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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  1998 EX V6 Accord 160,000 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By 1998Miles - June 2 - 9:43 am

  Purchased with in 01 at 52,000. Now 160,050. Broken/Replaced: alternator, EGR twice! Thats the only mechanical failure. Shifts hard around 2nd gear, but has always done that. All mechanics have said theres nothing wrong. At 10 yrs old, it impresses friends and mechanics by its maintained appearance. Has held paint real well. Change oil and filter myself every 3k/3 months. I purchased OE spoiler and fog lights. Could do without the spoiler, but the fog lights are great. Come in handy. Very $$ though. Engines still smooth and quiet. has driven between FL and Boston and all points between many times over years. Great travel car, from Key West to NC mountains to downtown Boston!

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  ONE MAJOR FLAW: SEAT COMFORT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ThomasH - June 2 - 2:00 am

  First: Mankato Honda was great to work with. Seat comfort is a serious problem. Never had a problem with my Civic or Accord on any length trip. Pilot is a totally different story. Lower back pain develops after about 20 minutes. I took my family on a 2 hour trip. I had said nothing about my discomfort to my kids because they were so excited about the new Pilot. My 13 year old got out, arched his back, and said to his brother, "My back is killing me."

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  1998 Honda Prelude - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Ivan Garcia - June 1 - 8:40 pm

  Well, what can I say about the Honda Prelude, I own one myself. A 1998 Honda prelude automatic which is much fun to drive in the city of Salem. Its real sporty car and has a decent 4cyl v6 motor making 195 hp.

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  Tons of Room! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tinydancer - June 1 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased my CR-V with about 22,000 miles on it and it now has nearly 55,000. It is a reliable vehicle and drives like a car. I feel very safe in it and it has room to spare. The CR-V gets decent gas mileage for an SUV, but it could be better. I commute about 50 miles per day, round trip, and road noise it a bit of a problem on the highway. Ive also been noticing an increasing number of rattles. Unlike many others, I have yet to have a problem with the air conditioning (knock on wood). Overall, I think the CR-V is a good compact SUV, but Im thinking of trading mine in for a smaller car since gas prices are so high and dont appear to be dropping anytime soon.

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  Good Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bob - June 1 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car since I commute over 50 miles to work. I am not getting the gas mileage advertised, but it is pretty close (44-47 mile range), and I drive fairly fast (70-75 mph). I dont do much city driving but when I do, I get in the 40 mph range. Its still a great deal though and with the mileage I save, the savings are adding up. I am a tiny bit disappointed by the interior room especially in the drivers side. The head room is fine, but my right knee continually rubs against the interior dash by the radio. The seats also dont have the greatest support in the world, so one is pretty cramped after a long trip. Cockpit dash design is pretty cool expecially a night! Radio is great.

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  A/c not working b/c of rock - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - June 1 - 7:58 am

  My husband and I purchased a brand new Odyssey Van in June 2006. Absolutely love the van. We have had no problems until we realized our air conditioner wasnÂ’t working recently in May 2008. Our van only has 24,000 miles on it. I called Fairfield Performance Honda service and was told if it is a rock that damaged the condenser it is not covered. They already knew what was wrong with it b/c they have thousands of complaints on the same matter. Corp will not cover b/c they said it is road debris. Its not consumers fault that they poorly design the front. There is no protection on the front to protect the condenser.Honda needs take take responsibility and recall all Honda cars and vans with problem

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By jpowens03 - June 1 - 6:50 am

  The only problem I have is the gas mileage. Other then that I LOVE this car!!!

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  Each day I enjoy driving it more - 2010 Honda Accord
  By skip - June 1 - 5:50 am

  My small wife did not like the seats at first but I felt that they are very good, not great, should provide more cushion/support. The steering and suspension provide great feedback and is much better than found in the competition. It is still new for me but each day I enjoy driving it more.

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  Pilot is predictablily reliable - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilot rocks - May 31 - 1:41 am

  After one year ownership no problems at all. Not even minor. Safe, rides great, plenty of power and room for kids, parents and grandparents.

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  Good Car but expensive repairs - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Dockter - May 30 - 6:17 pm

  I purchased this car in 2000 with 74,000 miles. I now have 187,000 miles on it and Ive never had a problem with the engine. My complaints are slow rolling windows, suspension has been replaced twice, A/C doesnt work even when it was working and now that its 11 yrs old the radiator, engine mount and cam seal for timing belt and power steering are all leaking or broken and need to be repaired to the tune of $2,000.00. I just put in $1500 in new locks, actuators, tires and suspension. Its not worth it to me to pay that much since I will only get around $3,000.00 for the car...maybe less. So time for a new one. Im bummed because the engine rocked and it was a comfy ride.