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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  New Owner of Used CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By New2hondas - January 19 - 8:23 pm

  Recently bought a used EX in great condition and 68k miles. Runs like a champ and very easy to drive. The quality is so top rate - and maybe the previous owner took good care of the car - that it scarcely feels used. Now I know when people say that Honda builds good vehicles.

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  Will never leave you stranded. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By mark - January 19 - 5:51 pm

  If you are looking for one car that will definitely get you where you need to go it is a 4th generation Accord. I bought the car with 230K miles and now have over 285K on the car! I refer to it as Old Faithful if that gives you any idea of its reliability. Has never left me stranded. I have only put money into it (other than usual wear items) was to replace a main fuel relay (one of the very few common problems these cars had) and replaced a valve cover gasket. Other than that it has been more than amazing. bought it for $1000 and could sell it tomorrow for the same, which Im certainly not planning on doing. Get the 5 speed, it is more reliable (slightly) and better performance.

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  Honda Listened to its Customers - 2013 Honda Accord
  By aviationguy - January 19 - 5:23 pm

  Im very pleased with my new metallic beige EX-L. I had bought a 2009 Civic because I didnt like the 8th generation Accords at all, but when I saw what Honda did with the 9th generation Accord, I had to have one. For me, coming from a noisy, teeth-jarringly bumpy Civic, my new Accord feels like pure luxury.

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By marcos258 - January 19 - 3:56 pm

  Ive driven a Camry before, but I liked the body style of the Accord better this time around, so I researched and realized that theyre pretty similar under the hood. Ive had this car for almost a year and have not had any type of mechanical problem with it. Its pretty quick and fun to drive and the sound system is really good. The only issue Ive had is with the passenger side window. When Im on the highway, the wind noise is a little louder in this window than any other. I took it to the dealer to get checked out, and they said they replaced the seal. But I can still hear the noise sometimes.

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  Elemental - 2003 Honda Element
  By Hunter - January 19 - 12:04 pm

  Great car, or BOX as it were. We use it for a dog/camping/hauling car and its utility body serves us well. This is a replacement for a 87 Real Time Civic wagon which has 212k on it. Still commute with it, but getting tired. The famous and deserved Honda reliabilty is definitely there in the Element. TONS of interior room even for very tall people. Handles just like youd expect it to looking at it (NOT a "sporty" drive). 4 wheel disc brakes are great, 4 cyl. IV-Tech is a bit small for this vehicle (perfect for the Civic SI!). Works hard to maintain highway speed on long grades out here in the West. Not dog friendly as Fido cant see out. Suicide doors make getting out clumsy in parking lot

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  Practical and fun - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Eileen - January 18 - 9:23 pm

  I needed a fuel efficient vehicle that would hold up over time. I drive approx. 125 miles per day, mostly on the highway. So far, this is a wise choice. It meets the familys needs and mine especially when I fuel once a week now instead of every other day!

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  great ride - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By lmeyer - January 18 - 5:53 pm

  The more I drive my Pilot, the more I like it. Putting in almost 80 mi. daily on Houston highways, I always feel safe, sheltered, and am never exhausted by sometimes stop-and-go traffic. When the roads open up, the Pilot just cruises....

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  Great big car for the money. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By David - January 18 - 12:12 pm

  Probably the best quality and package for the price. Been driving the car for about a year and the Pilot offers excellent practicality along with flawless build quality. Good power, although dont expect great fuel economy, it is an SUV after all. Tailgate takes some muscle to close and the styling is rather bland which was somewhat improved in the 06 model. A great car if your fighting the need to buy a minivan and dont want the truck feel of some of the domestic offroaders.

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  Ode to a great car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By kwhkop - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 93 the cruz- contol shorted out and caught the car on fire 9-15-02, it had 280,000 + miles and never gave me 1 problem until its sucide,well the fireman helped as they had to chop the hood off to fight the fire,their dmg is what totaled it..reg oil chg & svc will keep a honda going, I saw a prelude with 850,000 miles on it. I am very sad for my loss.

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  No problems! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By justjess - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Imagine getting in a vehicle every day with no problems. NONE. Thats been my experience with my 2000 civic EX coupe. As with most Hondas, if you take care of it, it will take care of you! Sometimes Ill notice someone driving a late 70s model civic on the road (no wonder most Honda dealers have the 100,000 mile club). Im leasing my 2000 civic, and will probably miss it when it goes back next year. Ive considered getting the Jetta next year, but when I hear about the window problems with the jettas and all of the other annoying problems with the vws, it of course gives me second thoughts. If Im smart, Ill get another Honda!