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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  Awsome SUV! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By ptchevy - September 14 - 1:34 am

  I LOVE this car! Had to replace one of the cooling fans and performed necessary maintenance, but have NEVER had any type of engine or driveability prolems. I have 125,000 miles and will drive it til it dies, which may never happen, seeing how it rides and handles just like it did when I bought it with 24,000 miles on it.

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  Be Aware Tranny Recall - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Matt - September 13 - 7:17 pm

  Had the vehicle a few months and started having tranny problems (not catching going from 2nd to 3rd gear). This model (and similar Honda vehicles) have a recall on the transmission...it has to have a kit installed or the tranny replaced. Other than that, weve been satisfied, its very peppy compared to the Windstar I used to have. The engine is much quieter too, although, on the road it doesnt seem remarkably quiet.

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  1990 Civic SI - 1990 Honda Civic
  By ereimer98 - September 12 - 9:53 pm

  Bought this unit from my Mom when I was 19 years old and drove for 8 years with few problems. Great car to get through college as it looked good for its time, could get up and go and was still cheap to run and had good fuel economy. Finally sold with 209,000 miles as it was going to need its third clutch and possibly new valve guides and still got $2300 for it and upgraded to a 1998 Prelude. These cars are very popular to tuners and fetch strong money consider new it was around $10,000 new 11 years earlier.

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  1998 Honda Prelude - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By ereimer98 - September 12 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my Prelude with 42K miles. Has been a problem free nice commuter car and has needed very little maintenance over the last 4 years that I have owned it. It still drives and looks great at 125K miles and should keep on going. It is the Honda engineering that makes these cars seem to outlast most others. Good performance while still very reliable few complaints overall while owning this car.

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  good car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Fillmore - September 12 - 10:00 am

  i got this car from my sister for 2 grand, im 16 years old, its a great first car, it has 175,000 miles on it! but still drives awesome...

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  My favorite vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By nmw214 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently took my new Pilot on a 1000 mile road trip. It had good gas milage, was very comfortable,and provided a peaceful ride (I have the entertaiment package, my daughter enjoyed movies, listen to her own cds or chose her our radio station!). The third row seat is a bonus, but not made for adults. PS (I enjoyed the attention the vehicle received the first few weeks I had it, people would stop me in a store parking lot asking me about it!)

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  Ranking my Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Cristian Voicu - September 12 - 10:00 am

  It runs great. Have not had a problem with it. I only do highway miles with it.

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  Buy an extended aftermarket warranty - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By John - September 12 - 2:01 am

  Transmission bad at 37k. Canadian dealer replaced it but that one was no good. Same dealer replaced it again. Now, the new one is no good either and the dealer isnt willing to help anymore. Honda Can. wont help since the van was bought from dealer who imported it into USA after it was sold new in Canada. Guess I got a gray market rig. Local Honda service guy says theyre replacing all the trannys in these. Power doors work ok but scare us. If there is no power, the manual open option is very difficult - impossible for a child. If you needed to get out faster than the snail pace of the power door - too bad. Why do the editors love this vehicle? Its been nothing but trouble for us.

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  Great Suv - 2001 Honda Passport
  By Honda lova - September 12 - 1:47 am

  bought a 2001 in feb. handles corners great gives good power for its 205hp. Very dependable never left me stranded great off road as well.

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  Love this car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ames007 - September 11 - 11:33 pm

  Ive only had this car for about three weeks, and I just love it! I bought mine in the "atomic blue" color and have recieved several compliments on it. I like that the drivers set can raise up and down (my boyfriend is MUCH taller than I), and the bright, digital dash. I compared this to the Corolla and the Saturn Ion, and the Civic is in a great class of its own. I cant wait to have this car for the next 20 years!