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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  Transmission failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By eddie - April 19 - 2:32 pm

  99k miles before transmission failed. Bought new late 2004. No warranty, no luck. Others worldwide with same problem. I know for a fact, 2003 extends its transmission failure, not just the media reported for 2000 through 2002. Caveat Emptor.

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  Very cramped Noisy but great cargo space - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sam K - April 19 - 1:50 pm

  if youre the primary driver and youre over 5 7, dont buy unless you want back pain and/or heel pain. I am 5 10" and find that my seat even if all the way back my knees are off the seat which gives me foot pain. My wife is 5 2" and my father in law is 5 6" and both are thin. If we add the car seat, its hard for them to sit. The middle seat-belt is a joke. Very, very, very noisy interior. Especially if youre driving on 101 South LOL. Forget talking on cell phones inside this SUV or even having a decent conversation along with light music.

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  Happy Customer - 2004 Honda Accord
  By meredithz13 - April 19 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car while in college at 40,000 miles and it is currently at 105,000. It has gotten me through career changes (1400 miles away from home) and the only major issues were the air conditioner capacitor blew (nothing blew out of vents), rotor problems, and major road noise (which is my least fav part) but other than that I love driving with my sunroof down and knowing my ride wont die!

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  Love my E - 2005 Honda Element
  By Zach - April 19 - 10:13 am

  Bought my Element from an old man with 17,000 on the odometer. Love the styling, the interior, everything about it. My only complaints are the performance ( no worries, e fans, you can find superchargers just for the element. How does 230 hp sound?) and the blind spots. If youre a careful driver, the blind spots wont be a problem.

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  Impressed - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By like the pilot - April 19 - 8:49 am

  I have never owned an import, but on a whim I took the this used Pilot for a test drive. I have owned several Yukon/Tahoe and Yukon XL/Suburbans. I wanted something smaller with better mpgs but that I could fit 3 kids in and still have room in the back for hockey gear or golf clubs. To my surprise the Pilot drove excellently and with the 3rd seat down had lots of storage space. My kids are young enough so that all 3 can sit in the 2nd row with 1 car seat and one booster. Average 14.5 mpg with 100% city driving(lead foot), and average 20 with 100% highway driving and about 17 with mixed driving. Which could be better but I think is not bad for a AWD vehicle. Rides great and is comfortable.

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  Love it - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By lennie grooms - April 18 - 7:07 pm

  Me and my family love are CR-V it is the best car we have ever had. There is over 143,000 miles on it and we have had only one problem and that is with one of are window motors on the passenger side. When you start the engine you have to stick your ear on the hood to hear the engine running. The only maintenance we have done on it was routine. We love this car, my own mother loves are car too, even though she only rode in it once.

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  Caution - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jjl - April 18 - 8:40 am

  I am the original owner and this is my fifth Honda. The transmission just died at 44,000 miles. This is a well known problem for this generation of Accords. I babied my car and replaced the transmission fluid twice, at 28,000 and again at 40,000 miles. Honda has serious problems with automatic transmissions. I have loved this car. It was so much fun to drive. But, I can never trust Honda again. They sold a car with a serious design flaw. Do not buy a used Accord with an automatic transmission!

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  Never ever buy another one. - 2002 Honda Passport
  By Roger - April 18 - 8:13 am

  This SUV has been nothing but a nightmare. It stays in the shop more than it does in my driveway and when its in my driveway most times its waiting on repairs. I would never buy another one. Never, transmission bad, engine bad, sway bars bad. I believe this car must have been a total loss and refixed. Nothing but a headache that sucks my pockets dry.

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  No Faith in Honda anymore - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Unhappy - April 17 - 7:12 pm

  I have lost faith in the Honda product and the companies willingness to stand behind their name. I have had over 7,000 dollars of repairs that were not covered by warranty. Power steering pump, starter, transmission, stereo, etc.etc.. The transmission going out at 82,000 miles was the last straw. I drove so easy on this car that the tires lasted 81,000 miles and I still havent replaced the brakes but the transmission failed? Go figure.

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  Love this car more than the Acura I had - 2001 Honda Civic
  By gem of a car - April 17 - 4:27 pm

  I bought this car used with 60,000 miles. I was a student and couldnt afford a car that needed a lot of repairs - - this car has exceeded my expectations. Nothing has gone wrong with it and it still gets as good as mileage as when I first bought it (35 mpg). I keep waiting for the clutch to get old but it hasnt. Ive replaced timing belt, tires, and brake pads. Its a beautiful car, MUCH prettier than Prius. The original paint job is really well done. Attractive dash. Ive driven up & down hilly San Francisco, around town, and across the country. I only wish there were more models of Honda with such an attractive body.