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:

• 

  Great car, great buy - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MollyB - October 22 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive this car, the better I like it. It provides good sized cargo space and good quality for the price. The Pilot is well thoughtout and very well put together.

• 

  great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By LA Mikey - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, i only put 150 miles on it so far, but its fun to drive but i think its really underpowered, i should have gotten the manual trans. but otherwise i love this car, its fun to drive, economical and the epa is awesome!!!

• 

  Satisfied Owner - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RC101 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I switched from my Dodge to a Honda mainly because of its reputation. The cars mileage is only slightly better and as far as ride and performance. I sacrificed design for reliability. There is a very minor rattle somewhere in the dash which kept me from giving it a 10 in both the "Build Quality." I also gave it a 9 in "Reliability" since I havent owned the car for too long, but my neighbor did have problems with her brakes when she first got her Civic two years ago. For the higher price I paid I really didnt want to here any rattles. Im satisfied with my purchase and Im expecting it to pay off in the long run since it holds its value well.

• 

  The best car yet - 2003 Honda Civic
  By asutt - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have had. It handles as well as any other car in its class, and is fun to drive.

• 

  2002 SE Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda Man - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love my car. I bought a black 2-door and it is beautiful. I see people in BMWs and Mercedes-Benz checking it out all the time. It handles very nice and gets good fuel economy. I have 500 miles after filling up once and i have about 5/8 of a tank left.

• 

  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By joelmar - October 22 - 7:30 am

  Just took delivery on a 2010 Pilot. I came close to the Acadia which I liked a lot and was turning in a GMC Yukon. I liked the quality of the Pilot better than the Acadia and it was priced lower. I also had reservations about buying a car from a company in bankruptcy. I was amazed to find the interior actually had MORE usable space than my 2006 Yukon. The leather seats are very comfortable and the build quality appears to be up to Hondas reputation. My only issues are the vehicle pulled to the right. I brought it to the dealer to adjust the frontend. I am concerned to hear others have reported the same problem. There is also more road noise when compared to my Yukon.

• 

  Pretty Good SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Rita Greig - October 22 - 3:26 am

  Pretty good overall SUV - A few design flaws such as the Gear Shift new to the Radio and the weak Roof Rack. It has some pretty good get-up-and-go for the a 4 Cylinder - Very impressive...

• 

  Shifting Problems - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ted - October 22 - 1:23 am

  I chose this car over the others because the Accords I drove were smooth and comfortable. The new one that was delivered for me shifts harder then the ones I drove and my daughters 06 Accord V6/5A. Ive had it to the dealer 3 times. They have reprogrammed the PCM twice and it has helped the uncomfortable shifts; but not corrected it to what I found was normal in others. Please take the car for a long drive first.

• 

  10 Accord EXL V6 - 2010 Honda Accord
  By chris322 - October 21 - 4:40 pm

  This is a great car. I traded a 07 Camry for this car, and the difference is night and day. The Accord is the perfect car, and is a much better deal than a Camry. I love this car!

• 

  2007 Honda CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Earl Carney - October 21 - 4:36 pm

  Car has a number of options normally found on more expensive vehicles, e.g., vehicle stability control. Too, the elimination of the spare tire from the rear gate makes the car more appealing and the gas mileage is good.