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:

• 

  Finally bought Japanese - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tim - January 20 - 9:06 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. The seating position can be made comfortable for both me and my wife. Handles great and has good acceleration. I like the look of the car and I have gotten used to the two tiered dash. Well thought out car. No complaints. One issue though, which suprised me. The interior fit has some issues. One of the trim peices was not properly attached and worse, there is a very pronounced and frequent rattling in the dash. What happenned to the famed fit and build quality. I havent had a chance to bring it in to fix yet. Better be.

• 

  1999 Honda CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By kjipaulson - January 20 - 1:47 pm

  I have had my 1999 Honda CR-V for about 5 years. My main complaint about it is has no get up and go. When I hit the gas, it is pretty sluggish. I put some aftermarket things in it to improve gas mileage. It is a very reliable car, though, and it gets me where I want to go.

• 

  The Ever Dependable Accord - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Eapen K. - January 20 - 6:38 am

  I have used this car for 3 Years now. It has never left me stranded (Touch Wood). I have driven this Car for 200,000 mile car for 2500 miles from Louisiana to California. Its true Hero and a extremely reliable. I reached safe and in one peice, the car never stopped. Today it still goes on, gives me excellent milleage for 22-25 mpg in city and atleast 29 on the highways. Its a tribute to Japanese workmanship, because this car is "Made in Japan" imported by Sea, (J Series VIN). The choice of parts and their visualization and planning way back in 1990s for this 1995 is truly amazing. All parts still work. Kudos HONDA.

• 

  A terriffic value - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ron - January 19 - 11:33 pm

  EXTREMELY RELIABLE with low Maintenance. Overall a great value with a total cost of only $2400 annually [averaging 20,000 miles] for first 5 yrs.. Original total cost $18,300 incl all taxes etc..- current value $7400. Only repairs in 5yrs/92,000 miles are front brakes/rotors and clock light bulb.

• 

  Will never leave you stranded. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By mark - January 19 - 5:51 pm

  If you are looking for one car that will definitely get you where you need to go it is a 4th generation Accord. I bought the car with 230K miles and now have over 285K on the car! I refer to it as Old Faithful if that gives you any idea of its reliability. Has never left me stranded. I have only put money into it (other than usual wear items) was to replace a main fuel relay (one of the very few common problems these cars had) and replaced a valve cover gasket. Other than that it has been more than amazing. bought it for $1000 and could sell it tomorrow for the same, which Im certainly not planning on doing. Get the 5 speed, it is more reliable (slightly) and better performance.

• 

  Elemental - 2003 Honda Element
  By Hunter - January 19 - 12:04 pm

  Great car, or BOX as it were. We use it for a dog/camping/hauling car and its utility body serves us well. This is a replacement for a 87 Real Time Civic wagon which has 212k on it. Still commute with it, but getting tired. The famous and deserved Honda reliabilty is definitely there in the Element. TONS of interior room even for very tall people. Handles just like youd expect it to looking at it (NOT a "sporty" drive). 4 wheel disc brakes are great, 4 cyl. IV-Tech is a bit small for this vehicle (perfect for the Civic SI!). Works hard to maintain highway speed on long grades out here in the West. Not dog friendly as Fido cant see out. Suicide doors make getting out clumsy in parking lot

• 

  great ride - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By lmeyer - January 18 - 5:53 pm

  The more I drive my Pilot, the more I like it. Putting in almost 80 mi. daily on Houston highways, I always feel safe, sheltered, and am never exhausted by sometimes stop-and-go traffic. When the roads open up, the Pilot just cruises....

• 

  Great big car for the money. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By David - January 18 - 12:12 pm

  Probably the best quality and package for the price. Been driving the car for about a year and the Pilot offers excellent practicality along with flawless build quality. Good power, although dont expect great fuel economy, it is an SUV after all. Tailgate takes some muscle to close and the styling is rather bland which was somewhat improved in the 06 model. A great car if your fighting the need to buy a minivan and dont want the truck feel of some of the domestic offroaders.

• 

  Ode to a great car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By kwhkop - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 93 the cruz- contol shorted out and caught the car on fire 9-15-02, it had 280,000 + miles and never gave me 1 problem until its sucide,well the fireman helped as they had to chop the hood off to fight the fire,their dmg is what totaled it..reg oil chg & svc will keep a honda going, I saw a prelude with 850,000 miles on it. I am very sad for my loss.

• 

  Nice Little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hal - January 16 - 5:03 pm

  First, the 2004 is a great improvement over the 2001 CRV we owned. More powerful, less buzzy engine, more comfortable seats, better brakes, seats fold easier and tumble all the way forward, better quality interior materials, easier to use tailgate. Glad Honda moved the window controls off the dash and back to the door panel armrest where they belong. Vehicle is based more on the Accord and less on the Civic in terms of styling, features, engine. Much nicer design, more elegant, less utilitarian. Great value for the $$$.