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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  They Keep on Running - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ngalvan122907@gmail.com - November 6 - 9:45 pm

  I had bought a 4 door 2002 Honda civic DX that was practically given to me and that car is a trooper it went through two accidents from previous owners and after a few repairs it runs as if nothing happened. The car is reliable and very compact thus it has great gas mileage. Just the other day I took it to the next city 30 miles to get there and 30 miles to come back and the gas needle did not even move for like two days then after that it continued to move down like it normally does. I did not have to fill up on gas for a couple of days. My only complaint is that it takes a few extra seconds for it to pickup speed and it makes this noise but apparently it is normal. Another thing is the steering is not a smooth as other cars and it has nothing to do with the power steering. I had a 1994 Nissan Sentra and the steering on that was so smooth. Those are my only small complaints. I see these cars everywhere. My co worker has a beat up version of my car and my neighbor who parks next to me has his 2002 Honda civic dented everywhere with the lights popping out but none the less their cars keep running like a charm too. I really dont see this model dying out soon.

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  Thinking of a darn good mini SUV? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By alexm - November 6 - 2:06 am

  Since purchasing this suv in 3/02 it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Every car, especially first year redesigns such as the 02 CRV, has minor glitches. The check engine light periodically came on when the car was new because of a software bug-dealer updated software and solved the problem! The other problems are to minor to list. Tires, on the other hand, are something this truck loves to eat! After 30,000 miles give or take expect to purchase a new set. Those issues aside I would highly recommend this vehicle and expect to drive it problem free for many more miles!

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  IM SOLD ON HONDA - 1995 Honda Accord
  By EZ4SHORE - November 4 - 10:05 pm

  Bought LX w/37,000 miles in 4/2005. The prior owners were about 70 years old and traded the 95 in for a 2005. I have 97 Explorer Sport w/SOHC too. My girlfriend has a 89 Accord and it wont die. My LX has a V6... it feels like Im sitting on a magic carpet, smooth ride, lots of power, hard to keep under 60. Expect Ill get my 1st ticket ever for speeding soon ! Only problem was with the SRS system, dealer said on the 95 the SRS system usually needs service and is short lived. Its costly, like $700, but dealer split 50/50 with me under 6 month warranty. But all in all this car is exceptionally designed, and a joy to drive...my Explorer sits alot more these days !

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  2002 Honda Civic Lx 4dr/5spd - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pleased - November 4 - 6:08 pm

  This is our second Civic in 15 years, so far we our generally pleased with this car. Combined Hwy/city mileage is 36mpg, long trips it gets 42-45mpg. The car rides nice, handles nimbly,and has been very reliable. Im 62" and I have plenty of room and comfort.The car is a very low maintenance vehicle and well probably keep it as long as our 92 Civic (245K and still going).

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  Love the CR-V, hate the gas mileage - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Charron - November 3 - 11:49 pm

  I love my CR-V. Its fun to drive, accelerates well, and is GREAT for hauling. Those seats flip so quick, and it allows for MEGA cargo space. I have two problems, one the gas mileage is not so great and two, the trunk light indicator has been a problem since I bought the car. It constatly comes on, even when Ive slammed the trunk to the point where my teeth rattle. Ive taken it to the dealer twice now. Not sure if this is just my car, or a problem with the model year. Hopefully this is now resolved. Otherwise, I love my CR-V. Its nice being off the ground. Oh yeah, great sound system too.

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  Great car at low price - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BigRed - November 2 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car to replace my truck due to gas prices. I did not even test drive it, just got into after I signed the paperwork and I dont regret it. I just drove about 10 hours in the car, only had to fill up once from MS to SC about 37 MPG. The only things I found wrong is if you smoke like I do when it is raining the water will come in the front window and there is no ash tray in the car. Also there is not any cup holders in the rear.

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  a very balanced SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By path - November 2 - 4:16 am

  Suspension is tighter than TrailBlazer and Ford 150 and also less body roll, which make it quite accord like and easier to drive than my old acord. 3rd row seats are not bad at all for asians. But, there is not much space left when all up. Low-end performance could be improved, but highway passing is a breeze. The auto5 trans responds quickly for normal driving. It shifts between 5k-6k rpm if you floor it. Its not as quiet as camery and there is a lot of wind noise at 80+ mph. But, that is the same with TrailBlazer. F150 is quieter though. My pilot had a "winnnnn..." sound at 60-70mph at the neginning, which went away after breaking-in at 1K miles.

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  18,000 mile report - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tardis001 - November 1 - 10:43 pm

  After 18,000 miles on my Fit purchased in May 2006, Im happy to say the car drives as well, looks as good, and feels as good as it did when brand new. No problems at all - no squeaks, rattles, troubles of any sort. Its very solid on the highway, even at 80 mph and heavy traffic. Gas mileage overall, 70% suburban commute and 30% Interstate, is right at 31 mpg. Thats about 28-29 in town and 37 highway - I have a rather heavy foot. Lots of room inside - my coworkers always want to go to lunch in my car because it seats 4 large adults quite comfortably. The fit and finish is terrific, dashboard is well laid out, and the stereo is really nice. Im very happy with the car.

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  Great Versatile Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By kitrock - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This Suv is perhaps the most thought out and versatile vehicle I have own. The engine is a little weak and excelleration is moderate. Fuel economy is average for Honda, but excellent when compared to other SUVs. The drive takes a while to get used to because of the long space between the driver and A-Pillar, but it drives very nice and responsive. The turning radius of the element is excellent, turns on a dime. Alot more interior room than anything in its class, especially for rear passengers. I do hear alot of road noise, mostly from the wind, because of the square non- aerodynamic shape.

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  Silver Paperweight - 2002 Honda Civic
  By PDBob - November 1 - 2:00 am

  ItÂ’s a good car, but more like Ford than Honda. Picked it over Elantra for reliability and crash test data, Elantra more comfy & powerful, better stereo, & $3-4K less. Handling sucks (drive a new Corolla). Window regulators shouldnÂ’t break from normal use. Paint chipped after 100 miles! Only gets 25MPG! Headlights dim when driving. Trunk dumps water inside when opened (from lights on trunk). Gas & brake petals too close, knee hits steering wheel. Right foot needs more room (have big feet, bigger shoes). Headrest makes better door than window, blocks rear view. Sun visor clip too tight. Driver door creaks. Ridiculous oil change procedure.