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:

• 

  Im back Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By PickHonda - November 7 - 11:59 pm

  3 yrs ago I sold my Integra and have missed it everyday. I bought a Mazda/Ford 626 and regret it. Since its sat broken for the last yr, I needed something to get me to work and school. I found my Accord for sell for a scamp $900. It had a dented fender and a $100 paint job. Its got over 220k, but that didnt discourage me. It runs like a Honda (like a Swiss watch). Balanced and beautiful. Its not the most powerful, but with the 5spd, it makes it fun. I love the sound of a high revving Honda. I dont like having the same car as everyone else, but there is a reason for that. You dont mess with perfection. Im not saying Hondas are without fault, but compared to everything else, it almost is.

• 

  Info for Those of You Buying Used! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By van on van - November 4 - 10:49 am

  We bought this at 101K miles and drove it two years till 127K miles until I totaled it in an accident (nobody hurt safety is great!). Biggest beef: EGR system clogged twice in two years ($200-$300 cost to fix each time). Catalytic converter gave out at 100K (fix $800). Water pump needed replacement at 119K ($800). We also found road noise pronounced and tiring (we suffer enough noise from our small children). If youre prepared to pay for repairs and maintenance, buying used may be a good idea. I figure that total cost of this van to us, in two years of ownership, was $2500 per year, counting purchase price (no financing, 6% sales tax, repairs, and maintenance (not counting gas or insurance

• 

  Back breaking drive, poor visibility... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By edhil - November 3 - 12:00 am

  I have the car now for 3 months, fuel economy exceeds the sticker rating. On the down side you have to be careful when stopping, at low speeds it surges and I would find it difficult to park in a tight spot. I finally got to go on a trip, I- 84 with its ups and downs, the gas engine strains trying to do 65 up some of the hills, its no power house. And my back was sore after a 300 mile trip, gosh when I go to FL in fall I will need dr to work on my back, I guess its a car for the younger set, I am 63 and went from a CRV to this. On the plus side it uses half the gas the CRV did. Its too bad Honda cant find a better place for the batteries, I miss the fold down back seats.

• 

  HONDA CIVIC LX COUPE - 2001 Honda Civic
  By TAYLOR - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY CIVIC WITH 8K MILES, I COULDNT HAVE BOUGHT A BETTER CAR FOR THE PRICE. IT IS THE PERFECT CAR FOR A STUDENT WITH MANY BILLS TO PAY AND NOT MUCH TIME TO DEAL WITH CAR REPAIRS. ALSO, I LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS...ADORABLE!

• 

  A Little More Than You Think. Need More - 2003 Honda Civic
  By my76ta - November 1 - 10:00 am

  My first Civic purchase and Im enjoying it. The ride and handling are far better than the Lx, Ex line and the interior is as attractive/comfortable as youll find in a twenty thousand or less car.

• 

  Element #3 - 2007 Honda Element
  By Tony - October 31 - 1:21 pm

  We bought an 03 Element EX when they first came out and loved it so much so, we upgraded to a Rally Red 05 EX (w/side curtain airbags) in March of 2005. In Sept 06, my wife and two young children (1 & 3 year olds) were involved in a head on collision at 50 mph with an inattentive Ford F150. All three walked away from the accident with only minor bruises and burns (from the airbag). There was no doubt we would buy another. We decided on a silver SC and we ABSOLUTELY love the new styling inside and out. Great car for the kids, dog & all of your stuff. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Decent car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - October 30 - 2:19 pm

  The accord is overall a decent car, but I think there are better choices for the money. Yes, its a Honda. The engine will run for 250k miles. But thats only if you maintain it properly (not everyone does) and maintaining a Honda is rather expensive. If you buy a Honda with 100k miles on it, be prepared to spend another $1-2k on it right away to keep it going. It will need timing belt, water pump, and suspension replacements. I think people have misconceptions about what Hondas are. Theyre not above normal wear and tear. Beyond this, any Honda built before 1998 has terrible structural rigidity so expect a lot of flex and rattling. Interior doesnt hold up all that well either.

• 

  So far no transmission problems - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By hondamaryland - October 29 - 7:37 pm

  I bought the 99 Odyssey in 2006. So far its been good to us. This was not subject to a transmission recall. Knocking on wood.

• 

  ok - 1990 Honda Accord
  By ok - October 29 - 6:59 pm

  i had the car for 1 year and never had trouble with it and love driving it

• 

  Good - except for NAV system - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - October 29 - 3:13 pm

  Purchased Fall 2004- Do not waste money on the Nav system. Mine was over 2 years out of date at the time of purchase. Contacted Honda America and received the answer that the DVD was the most current at the time my vehicle was delivered. I drive every day on roads that have been complete for over 2 years that do not even show on the NAV. Extremely disappointed with this response from Honda.