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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  Follow up review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By L B - May 30 - 6:50 am

  The window sticker says to expect 29 MPG. That did not happen in 7 of 11 fill ups. The AC continues to be a thorn in my side. Only cools good on max air recirculating. Switching to outside air makes my temperature probe go up 15 degrees. Its a fun car to drive; its quiet and peppy; but MPG and AC are big distract ors.

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  Still strong after 11 years - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Jo Co Max - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I am original owner. Have just turned 157,000 miles and car still strong. Have just done required maintance. Still a great car, consistently gets 30 - 32 MPG in daily city driving. Performance better than any car in its class. The perfect communter car. The design is still fresh after 14 years, a sharp looking car. Weak areas: 1.Front brakes discs only last about 20,000 miles. 2. CV boots weak(?) have to replace them between 30,000 - 40,000 miles. I plan to keep it for another 100,000 miles!!!

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  2000 insight - 2002 Honda Insight
  By greenman - May 30 - 2:00 am

  great car and fun to drive.

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  I like my Hybrid! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Andrew Thomson - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Had the car only 3 months. Bought used with 32,000 miles. Love it... Runs great... No problems

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  Still Going Strong - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Blix - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1995 to replace my 83 Accord. Take care of these cars and they will last. I have 127k miles on it and it runs as great as the day I bought it. I get 32 MPG on average in the city, about 34 highway.

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  Wish I could give more than a 10 - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Lodenk - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have loved Honda Civics for years now, and this year I got rid of my 92 LX and bought myself a 96 EX Coupe. I love it, the look the feel the fun. Its a great car, I have had 0 problems with it, the car is really easy to work and and a hell of a lot of fun to play with. I just wish the Edmunds had a better score than a 10.

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  97 Accord EX - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Remus - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for almost 2 years now. Good sedan that gets good gas mileage. I wished theyve used a DOHC head instead of the SOHC. Good response. Car is slow up the hill and loud engine noise. The windows roll up too slow. Very comfortable. A/C sucks. No problems with the car since Ive owned it.

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  Very Little Interior Room - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dillydog - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is after all a Honda but thats where the benifit stops. My wife and I have 5 children, ranging from 15 to 4 years of age. The leg room alotted for the third row seating is slim to none. Head room is at a minimum as well as the over all comfort of the passengers. This would be a great 5 passenger vehicle! However, to sell it as a comfortable ride for eight people is completely ridiculous!!! My 4 year old daughters legs are cramped in the third row seat, making this, in my opinion, one of the worst "SUVs" on the market.

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  problems with my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alfaron - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car. However, some problems came up. On the first week, I have to changed 1 brake rotor, realign door panel, and get a missing door handle component. Currently, after 4 months, the side airbag light keeps coming on and off.

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  Honda Odyssey Trans Probs. rated POOR! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By TELL THE TRUTH - May 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE Intending to purchase the Honda Odyssey van. GO TO a search engine and type in "HONDA PROBLEMS". THE ODYSSEY HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM 1999 TO 2003,AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM.YOU MUST PAY OVER $6.000 to have them repaired when they go out of warrenty at about 36,000 miles/3 years,so dont listen to all these reports how great these van are. There are several sites with true comsumer comments. Like I would tell anyone buying a new car..take a little time and...Due some checking before your purchase!