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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  5 Worry-Free Years later... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Twitch - October 3 - 1:54 pm

  First car after college and its been fantastic, just turned over 106K miles! Easily 30mpg highway, 25 city. If you are in the market, the 4- cylinder EX sedan is the safe bet...the transmission problem is primarily in the V6 models. I tinted the windows so mine doesnt look like everyone elses. My back seat passengers almost always fall asleep on road trips, thanks to the excellent ride and comfortable seats. This car has been very sturdy and predictable on snow and ice, and, thanks to the good handling, has got me out a tight spot a few times (i.e., 50 mph pileup during a blizzard, tapped the brakes, downshifted to 3rd and took the ditch, drove right out and kept going!). A great car!!

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  Great Car - Hi Quality and Reliability - 1994 Honda Accord
  By chris205 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall great reliability. Bought the car new (2nd Accord - kept the first 8 years and sold with 157k miles. I had a std transmisssion and never had to replace the clutch. Front Leather seats had to be replaced after five years. Replaced radiator fan (105k) and a/c fan (125k) but other than that just routine maintenance. Build Quality outstanding. The car had no rattles after nearly nine years. Replaced it with a 2003 Accord EX! Another Great Car!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By myjs - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Handles great! A joy to drive looking forward taking it out off road.

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  Sure Footed - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DaneC - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After buying a Pilot in December we were off to Christmas at the grandparents in the Ozarks of Missouri. It snowed a foot while we were there and this thing was awsome on the snow covered hilly roads. Some complain this thing needs more power. I think it has plenty and if you will look at the acceleration numbers you will find that it is far from slow.

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  CR-V is awsome - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By joshua2223 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Price is aswome and you get a SUV that is extremely roomy and versatile. The most important thing of all is that you get peace of mind knowing that you have honda reliability. This is my third CR- V. I put nearly 100,000 miles a year on my car because of business. My last CR-V had 223,000 miles with no problems at all other than tires and brakes.

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  What you expect from a Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By CSITP - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great car. The Fit and finish is up to par and the overall drive ability is great. The thing I dont like are, the engine should be stronger, it would be nice to have a vtec standard on all trim levels. The seating position is a little high and can make tall drivers (me) feel a little awkward. And some thing like keyless entry and ABS would be nice without having to get the top of the line.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jarrod 34 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  They did it right- great package, fun and easy to use the voice activated Navigation system is really cool, it has a "help" screen to help you learn the commands, lots of room in the cabin, love the duel heating

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  Standing the test of time - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DV8mAn - October 2 - 12:20 pm

  After 125,000 miles, Im still happy. Bulletproof car, great mileage and ride. Feel confident behind the wheel at hwy speeds. Dont want to part with this car until at least 250,000 miles. Only negative is the brakes are too small, so the rotors warp faster than normal. Other than normal maintenance, only issue so far is a dead battery (which could be considered normal).

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  A Lot of Value for Your money. - 2017 Honda Civic
  By JB - October 2 - 9:40 am

  I changed my 2011 Audi A4 for this car. It is absolutely awesome to drive it. The acceleration is very responsive, very little turbo Lag. Nothing compared to my previous A4, which had a huge turbo lag. This car drives 3 times better than my previous Audi, really. The interior is very nice, very good design. There are a few stock things that really suck on the Hatch Sport 2017. The headlights are very average. The sound could be A LOT better. The Bluetooth system is not great, but these are all things that can be upgraded/modified. The mods on this care are super reasonable, price wise. This car is super easy to modify, you can do it yourself, like I did. I do get a lot on complements on this car. Very happy for my purchase, I could not be happier. The stock 18"s are very cool, I love them. They do make the ride a bit hard, but it is also part of the suspension, which is very sporty.

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  my sons civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mary - October 1 - 4:39 pm

  I bought the 99 civic for my 17 year old son with 82,000 miles on it. It has been a solid car and he has not had any mechanical problems. He gets about 32 miles per gallon average. It is sporty, fun to drive, and it seems to be what all the young men are looking for. He plans on keeping it through his four years of college and I believe that it will last that long if not longer.