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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  200k and still strong! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Heather - February 8 - 8:38 pm

  I am a Honda Fan! My 98 Civic has over 200,000 and is still going strong (this is my 2nd, the first was a 1990 with 109K). Shes had a few problems, but who hasnt? The A/C system was replaced when she was 7. I had to replace the odometer cable. When she was 10, the radiator and ignition coil was replaced. Understandable at her age. Overall, she has been a wonderful little car. Fairly zippy, shes not a Porsche, but she gets me onto the freeway with no problems. The interior is completely intact, nothing broken or fallen apart. In the last year (shes now 12) the dash lights for the air system have faded...havent asked the dealer about it. I give the Honda a 10 star rating.

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  A nice upgrade from the old mini-van - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By kdrew - February 8 - 7:41 pm

  We recently decided to upgrade from the old Windstar so we investigated the few remaining mini-vans out there. We had nothing against the others but it was clear that the Honda Odyssey was best of the bunch. Smartly designed by Honda to take into account features that make life easy. Lots of space, lots of storage, a very nice stereo system. We liked the sunroof option and that the windows in the doors roll down. Smooth ride. Goes when you need it to. While we would prefer another type of car, for a family with multiple children (plus their friends), you cant beat the mini-van. I would suggest this to any family looking. We opted NOT to have the DVD system. If your kids cant deal, then.

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  GoodBye Soccer Mom! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy - February 8 - 5:46 pm

  The 2010 AWD Touring Pilot is a great vehicle. After looking at EVERY 7-8 passenger vehicle on the market, this vehicle not only offered looks, but most importantly the room and comfort we need. It has the Honda quality and value that we want as well. Hondas rock!!!

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  So far so good but dreading future - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Gibran - February 8 - 11:38 am

  Bought the van from first owners a few years ago after our first kid and before the 2nd. Didnt realize the van had problems. Check engine light went on after 2 days. Called the seller and they pretended they dont know about it. There was a recall on the problem but they never took it in. Long story short it is the cat converter thing. It has been 15,000 miles since we have been driving on that check engine light so far it is just a light. The transmission slips when I back it in on our uphill driveway but no major transmission problems yet. Awesome space I use it to haul stuff around all the time after the 3rd seat fall flat include 8 ft dry walls !! : )

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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gapster - February 8 - 11:34 am

  I love this car! its my 3rd honda...never owned anything else. The one complaint I have about this car is it is terrible in snow! it seems to slip around a lot. Looking into buying some better tires that what it came with. other than that....I have nothing but great things to say about this car!

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  I smile whenever I get behind the wheel - 2009 Honda Element
  By Madison - February 7 - 6:51 pm

  I have been wanting one of these since the first year they came out. I am not disappointed and would have taken the plunge sooner but my 97 Honda Odyssey just would not wear out. I finally passed it on to someone who appreciated it. The Element has it all - my dog agrees. Plenty of space, fun to drive, Honda reliability and goes thru the snow and ice in Wisconsin like youre driving in July. The clamshell doors are kind of a pain in a tight parking lot but you figure it out. The stereo system is great and the satellite radio rocks. I like being able to just take my bike at the end of a ride and roll it into the back end. The floor cleans up from muddy dogs with ease.

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  great car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By bamagirl - February 7 - 4:04 pm

  I bought my civic new and have no regrets. I love it. It is fun to drive, sporty, and reliable. It also gets great gas mileage - 36 mpg in the city. I couldnt ask for more.

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  Multiple Replacements of Rear Brakes - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By UpstateJohn - February 7 - 2:02 pm

  My wifes CRV...a great car with only one outstanding exception. Multiple complete Replacements of the rear brake systems, complete calipers and rotors. Due to complete lockups of the rear brakes, the first replacement of calipers and rotors was performed under warranty at about 16,000 miles. Honda covered it. Second replacement was and about 37,000 miles, Honda covered that even though past 36,000 miles. Dealer said a bad batch of calipers were used in the first replacement session. (OK, then why the 2nd freeze up?) Then a THIRD replacement was necessary of the calipers and rotors at about 58,000 due to another freezeup and warping the rotors, At our cost. Disappointing. Great Car though

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  Needs better gas milage - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Mike sinitiere - February 7 - 12:28 pm

  I was very disappointed with the fuel economy.(Needs to come with a free gas gift card $100 dollars or so)Seems like Honda could do better with this.I will by Toyota next time if the fuel economy does not get better.I will bring in for a little pull to the right.I did read the reviews and it looks like I got the 2 negatives that was said about the Honda pilot.

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  bad brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By f - February 7 - 12:17 pm

  have had hondas for 28 years yet my new 2009 am not happy. took car in for 15,000 service and was told rear brakes, front wheel drive car, are shot and need to be replaced. front brakes, which take brunt of braking, are fine. 16,000 miles for new pads and rotors???? never had this before. was told honda has had big problems with this last two years. reliable company cheapening car to prop up profits, never thought honda would do this