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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  Steady and Reliable Friend - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Robert - July 27 - 3:33 am

  Other than normal wear and tear, I have never had to have any major work performed on this CR-V. While it may not be the sexiest SUV out there, it is solid and reliable, like an old friend. The interior has held up well and is quite functional. My major issue is that I only average 20-22 MPG on the Interstate and @ 17-18 MPG city. Also, Id like a bit more low end torque to get the CR-V motivated when I need it to get up and go. Once it is at speed, it is a smooth ride with average noise intrusion. Very good brakes and handling for a SUV. I am very satisfied with my CR-V and I plan to keep it for at least another 5 years.

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  2003 Si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Mike T - July 27 - 2:43 am

  Excellent car, fun to drive. Not the quickest of its class (spec v, cooper s, RSX) but responds well to modifications, if speed is your thing. Excellent build quality for such an inexpensive car. City mpg is outstanding(almost 30), thanks to the improved iVtec system.

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  2008 EXL 4 cylinder Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Handyman - July 27 - 2:16 am

  This is my fifth Honda Accord and I have been impressed with the improvements made as we have come through the past 15 years. The 2008 body design is boring and outdated. Otherwise the gas mileage, service intervals, drive and dependability is still pristine. The added features with each new model have been exciting to use and the 2008 was no disappointment

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  Quiet car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Matt Morgan - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this car because it is so quiet. I test drove it on sevral occasions beforehand, and I liked the fact that even when the gas engine is running it is so quiet. It wont win any races, but thats not the intent of this kind of car. The intent is to be a quiet, economical car (that happens to be very environmentally friendly), and it accomplishes these goals admirably. This is the car I should have purchased when I was shopping a couple of years ago. I bought a VW back then, and though I loved it, it was unreliable. No longer my problem.

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  Lets be honest folks - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By vhoffman - July 24 - 9:23 pm

  Bought this van because of "Honda quality". Now at 138K miles. 3 transmissions, cat converter, sliding doors that dont always close, 3 wheel alignments in 4 years, and loose bolts in front suspension still looking for that quality. Read the reviews of this minivan notice how many have problems yet the reviewer still mentions "Honda quality". Be honest people if the car had an American name youd be trashing it. I wish it was as reliable as my Mazda and, yes, my Dodge.

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  Not as sturdy - 1995 Honda Accord
  By nancyg - July 23 - 10:07 pm

  I had very high expectations of this car and, unfortunately, the car fell short. Although the car was in a garage during the winter, the body started to rust at both back fenders after about 5 years. This car also had more mechanical problems than I expected, especially given the low mileage. Among the most surprising problem was a total blow out of the radiator and cooling system. It seeemed that, once the car hit about 75,000 miles, everytime I would take it in for routine maintanence, it would need close to $1000 of work. Most people I know say they run their Hondas to about 250,000 miles and that is what I expected from this one. I am disappointed.

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  Odyssey 2004 EX - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By miatamama - July 23 - 6:36 pm

  Leased the vehicle from local dealer. Excellent performance, reliability, build quality. Wished I had waited 6 mos. for the new improved redesign.

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  Not For Everyone, But Perfect for Me - 2005 Honda Element
  By Reid - July 23 - 12:15 pm

  This vehicle isnt a perfect fit for everyone, but you should consider it if you need lots of cargo room in a small package, you need a car thats easy to clean, you arent a speed demon (acceleration is only fair and RPMs run pretty high even at 65 mph), you have to deal with snowy roads on a regular basis, you want a vehicle with a plethora of interior storage compartments, and youre poor (or cheap) enough that youd rather sleep in your car than in a hotel room.

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  Great reliability and price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Roman - July 22 - 9:31 am

  This is my first Honda car and Im trilled with my choice! I bought it for the legendary Honda reliability and did not regret it for a second. Pilot drives pretty good if you take size of this truck into consideration. Performance on snow is unreal. In the winter, I park in the biggest pile of snow I can find, and Pilot gets in and out without any problems every time.

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  karceneaux - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By K ARCENEAUX - July 22 - 5:22 am

  The gas mileage for the first year was 19 on the highway, but now we get 24. The back seat area needs more room if you have kids. The factory tires are terrible. Road noise, uneven wear.