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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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dexter - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Probably the BEST MIDSIZE SUV available today

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  Very Satisfied - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve S. - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car in a private deal from a couple who kept up with regular maintenance. So far it has been a great car to drive and I have had no complaints. Took it on vacation and really love the flip down rear seat. I may never buy another american van again.

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  Buy this car! - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Greg232304565 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Incredible deals could be found on Ebay if you are looking for this car. I love it. The attention you get is amazing. I have guys in Jaguars asking about it. Be not afraid of technology. If you have a long drive to work, it is perfect. Why drive an SUV if you do not really have to?

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  2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Warning - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Christine Wagner - June 27 - 11:06 am

  Honda is aware of an issue with the control arm, however, they are not giving a recall notice. I was told they are not making the owners aware of the problem, because it is "intermittent". I went in for an oil change and tire rotation at 14,000 miles, and was told that the inspection indicator on the dash was requesting that a full vehicle inspection be conducted. Since my gas mileage had gone from 41 mpg to 34 mpg, I agreed to pay the $150.00 to Sunnyside Honda in Parma OH for the inspection. I was told that the control arm was defective and that both rear tires also needed to be replaced as a result. The dealership would only replace the control arm and not the rear tires.

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  Honda Accord Reliability - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mike - June 27 - 10:13 am

  Being my first Honda and driving about 75-100 miles a day (Mon-Fri), this car definitely lives up to its reputation. I serviced my car every 5000 miles based on their program, and after 100,000 heres its history: 1) Factory tires (Michelins) lasted 70,000 miles. 2) Front brakes were replaced once. 3) Rear brakes were replaced twice (average 33000 miles). 4) Serpentine belt and tensioner arm were replaced at 100,666 miles. 5) Radio (6-disc CD) lost LCD display but still played. Vehicle had 56,000 miles and Honda replaced it free of charge (800.00 cost). I live in the Midwest, and depend heavily on a good reliable car. I would not hesitate to purchase another Honda Accord.

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  A very nice alternative - 2008 Honda Civic
  By DAVEinNY - June 27 - 8:50 am

  This Civic replaced my 04 Jetta wagon, which was a very nice car as far as amenities were concerned, but was otherwise a piece of junk. In the last two years I owned it, I had to pay $1000 each year just to pass inspection. Things broke that just shouldnt on a relatively new car. My new Civic is just like the 98 I had before the VW. It looks different, but is just as fun, just as reliable, just as economical. The new one is more powerful. I feel at home in this new Civic and plan on keeping it for a very long time. at 160,000 miles, I drove my old Civic 3000 miles cross country to sell to a friend, not a single problem. I expect this new one to be just as good, maybe better.

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  Awesome Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ali King - June 27 - 6:05 am

  This is the best car. I have owned it for 15 years and have had no problems. I could drive for hours in comfort.

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  Im going to wait... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By RSJ - June 27 - 2:43 am

  I looked at this HR-V at my local dealership and checked it out. I am a long-time Honda owner and have had Civics, Accords and a CR-V over the years. In my experience, Honda typically puts out these new models with the minimal amount of features and horsepower they can get away with and still sell a ton of them - for cost and profit reasons of course - Im already seeing reviews that say this HR-V is under powered - go figure! As the years go by, they tend to begin adding better engines and tweaking the ride, interior quality, features and noise levels. Theyve done this on most any model you can name that they have introduced or upgraded. I find that if you wait until the mid-cycle refresh or near the end of a model cycle, youll find that the car has been refined and upgraded to a more acceptable level for most people. I have learned that I do not buy a Honda the first time out of the gate for a model refresh or a new model - not necessarily because of overall reliability issues which is still true with most domestic models - but because Honda tends to "massage" the models as the years pass and they are better near the end of their cycle than at first. My advice? Dont jump on Honda models when they are the "new thing everyone has to have". I am looking at an Accord or possibly the top of the line newly redesigned Civic with turbo engine but I am waiting a couple of years to let Honda tweak and massage any issues that almost always arise at first - just my two-cents worth from a long time Honda fan - patience pays off with Honda :-)

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  New Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Linda - June 26 - 10:46 pm

  I just replaced my 2000 Honda EX for this 2005 EX Special Edition. I love this car. It has so much more pep to it and it just feels tighter! It looks alot more sportier too with the Spoiler and Alloy Wheels... Very happy with the change!

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  CRAVE! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Rose - June 26 - 10:30 pm

  Love this little SUV. I downsized from a mini-van(I drove vans for the last 18 years)and am happy I did! This car is fun! It is tight and responsive, all the features I was looking for. Go out and test drive one of these...You will fall in love!