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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  MyFirst Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ALfromSF - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend drives a Honda and I loved driving it which resulted in me buying my 2002 Accord EX V6. The low price was an extra bonus. Overall this car runs smoothly and you can really feel the 200hps working. However, I see myself going to the gas station more often then expected.Its a V6 but its also a Honda! I expected to get at least 25mpg if not more but Im averaging 21mpg(highway + city). Now Im kind of afraid to drive the car just becuase I know afterwards, the car will be saying, "Feed me now or be stuck on the road." Thinking back I may just have paid a little more and get the new Camery.

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  Forever a Honda Owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Northeastern - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Im a previous Accord/Civic/3 time Passport Owner. The 2002 CRV attracted my attention when they redesigned the interior/exterior and made it more powerful. I too experience the clicking noise and really notice it when at a drive-up MAC machine or in the drive thru at McDs or BK. What is this Honda???? The front passenger side got cheated for leg room but; hey, I never sit there... I love the reclining rear seats! The CRV has lots more storage room than the Passport. I still have not experienced the listed gas mileage. I trust Hondas reliability because I do not have time to take a vehicle to the shop!

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  Built to drive - 1991 Honda Civic
  By billysim47 - October 8 - 1:38 am

  I bought a 1991 Honda Civic 2 door Hatchback with 141000 miles and now have 182000 miles. So far I replaced a rear brake clamp. It is time for a timing belt replacement. This car has consistently given 36-44 miles per gallon with 39 being the average when driven 55mph. It is very reliable and nice to drive. It has a 5 speed standard transmission.

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  Our first SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By KR - October 8 - 1:32 am

  Pilot 2006 is our first SUV. We bought it brand new and put 40K on it and it is as reliable and dependable as it was on day 1. I love the way they equipped it with very cheap maintenance. We get family over a lot and Pilot hauls up to seven adults with no compromise on performance. Leather quality and color, touch screen navigation, very comfortable seats, roomy and classy.

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  Buy a civic thinking it will b amazing... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Megh - October 7 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this car in May of 2008, 8 thousand miles later I needed new brakes in the front. Got literally yelled at for driving the car too hard. 8000 miles later, need new brakes again, go into new dealership, they tell me my calipers are defective. 2 months later there is a creaking from my front right, dealer says defective axle. My experience with this car is that it has a lot of defective parts, and Honda just doesnt seem to care anymore. I also drive an 88 prelude si, and the old clutch felt better then the brand new one on the civic.

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  Review - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By kathy - October 7 - 11:32 am

  The car is very dependable and has good power. However there are three points that are very bothersome. First, the paint is of pour quality and the exterior of my car is looking bad. I think I can scratch the paint job up with just my fingernail. Second, the car has a lot of road noise. Thirdly, the gas mileage was not as it stated on the sticker (23/29) when I bought it. I have never had better than 26 hwy and around the city i average 18 to 19 mpg.

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  My Black Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Pete - October 7 - 2:58 am

  At 60-years young Ive been a car nut most of my adult life. I have to admit the S2 is the most fun machine Ive driven. Value?... you would have to pay thousands more to get a roadster with the handling, performance, & styling of the S2. Id like to know the process or the nut who figured the S2 @ 20 mpg! Im on my 2nd S2 the very worst Ive gotten, driving hard in the mountains, was 22 mpg, Ill average 24 mpg on the highway 27 mpg.

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  Motor mount change not true - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By jake - October 6 - 10:58 pm

  Van is very reliable and useful whether youre hauling people or building materials. MPG is very poor though maybe needs a new tire. I read about motor mount issue on odyssey. I experienced the same thing when I brought to dealer for maintenance. The associate told me, I need to replace motor mount. I said no because it was expensive then brought van to a mechanic, turns out my motor mount is okay.

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  A Keeper - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DDP - October 6 - 4:04 pm

  Bought brand new. Always follow recommended maintenance and have had zero problems. None at all, still going strong at 105k. Mileage has stayed between 25-28 mpg, very good interior room for its size. Drives nicely for a SUV. Original tires only lasted for 27k, but not the CR- Vs fault. Plan on putting a lot more miles on it.

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  Good car but......... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sharksfn - October 4 - 1:40 pm

  This is our first Honda. Styling and general handeling are great. Problems include premature brake wear at 24000 miles. They have always made noise. Road noise is excessive. Seats are comfortable for around town but on drives over 2 hours they kill our lower backs. Even all the seat adjustment controls dont help. We will be selling this car due to this.