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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  Still Running Great - 1998 Honda Civic
  By justmartha - June 6 - 2:51 pm

  This was my 2nd Civic hatchback and Im sorry they quit making them. I put 165,000 miles on the 1990 one before I sold it. The 98 car had a few design issues that made me love it a little less than the older one but has been more reliable and still gets >40 mpg on a road trip at speeds of 65-70 mph. My biggest complaints have been road noise and a little less cargo space, plus lack of an interior hatch release convenient for the driver. The biggest plus? Great gas mileage and total reliability!

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  Balanced - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vin - June 6 - 9:31 am

  Has been 1.5 years and still running well. I like its practicality, roomy interior and simple dash layout make it easy to control - too simple that it looks a bit dull. Good engine performance for its class, although the AC lacks it sometimes (good maintenance would be to minimize it). Having much trouble with its huge front pillar, making a blind spot when turning.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By bill - June 6 - 1:56 am

  Needs smoother ride. It has high RPM when you drive in the 70s - could be geared better.

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - June 5 - 9:28 pm

  So far I have owned my 2008 CRV for 8 months. After my Mitsubishi Galant was totaled in a fire, I bought this baby. I was surprised how well the vehicle handled, how well the fuel economy was, and how comfortable the interior was. I achieve about 21 mpg in the city on average, while achieving an average of about 28 mpg on the highway. Overall, great vehicle and I certainly recommend it to others.

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  Practicality Rules--DO NOT IMPROVE - 2003 Honda Element
  By MrH - June 5 - 8:19 pm

  I love the design, the economical materials, the cool looks, the quick handling, the adequate power, the acceptable fuel mileage, the adequate acceleration, and the big windows . This is one heck of a vehicle--there is nothing else like it. It is (relatively) cheap, the design is way cool, the practicality is unmatched by anything short of a pickup, and it will haul four passengers.

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  Awesome car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Tman - June 5 - 12:45 am

  I bought this car at 90k and am at 129k now--no problems! I just changed the timing belt. Tran has always been smooth--I heard about probs with this tran early on and flushed out tran fluid (chgd 5 times) to dilute old fluid until fluid looked clean (1/3 of fluid stays in when chging, this is why I flushed it several times--may have been a good investment as still shifts like butter). I started using synthetic oil for 1st time and notice engine and for some reason even the trans runs even smoother--almost identical to a new vehicle! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this car--and is fun to drive, although more comfortable than fun--plenty torque at 85+ mph even with 4cyl.

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  So far So Good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - June 3 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased in January 2009. I like almost everything but a little disappointed in the gas mileage. The inside nice and roomy, I love the leather seats. I added a woodgrain dash which gave it a very rich look. I also installed after market remote starter, alarm and keypad entry. I am quite satisfied after 7000 miles, but definitely needs better mileage. I live in the city of Boston so 90% of driving is city miles. Probably getting 13-14 mph city. The pickup could be a little better, but its adequate. I have a heavy foot. Overall I am happy.

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  Would have bought something w/fewer prob - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Anderson 5 - June 3 - 3:23 am

  I always wanted a Honda odyssey, so when I was finally able to own one I was ecstatic. Now I wish I had bought something different. I have had the whistling noise fixed three times. I have had the brakes fixed three times starting at 7,000 miles and now at 34,000 miles they are starting to grind again. I just had them replaced a third time a month ago. Everytime I bring it in for service there is a recall. I also had to have the dvd screen replaced because it kept darkening. All in all, it has been a very disappointing experience. I wont buy an Odyssey again. May be I will buy a Sienna next time.

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  3 Years of Driving - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By zzedo310 - June 2 - 10:21 pm

  As the title states, Ive owned my 03 for 3 years. In that time, Ive put 60K miles on it and drove it from AK to FL and several trips in the CONUS. No major issues. Minor issues: recommended tune-ups are costly, both the 60K mile tuneup and 90K mile tune-up were around $1000 each. To get fully installed towing package, another $1000. Drive train belt, another grand. At 100K miles, just as another owner here stated, my speaker system is going downhill. During long trips, I notice a buzzing sound coming out of the speakers. Annoying enough to shut music off. Great storage cubbies in front for maps, flashlights, etc.

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  Lookin good - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Tanja - June 2 - 10:17 pm

  SI is a civic all grown up with all the bells and whistles. Had a 95 with 145000, ran perfect when I sold it. Just rusted. This car has good pick up even in fifth gear. Gas mileage is decent, use the cruise control. Better features inside, cup holders etc. than older models.