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:

• 

  Love everything about my Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mrs. Larimer - April 20 - 4:15 pm

  I bought this Honda brand new when I turned age 61. I do maintenance on it according to the manual. It has 75,000 miles on it now. No problems whatsoever. It handles very good, gets 23 MPG in town and 30 MPG on highway. I have a bad back but the drivers seat is so comfortable since I can adjust it to fit the small of my back. I will buy another Honda when I need to trade.

• 

  My FIRST car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Sarahbeth - April 20 - 11:29 am

  Im eighteen years old and previously had gotten married and we had been attending college and never expected to get the amount back from school as we did. I had been looking for some wheels to get us to point a to point b. When i stumbled across a 1992 Honda Accord for $850! I took the car for a spin and it was at that very moment i fell in love. Ive had it and it takes me everywhere. I already know Im going to stick with my baby Honda for years on end.

• 

  Still going strong (update) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ryanj1178 - April 19 - 11:10 pm

  Bought brand new in 2007, the car now has 44,000 miles on it and drives the same. Have not had any issues whatsoever. Look forward to the next 44,000 miles.

• 

  Glad I have it - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Rodney - April 19 - 7:28 pm

  Bought the Passport with 69,000 miles on it, has ben great overall, I get 23 highway and 17 city, Have to replace water pump at 150,000 and the front shafts soon, not bad for 170,000 miles on it,little things have gone bad but nothing real costly, will but a Ridgeline next. Wife loves it to.

• 

  Best ever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By meadowmaven - April 19 - 7:15 pm

  I have owned Toyota and Honda going back 35 years and have liked them all. they have performed well with little maintenance. This CR-V has been the best all round vehicle for reliability, comfort and versatility. Nothing but regular maintenance after 7 years, my tall husband is comfortable driving it, and just about everything fits in it thanks to its boxier style. Good going Honda

• 

  Happy Customer - 2004 Honda Accord
  By meredithz13 - April 19 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car while in college at 40,000 miles and it is currently at 105,000. It has gotten me through career changes (1400 miles away from home) and the only major issues were the air conditioner capacitor blew (nothing blew out of vents), rotor problems, and major road noise (which is my least fav part) but other than that I love driving with my sunroof down and knowing my ride wont die!

• 

  Love my E - 2005 Honda Element
  By Zach - April 19 - 10:13 am

  Bought my Element from an old man with 17,000 on the odometer. Love the styling, the interior, everything about it. My only complaints are the performance ( no worries, e fans, you can find superchargers just for the element. How does 230 hp sound?) and the blind spots. If youre a careful driver, the blind spots wont be a problem.

• 

  Impressed - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By like the pilot - April 19 - 8:49 am

  I have never owned an import, but on a whim I took the this used Pilot for a test drive. I have owned several Yukon/Tahoe and Yukon XL/Suburbans. I wanted something smaller with better mpgs but that I could fit 3 kids in and still have room in the back for hockey gear or golf clubs. To my surprise the Pilot drove excellently and with the 3rd seat down had lots of storage space. My kids are young enough so that all 3 can sit in the 2nd row with 1 car seat and one booster. Average 14.5 mpg with 100% city driving(lead foot), and average 20 with 100% highway driving and about 17 with mixed driving. Which could be better but I think is not bad for a AWD vehicle. Rides great and is comfortable.

• 

  Love it - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By lennie grooms - April 18 - 7:07 pm

  Me and my family love are CR-V it is the best car we have ever had. There is over 143,000 miles on it and we have had only one problem and that is with one of are window motors on the passenger side. When you start the engine you have to stick your ear on the hood to hear the engine running. The only maintenance we have done on it was routine. We love this car, my own mother loves are car too, even though she only rode in it once.

• 

  Love this car more than the Acura I had - 2001 Honda Civic
  By gem of a car - April 17 - 4:27 pm

  I bought this car used with 60,000 miles. I was a student and couldnt afford a car that needed a lot of repairs - - this car has exceeded my expectations. Nothing has gone wrong with it and it still gets as good as mileage as when I first bought it (35 mpg). I keep waiting for the clutch to get old but it hasnt. Ive replaced timing belt, tires, and brake pads. Its a beautiful car, MUCH prettier than Prius. The original paint job is really well done. Attractive dash. Ive driven up & down hilly San Francisco, around town, and across the country. I only wish there were more models of Honda with such an attractive body.