in the dead of Ohio winter. Thanks Honda!

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  Accord V6 Ex Coupe - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mat - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is for surely on of the hottest cars out on the road. It has the performance to wow, and the look to turn some heads. This is deffinently one of the best cars I have every owned.

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  Should have got an Odyssey - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Stanley Shepard - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V is horribly underpowered. It creeps up to highway speeds and in traffic that means Im not so much in the flow but in the way. Weird steering wheel angle. Even though the wheel can be moved up or down, it is still an uncomfortable driving position. The cup holders need something to hold the beverages in place. Going around a corner, even at low speeds, beverages fall out. So far the best cup holders I have seen were in a Dodge truck. The holders had an adjustable arm that could slide open and close to fit any size beverage, and very sturdy holding power at any turning speed.

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  1999 Honda Accord EX Sedan - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Katrina Stenta - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever had, I love it. It drives great on the highways. It has good pick up power. There is tons of room and very comfortable.

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  PRACTICAL and SMART - 2002 Honda Accord
  By chica - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I loved this cute little coup. This car was perfect! VTEC engine was very peppy...I was in a car accident last week where I was rear-ended at a stop light. The person that hit me was in a similar size car and was going about 35- 40 mph. The whole trunk area crushed in like it is supposed to. I walked away from the accident the other driver was taken via ambulance. The car is likely to be totaled but I think Hondas crush/crash zone safety features saved me from injury! Now I will probably get another Honda. But not at Landmark Honda... they were miserable to deal with.

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  Great car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By colslaw87 - March 13 - 1:04 am

  I bought my 1992 EX coupe roughly 2 years ago from a private dealer. Since then I have fell in love with the car. It is a blast to drive and gas milage is decent. I highly recommend the EX Accord as a first car for any teen or new driver!

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  I love my Honda! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ComVirt - March 12 - 11:27 pm

  I have been driving it for a few years, it has over 250k on it but the odometer wasnt working when I purchased it. I have put a couple thousand miles on it and have had one problem that was fixed cheap because I know a mechanic. The timing jumped when I was racing it (which should be expected at about 300k). It doesnt burn oil, gets great fuel economy and runs smoother than even some new cars, but has been getting rusty in the usual places(which I will have fixed soon). It had a cold air intake when I bought it and I can definately say it made a big difference over stock compared to specifications I have read online. Only complaint is rust...but for a car with about 300k, its expected.