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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  Shows Hondas Quality - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Mictwentytwo - August 18 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car I was a Honda driver having had a 1984 Accord Hatchback. This car is still running great and looks great, Ive only had to do general maintenance over the years. To date it has 218,500 miles on it and still going, Ive been waiting for the right time to upgrade to a new one and this may be the year. I must add there are many Accords of this same year all over my city in great condition and still going. For these reasons and Hondas styling, build, reputation Ill be buying another Honda in the near future. If you are considering a car to buy you must check out the Accord, its been a wonderful car for me these past 11 years.

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  none - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By kllariv - August 18 - 2:00 am

  looking to buy, read all reviews and sounds like a champ!

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  Definitely Surprising! - 2003 Honda Element
  By gfrodo - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Looked at CR/V and others but found Element quieter, bigger inside, and just a real blast to drive. It handles extremely well in traffic and is wonderful on the highway. There is some road noise on bad road surfaces, but just turn up the fantastic radio! This is a great commuter car or round town errand-runner. The four cylinder engine is plenty powerful. We took several trips and this car is very safe and predictable to drive. I have a whole new confidence level in traffic.

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  Hey, its a minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By mitchedo - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its been 2.5 years, and 24,000 miles. We have not had a single problem with this van. This is the first vehicle weve ever owned that has not had to go to the dealer for warranty work. The ride is firm, but I like it. The acceleration is good, plenty of power. The air conditioning works great. We really love this van. We havent had any problem with the power doors. There has been a little rattle in the right side of the dash, but nothing enough to make us take it in for adjustment. I really hate the climate control. Its a totally unnecessary option that will be very expensive to fix when it breaks.

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  The Pilot was the right choice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tkerber - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I was leaning towards the Toyota Highlander until my friend strongly urged me to take his Pilot out for few hours. I was sold on it and got one the next day for $1,000 under MSRP. Dealership was fantastic (Autofair in Manchester, NH). This is a fantastic vehicle. Smooth, quiet, powerful and a TON of room. It is very well thought out. This is my second car in 9 years. My other was a Honda with 112k miles and zero problems, so I know about Honda reliability first hand. I am completely happy with the decision to purchase it.

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  This is My Dream Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Mikkos Slappey - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Even though I havent had it long, I have enjoyed it very much. I love the 6 disc CD changer and sunroof. The keyless entry comes in handy.

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  2003 Honda Civic EX 4-dr. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Triskit - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my civic. Like all others it lacks its "get up and go". But I know that it is very reliable and dependable and its a great value. Its an overall winner.

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  Buy an HX Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cat Man - August 18 - 2:00 am

  It was hard to find this car, but it was worth the hunt. The HX gets 44 mpg on the road and comes standard with alloy wheels, CD player and more, so in my opinion its the best Civic and really looks good in the blue metallic color with a spoiler. I got the 5 spd and its pretty peppy and like all Hondas, its very solid (no rattles at all). Probably the best thing however is still the gas mileage. If you want a fun, solid, economical coupe, consider the Honda Civic HX coupe, if you can find one.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Moocow_jc - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car with good fuel economy and its fun to drive. I had trouble dealing with a Honda Dealership and them not wanting to cover a repair under warrenty and thats about it the metal should be thicker to easy to get a door ding.

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  I LOVE MY ACCORD VP - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jessie Pooh - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost a month now and I have been extremely pleased with the vehicle. It is wonderful on gas, very fun to drive, has a beautiful exterior body, and is a smooth ride (comes in handy since i live in DC). So far,i have no complaints and hope to never have any either. So Honda, keep up the good work...you definately live up to your name in the reliable Accord.