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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  Works 4 me - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By father of 3 - February 22 - 3:42 pm

  Replaced BMW Z4. Needed a larger car for the 3girls. This one came with everything. DVD/Nav and all the trimmings. Drives nice(obv. not a Z4). I live a pretty active lifestyle and this car works 4 me.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Jessica - February 22 - 1:49 pm

  I have driven this car for 200,000 miles and still love it. This car has been reliable and efficient all the way! And so much fun to drive! None of the extra bells and whistles on the DX means nothing breaks. Solid car all around. Also handles very well in the snow, this car has never left me in a ditch even through years of nasty winters in upstate NY. I have had numerous exhaust pipes/mufflers put in, but that has been it other than the scheduled maintenance. I love my Honda and the fact that it was built in Ohio (how many of the so-called American cars can say that anymore?). Still has another 100K left in her! My 8 rating for comfort was due to the fact that the car doesnt have AC.

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  Great car!! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By SEBA - February 22 - 9:06 am

  Overall the best car that I ever had, never any mechanical problem, great on gas.

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  i love it,i hate it - 1996 Honda Passport
  By pitbull - February 22 - 8:09 am

  I recently bought my passport used,with 120.000 miles on it,it initially ran great until it decided to drop every solenoid and control devices to actuate the 4wd, after repairing all that, it then decided to fail just about every emission control sensor/device under the hood ive replaced the a/i/c, the m/a/p,t/p/s and the m/a/f, and still have problems with a check engine light and, driveability....like i said its really a joy to drive when it wants to run. also to my dismay,it being an isuzu..there are isuzu parts, general motors parts,and some componentry that can be listed as idk???? so the prices for these parts vary from expensive to outrageous. i love it i hate it....

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  More than I expected - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By UBESQ - February 21 - 9:02 pm

  Have over 2500 miles and am pleasantly pleased with my Pilot. Still havent gotten through all the features. Nice ride with necessary creature comforts. Avg MPG is almost 20, which is not much less than the 08 Mariner I previously had. You learn how to max MPG by hitting the ECO level, even in local driving.

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  2 foot of snow and all is well - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By moch - February 21 - 8:06 pm

  AWD 5spd made it over 2ft of snow with no issues (and a good set of tires). Towing up to 2000lbs has not been an issue. Car is used hard but serviced well 82000 miles and no problems.

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  Poor Fitting Rear Pannels - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 11727 - February 21 - 6:13 pm

  I pretty much like the car. However It is not as trouble free as it should be. This review is mixed with good and bad. The good, nice styling, nice interior. Reasonable performance even with the 4 Cyl. The bad, had to be trucked to dealer on Monday at 4,500 miles. Got it back on Friday. So far it is working properly, so hopefully the trouble may be in the past. However the fit of the upper rear interior door panels is terrible. They dont fit. And arent even the same on both doors. I was told by the service rep. that they are all like this. Also there is a injection mold mark, hole, in the deck behind the rear seat. Also told they are all like this. Rear brakes are wearing out prematurely.

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  11 years of pure driving bliss! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By TT - February 21 - 2:21 pm

  Honda got it all right with this sweet little machine! This is an amazing little sports sedan in sheeps clothing. The extremely smooth 140 horsepower 16 valve dual overhead cam engine sings when the RPMs get above 3,000 plus and it just keeps on a pulling. The entire design of the car is brilliant as it sits low with a low dash and big glass so the driving position, instrumentation and view out is perfect. The suspension and steering make it a blast to drive especially when tied to the 5 speed manual. The interior is smart and sporty and makes most new cars pale in comparison. I love this car because its the best of all worlds and cost next to nothing to maintain.

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  No More Hondas for Me - 2008 Honda Civic
  By oc91 - February 21 - 1:22 pm

  At first, I loved my Civic. It had great gas mileage and was fun to drive. Ive had it for about two years and my brakes are wearing out (my previous one went 4 years without needing a brake change), it rattles in the back, and takes forever to heat up. It does awful in the snow theres no traction whatsoever. The paint is awful and gets nicked by things that shouldnt even affect it. I thought I was buying a quality vehicle in the beginning, but now Ive decided I wont ever own another Honda.

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  I thought this was a Honda....... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By BMWfantic - February 21 - 11:44 am

  We thought we were buying a Typical bulletproof Honda in February of 2007 when the car had 18K miles on it and was BABIED for the first owner. The car is comfortable and the interior material is quite good for the price and the car was fairly reliable until about 70K miles. Then the car started jerking when we went about 45 MPH. And the engine check decides when to turn on and off. Turns out the car had a bad 4th gear and needs a new transmission for an outrageous 3500 dollars. What a money. Now we need to dump and get a new car- about 2 years ahead of schedule. This is our first and last Honda. Dont buy these model years- the transmission fail VERY quickly!