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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  I love my AMERICAN built Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By EEErock - September 7 - 12:47 am

  While there are a few features of the Civic that still need refining overall I think youll find that this is a great car for the money. I didnt buy the car to get rid of it I bought it because I knew it would be reliable and last a LONG TIME. Has it been reliable? At 67,000 miles performance is nothing less than flawless. My fuel economy is outstanding even with slight motor modification (40mpg hwy). Im amazed at the lack of maintainance this thing requires - it just keeps going. The improvement suggestions below are significant but overly picky when you consider the price of the car.

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  Started Up EVERY Time, No Trouble Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By PDesai - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I actually leased this vehicle, and a better symbol of reliability I have not seen. Started up every single time (summer or winter) and never ever had any problems. The car is not made for luxury by any means, but if you need a quick commute car, this is it! Also, Im 63" and I fit in no probs!

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  Nice car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By searnest - September 6 - 2:00 am

  A nice car that has lived up to Hondas reputation of reliability so far. Very comfortable front seats for long commutes. Sound system is a little weak.

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  RATTLES!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By The Chosen One - September 6 - 2:00 am

  SQUEAKS: The car has a bunch of rattles coming from the sunroof area. Honda mechanics have ignored this. They say its part of the new model intros. where you get such things. Well, the squeaks should not happen on a car this price!! I had a Toyota Corolla for 15 years and 200,000 miles running thru my years in college. NEVER (even today) have I heard a squeak or rattle! ACCELERATION: WEAK. NO torque.

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  I love my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By bobznuff - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I am proud to say that I am one of the first with this great vehicle. I have had it for about a month now and I still love it as much as when I first saw it. It is funny how many comments I get every day about the Element, people love it or hate it. I have had no problems yet except poor gas mileage, the mechanic said that it will improve.

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  Great car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sam - August 30 - 12:57 pm

  Love my car, have had it now for 6 years. Only improvement I would make would be to increase space in the back seat!

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  Best Value - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Julie Kurtz - August 30 - 11:49 am

  Everyone loves a Honda Pilot. We felt so lucky to find such a clean car with less than 75,000 miles. The car is extremely reliable. There isnt a lot of creature comforts with this trim style, but if you are looking for a car that you can drive for until 200,000 or more, than a Honda Pilot is something you should consider.

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  Mourning my little Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By I miss my little car - August 28 - 10:20 pm

  I recently totalled my little hatch. I blew a front tire going downhill on the freeway and hit a concrete retaining wall doing about 65 mph. My passenger and I walked away shaken, but unscathed. Im so sad! That car was my little buddy! It may not have been a fancy car, but it was reliable, fun, and above all, safe. Im buying another Civic with the money I get for my car...but I really just want the one I had. It was great!

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  Pilot 2004 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By T. Simmons - August 27 - 11:57 am

  Once dealer worked through early transmission issues, performance is fine. Im dissapointed that rear seats do not lay down flat! Overall it is a good auto with some minor design flaws.

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  A Mixed Bag - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sarah - August 25 - 6:23 pm

  I got my FIt in January, and have been driving it over 300 miles/week ever since. My favorite feature is the folding seats. The gas mileage keeps creeping up, and is currently averaging ~38 mpg (mostly highway driving, some of which is quite hilly). The car is slow to accelerate getting on freeways, but drives effortlessly once it is up to speed. Unfortunately, at 58", the seat/headrest forces me to slouch. I have yet to rig a pillow set-up that solves this problem, and I wish I didnt have to. Also, I am disappointed with the cars low clearance. Overall, Im happy with the car, and feel that its probably the best option if youre longing for a hatchback - theyre the best!