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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  Honda Reliable - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Drive-On-A-Budget - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Buy a Honda new if you can. Maintain it...so far I have 174,000 trouble free miles with scheduled maintenance suggested by Honda. Car is a bit noisy inside, comfort level is adequate. Get about 32 mpg on highway.

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  Naysayers are right - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JR - July 19 - 2:13 am

  I am here to agree with the naysayers. There are build and quality control issues with the 7th generation Honda Accord. I own a 2004 EX with 1700 miles on it. Ever had a mosquito buzz in your ear? No? Drive my car awhile and youll get the idea. Creaks and rattles from the driver window, front windsheild, and center vents. Sound annoying? It is, making an otherwise solid car feel cheap. Yes, the ergonomics are great. Yes, the 4cyl is smooth. Yes, it handles capably. But whats the point when you cant enjoy the ride? When upon leaving the car you twitch with frustration?

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  SUZ NEW TOY - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SUZ - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a short lady, the sun visor does not come down far enough to keep the sun out of my eyes, have to stretch up. too much windshield and not enough sun shield. Dash could have been a little smaller and buttons (clock) could have been viewable for the smaller persons who will buy. Would have loved some contrast color on the body side molding. Would have loved a dark blue one.

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  2003 Civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ChadSWA737 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Finally Honda improves fit, finish, and build quality closer to new VW Jetta and Passat. The 96-2001 Civics felt cheap, and had poor build quality. Ever had to replace a 5spd transmition in a 97 Honda Civic? I did. Only gripes I have after 3000 new miles on the 2003 is that the power steering to heavy/muted. Honda listen up..... No car of this price or quality should be without ABS. In short much better than the previous model, however Honda still needs to sit the Civic and the Accord for that matter next to a VW Jetta or Passat and compare every detail. Recomended if money is an issue.

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  Fuel Capacity - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lori Slavich - July 19 - 1:40 am

  While driving this vehicle is really fun, and the space inside cant be beat, I am getting only 21 miles to the gallon and despite what the tank capacity is supposed to be, the gas guage reads EMPTY at 260 miles.

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  Reliable, Well Engineered, but boring - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Fred - July 16 - 1:45 pm

  I bought the Honda for the ability to car pool kids, take road trips, great value and to know that I have a very reliable vehicle that wont cost me much to maintain. I have not been disappointed. I knew that I was buying a boring SUV in terms of style and performance. Of course, I have typically owned BMWs but the X5 only seats 5. Plus, I would have had to buy a three year old X5 for the price of a new Pilot. A no brainer. I drive my 10 year old BMW 318 ic to work and for fun! The Pilot comes out on the weekends and the evenings when car pools are in order. I highly recommend the Pilot, but dont expect to take those corners at 80. PS:gas mileage has been disappointing 15-16 mixed

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  Rock Solid Reliability - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Mark Springer - July 16 - 10:50 am

  In 2.5 years this car has been flawless in terms of reliability.

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  Long Term Tested - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SJP - July 16 - 2:50 am

  I am an avid car lover. Been researching cars for over 30-yrs. I did my homework before buying this car. Looked at everything: Camry, Altima, TSX, etc. This was the best value for the money, and thought that Hondas known reliability and resale would be a benefit. Went with the top- of-the line L, paid just under 30K. After over 30K miles not so pleased with my purchase. Brakes are the worst of any car I have owned, undersized and prone to excessive wear. Had to bring back to dealer for new Routers at 10K. Check engine light has come on twice already, each time resulting in a major repair. Fuel economy in the V- 6 is nowhere near the estimate on the sticker. Getting only 22 mpg. on average.

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  Adequate - 1999 Honda Accord
  By ssright - July 13 - 10:30 pm

  I love Honda. This car is my third Honda. This car is pretty sharp looking, but it fails in performance and reliability. I have the 4-cyl and it is pretty slow in 1st and 2nd gears, a little better after 2nd, but not much. Auto Transmission WILL go out before 125,000 miles, no question. Car currently has 120k on it right now and ive rebuilt the transmission and when that didnt work, put in a new one. Even the new Transmission shifts a little hard. Lastly, this may be an isolated incident, but my non-power seats have broken 3 times and wont lock into place, so the pass. just slides forward and backward while i drive. Over all nice car, Not as reliable as id hoped.

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  something new - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mike fers - July 13 - 2:00 am

  nice car, roomy, fast, I just bought it few days ago, already have 600m, I use to dive a Camry, I like the fact that Honda is not a rental car deal. It is always you get what you pay for, this car is not expensive.