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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  Towing - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By lucas - May 24 - 11:51 am

  Bought my truck specifically for a cross-country relocation. Refused to let me down going through the mountains in Colorado. Stayed strong towing a 5x8 trailer (@11-14 mpg!) average almost 18 mpg city/highway combined, which is pretty good for a pick-up truck.

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  Not the best for a tall guy. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By bartanion - May 24 - 12:00 am

  Over all a nice sporty car with good interior functions. Fair gas mileage. Fun to drive. Lots of storage for such a small car.

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  My Accord Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By James - May 23 - 1:07 pm

  Ive had my accord coupe for over four and a half years and Im am happy with it so far. Other than a few rattles from the interior and my stereo needing to be replaced (which was covered by my extended warranty) its working out great.

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  reliable but noisy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By reliable but noisy - May 23 - 10:47 am

  I have owned this vehicle for five years now and the mileage is 152,000 miles and still no major problems. I used this to work and I commute more than 3,000 miles mostly highway a month. I changed oil every 5,000 miles and have the tires rotated every 5,000 miles too. I bought my tires at Costco, Michelin Hydroedge and tire mileage is 90,000 miles and still not worn out. Just maintain this car on schedule and you will be trouble free. I never had any transmission problem.

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  Better than expected even for a 2WD - 2000 Honda Passport
  By axels - May 22 - 5:12 pm

  The ride is hard but thats because its based on a truck platform from Isuzu, not a civic from Honda. If you want a decent cheap SUV get one of these, but get it checked out first. If you want a cushy ride, get a CR-V or RAV-4 or some other CarUV. If you want great gas mileage, buy a civic hybrid.

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  Decent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jm - May 22 - 1:16 am

  We have about 600 miles on our EXL. Generally very satisfied except tire noise on certain road surfaces is noticeable at 70-80 mph fwy speeds. Theres also some wind noise around the doors. Not sure if different than competitors. The high stereo with subwoofer (which is nice) is not an excuse for marginal soundproofing.

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  Sports Coupe - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ERL - May 21 - 6:16 pm

  We bought this car new in 1995. It was absolutely superb while we owned it. The EX model with the VTEC system provides a very good amount of power at high revs although it is gutless down low. The car was very reliable and the Acoustic Research stereo was good for its era. The handling got worse as it aged, but it was still pretty tight and sporty 13 years on. The five-speed manual is necessary. The interior was very well made with great dash and door panel material. This is, in effect, a sports coupe -- not an economy car. It is also great in the snow (with Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires) The reliability could also not be beat. A wonderful car.

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  Love the Car, Hate American Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Carrie - May 21 - 3:20 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 2004. Have loved it ever since. Live in MI so more cold than warmth. Great car for the snow.AC just blew up on the road in the middle of Nov07. Wasnt even being used.Car has 104,000 miles on it. Called Honda after researching and finding out this a well known problem w/ the Air Compressors. Honda said because the dealer found clutch in April of 08 Rusted out in my bumper my car must have been in a collision. HELLO! Salt, SNOW.Yeah it rusted. No GOODWILL WARRANTY FOR ME. I have never had a single warranty claim and Honda cant help me out. Car has NEVER been in an accident. If I lived in Florida this would have happened a lot sooner. Will not buy a Honda again!

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  Lots of Problems with Mine - 1999 Honda Passport
  By gladitsgone - May 20 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my Passport under the Certified Vehicle Program when it was 2 yrs old. Im glad I did, because the warranty covered 2 of my 3 intake gasket replacements, plus a bunch of other continuous problems. The dealer told me the gasket problem was a defect in the production of this vehicle by ISUZU, and that they had a lot of Passports come through with the same problem. I loved the exterior look, the interior styling was sharp, and it had plenty of room. Too bad I couldnt go a year without taking it in for some sort of repair. I just sold it at 133,000 miles, and it now needs a EGR valve replacement.

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  Love it to death - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Honda Man - May 19 - 1:55 pm

  I have a 96 Passport with 218,000 and counting. Mechanical issues have been almost non existent. I use it to drive on the beach, pull my trailer and it has been on several family vacations. Most wonderful vehicle I have ever owned Honda buyer for life.