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:

• 

  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Yyama456 - February 25 - 9:36 am

  This truck is great. It is extremely quiet. The interior is great. It is very comfortable, and this is the only truck available on the market that is reliable, safe, dependale, and that has a decent fuel economy. Thats why I love it. It has everything, and the quality is excellent.

• 

  It Just Keeps Going and Going! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By marvelous - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love Hondas because they are so reliable. I got this used while in college from a Honda mechanic so it was in great condition! Good pick-up, nice body style for a 13-year old car. Good visability, good on gas, decent size trunk. Reliable all the way around. Im at 227,000 and shes still going.

• 

  1998 Passport - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Benton - February 24 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought a 1998 Honda passport this past June from a Paramount Honda dealership. We bought the extended warranty and had it certified. That was the best thing we could have done, because within one month of having the car, it was in the service dept. for major repairs. We have had to bring it in for repairs about once a month. This vehicle has been nothing but a headache, and we are now trading for something more reliable.

• 

  My Honda Odyssey Experience - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By cmomgo - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a Toyota Camry which was highly reliable. I had some revervations about switching, but this has been a top notch verhicle.

• 

  Expected so much more... - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Musho - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The problem started a month later when I needed to replace the ABS and few times the check engine light turned on with no apparent reason. The driving is very very harsh, extremely bad control (although I have a stick shift) and the worse thing is breaks. The do some weird stuff when breaking on wet asfalt or when it vibrates (somehow ABS kicks in an doesnt let breaks do their work !?!?) Tailgate is squicking all time and there is excessive noice. BTW, a reall weird stuff is that the cigarette lighter is being catapulted off the craddle when heated, I already burned my stick shift boot.

• 

  honda love - 2000 Honda Civic
  By steiny - February 23 - 10:00 am

  i only had my civic si for a year and i put 35000 mi on it. not one problem, its a fun car to drive, if i didnt have to sell it to get a truck i would still own it today, and since then ive bought another civic

• 

  Getting the Job Done - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mrwheel - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Using a tape measure I found it was the same size as my old minivan. We dont use the room in an Odyssey enough to justify it. CRV is better on fuel economy, lower insurance cost and price. Most important was the reliability rating from consumers report. I love the maneuverability and feel. Doesnt turn heads but it gets the job done at a better price and dependability. The LEV ratings of 8 was a plus. Honda has done a great job with this vehicle. The dealer was the only one who did NOT pack the vehicle with overpriced junk and run up the price. I should get 10 years out of it.

• 

  never again - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By stevNsue - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Too many things going wrong on a dailey basis......

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Hil - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Honda that I have owned. They are great, reliable and fun cars. The only problem Ive had with both of them is that the windshield is extremly fragile. Both cars had broken windshields from small rocks. Also, quarter and door panels are easily dented. A shopping cart can do a number on a little Honda! No dent resistence here.

• 

  Love it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By asurfc2 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This thing is gets as good of gas mileage as the Toyota Hybred and at $5000 less. not to mention it has a better look to it. A great buy if you want the hybred but cant quite afford it.