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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  Better luck next time... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Third - April 25 - 4:40 pm

  Honda, reliable, cant go wrong, right? Just a few months after purchase at about 60,000 miles I was informed they needed to replace the transmission. Ok, i had also purchase an extended warranty so i didnt pay anything out of pocket. Then I started seeing my ABS and TCS lights come on in the morning when Id start my car, by the afternoon on the drive home they went away. Dealership used their computer diagnostic and said nothing was wrong so i ignored it too. Well now over 100,000 the lights dont go out and they tell me its a $1,200 job to replace the ABS modulator... Im so happy, no not really.

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  You cant complain with 267,000 miles - 1990 Honda Civic
  By ShanaRlene - April 24 - 3:56 pm

  I had this car as a gift from my Uncle. He had been using this to drive to work 120 miles a day until I had it 10 years ago where I drove 110 miles a day. Never had any major problems. Engine is phenomenal - never been repaired since we got it. On top of that, the engine still sounds like brand new, very quiet. Only bad experience with this car was when I had to push it from a freeway to an exit for a gas, it was my fault though - I ran out of gas. However, at an average of 38 miles per gallon with todays gas prices - youll definitely will try looking for this COLLECTIBLE piece of treasure. I love this car!

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  Got my moneys worth - 1997 Honda Civic
  By cant believe - April 24 - 12:45 pm

  I bought this car in 97 with a mere 7 miles on it. It now has 135+K miles and has overall been a great car. Its never had any major problems except that its almost been stolen twice. I am having the problem that (2nd time around) my drivers side window in not working and the passenger side is slow. And there is something rattling whenever I turn. It has taken me everywhere & has been extremely reliable even when I wasnt so nice to it on the road. My older brother wants this car to tool around in & my soon to be 16 y/o wants it, so theyll have to duel it out when its time to retire it for a 4 door which is going to be soon.

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  2003 Honda Element EX AWD 2W (2.4L - 2003 Honda Element
  By Cris - April 24 - 2:58 am

  I was the 1st person to have this kind of car in Texas, people looked me at as if I was from outer space or some kinda stupid to have a bread toaster looking car. But I dont mind that negative image because I was more concerned about the space and style versatility of the car. After driving this for 5 years now, I realized that I hate this car at all. I drove Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Dodge, Chevy, Mazda and I realized the difference. There are far more better cars out there than Honda. I give credit to the reliability of this company but because of this prestige they had, they were too overconfident about their market and they made less effort of better design and worth your money to buy their car.

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  Excellent, But... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BKHONDA - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great product. Superb fit/finish, quiet and powerful. But had to get wind noise from windshield fixed first day off lot, rear power window doesnt work, and fuel gauge must be inaccurate- -supposedly a 20-gallon tank, but reads empty and fuel light comes on when I really have 6.5 gallons left! A little disappointed in Honda quality control this time around, but still were happy with the van and it still has the best powertrain and handling of any of them!

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  Cant beat the Heat - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Fla Rider - April 22 - 10:09 pm

  AC Compressor needs to last more than 47,000 miles. Bought the car recently at 46,500. Less than 1000 miles ac went out. Where is the Honda reliability???

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  good vehicle - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By bradleyc - April 22 - 12:15 pm

  We have owned our Pilot for 8 months and have been very happy with it. We were looking for a smaller SUV that could still seat 8 people if needed. The back seats are cramped when you have 8 people or children in the car but are adequate for short trips. The acceleration is good and it has a tighter turning radius than our last vehicle (Chevy Impala) which makes it nice for parking. The fuel mileage isnt all I had hoped that it would be - about 16-18 mpg city and about 22 highway. Doesnt have automatic headlights which took some time getting used to.

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  I love it "but" - 2008 Honda Element
  By dds4 - April 22 - 9:26 am

  When I saw my black SC in the show room I loved it. Unfortunately, I drove a regular EX and then bought the SC. The SC is very harsh riding on long trips, punishing actually. It is at the dealer now replacing a defective rear tailgate hinge. For around town it is great and fun to drive. If you travel on weekends, I would select something else if you like some level of comfort.

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  Looks Great, but a bit scary - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Brian - April 21 - 4:34 pm

  I like my Honda S2004, but it almost has more power than I feel I can handle. The back end always feels like it is a split second from breaking loose. Maybe because I spun it around on some frost covered roads right after I bought it. Now it sits in the garage all winter.

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  2001 Transmissions Have Ruined Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By tmspiege - April 21 - 9:58 am

  I received this car willed from my great-uncle and have treated it well for 6.5 years. Ive been diligent in regular maintenance. Then, out of the veritable blue, my transmission suffered a catastrophic failure en route to work two days ago. The auto tranny would not engage into gear and the engine would simply tach up with no acceleration when I hit the gas. I called Honda USA to get them to extend a goodwill repair to me, but they are refusing. Im looking at a $2000 repair for a manufacturing defect...and Hondas not willing to admit the mistake or provide the customer support to alleviate the cost to me. 2001 transmissions across every model have been notorious for this sudden failure.