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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  2000 EX v6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Rhonda - September 7 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the car new. Had no problems till around 80,000 miles. Transmission started to slip. Took it to dealer who said there was no problem, changed the transmission fluid. Since then, transmission has gotten worse and Honda will not help with the problem. They will do a 50/50 on cost of refurbished transmission since I am now over the 100,000 extension, over $1500 my cost! Dealer said they do not work on transmissions, only replace them. Now have over 114,000 miles on car and other than transmission, have no other major complaints about the car. Wind noise on higway is loud, but I just turn up the radio. Honda of Ocala is a terrible dealership all around - sales, service, etc

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Chris_P - September 6 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a Sage EX-L. It has been a great vehicle. Road and engine noise is minimal. The new standard CD changer and glass power moonroof makes it even better. It is like an MDX for less and it runs on regular unleaded. I would definitely recommend it!

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  Hot little honda - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By RMT - September 6 - 1:27 pm

  Its a great well built car, with several levels of options and vehicle. I would recommend one if you are looking for a peppy little turbo!

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Lavoie - September 6 - 12:26 am

  Look at most SUVs and Vans. Found the Pilot to be Elegant, Powerful, Responsive and great fun to drive. Im still trying to let my wife drive it.

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  4x 4gotten - 2004 Honda Element
  By Agent Orange - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable for trips and the 4wheel drive works seemlessly. The neoprene seats were surprisingly cool .It is great to put your bicycle inside and upright! Quiet and very nimble. We love the rear tailgate arrangement for loading and packing.

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  Outstanding-reccomend to all! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mstkpkr1 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck. Great safety features. Great ride. Very powerful. Someone previous mentioned problems over 70 which we did not encounter. Round trip out of state doing approx. 80 mph the whole time and was smooth as if we were doing 20mph.

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  Godd Value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Big Joe 11 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is not a street racer but it is very fun to drive. The price and the usual reliablity of Honda made this an excellent buy!

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  Doesnt live up to its promise - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hmurphy - September 5 - 10:00 am

  While this car seems like a great deal, its not everything it seems. Its definitely fun to drive, but the brake pads and/or rotors have been repaired or replaced 3 times in 15 months of ownership, with no fix in sight. This is not an isolated problem--many 2003/2004 owners are in the same boat. The transmission is currently under recall as well. Though I like the feel of the car, the continuing brake issues are just too much. Its really a shame.

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  BZZZZZZZZZZZZZ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By danandjeanne - September 5 - 10:00 am

  BZZZZ, thats what I hear in my left ear as I drive. I took it in for warranty service and the initial thought it was something that had ot be spot welded behind the drivers door. Didnt work so they installed a new door panel, didnt work so now its back in for a new door lock assembly. Its annoying having a 3 day old car in longer than I have owned it. It also needed an alignment after i took it in for the first warranty service which they attirbuted to it being transported on a truck. Otherwise I think it is a great car, but I havent really had a chance to enjoy it yet. I also noticed a bit of vibration coming off the gas pedal and a subtle whine.

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  BEFORE SIGNING & AFTER - 2004 Honda Accord
  By CHITTIE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE. UP UNTIL I SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE.JURY IS STILL OUT BUT WHEN THEY PREPPED THE CAR IT JUST DIDNT LOOK NEW.NO WAX, A FEW SCRATCHES, INSIDE DOOR PANEL HAD A HOLE IN IT.CALLED A FEW TIMES.I JUST DONT GET THAT WARM FUZZY FEELING THAT I DETECTED WHEN PURCHASING.I MENTIONED ALL THE ISSUES AND THEY GAVE ME A DUE BILL.NOW I AM WONDERING WHETHER I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN POSSESION BEFORE ALL THE ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED.I LOVE THE CAR DRIVES GREAT AND HAS A GREAT FEEL.I THINK I RECEIVED A FAIR DEAL AT 23M W/ 3.9 60MONTHS. WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FEED BACK REGARDING HOW TO HANDLE DUE BILL ISSUES.