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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  Aging Honda not all that bad . . . - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Lee - May 26 - 1:34 am

  My wife and I purchased our Honda Civic LX new in February 1998. Aside from normal maintenance we also experienced the cracked exhaust manifold problem. It now has alomst 100,000 miles and that his, honestly, the only problem weve had. Interior layout leaves something to be desired and the cramped cup holders are weak compared to other more user friendly designs. Overall the car feels cheaply made. The four banger really struggles when climbing hills and the automatic transmission is kinda jumpy.

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  Modest and Reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kaizen - May 24 - 5:37 pm

  I am the owner of a beloved 97 Accord SE- sedan. The car presently has 200,561 miles and had only had its timing belt replaced once. The car is still in top running condition and frequently makes road trips out-of-town with ease. The complaints about the vehicle are slim to few in between, however, in 97 Honda needed much improvement in their electronic department- power windows were slow or the window motors burnt out. Overall, a wonderful car. Going this evening to pick up my 05 ex-v6 sedan with leather, nav and xm radio. I am looking forward to the increased power, from 130 hp to 240.. Thank you Honda...

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  great new car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Flyboy - May 24 - 3:06 pm

  We traded our surburban for a black/grey leather pilot w/ nav. The fit and finish of the car is excellent. The seats are very comfortable. The controls are well placed but I would have liked to see the turn signal lever 1 or 2 inches lower. The nav system is excellent. Better then in my plane. The voice activation works well and with a little practice the key phrases will become intuitive. The stereo is excellent, and far superior to the surburban. The ride is very comfortable and there is not much wind noise from the sunroof. We ordered the crossbars and running boards which are black and go well with the exterior. The dealer was A+ and delivered the car in impeccable condition.

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  2007 Civic Si Sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sbgobig - May 23 - 12:23 am

  I am very happy with my Si Sedan. I used to drive a 2004 MINI Cooper S and then traded that for a 2005 Accord. I loved the MINI style and performance at entry level price but did not like driving 85 miles for free scheduled service to the closest MINI dealer. I wont buy anther MINI until I can take it to the BMW dealership in town. So needless to say the 4cyl Accord I bought did not make me a happy camper behind the wheel and I began to covet the Si Sedan. The Si is plenty fast for my situation, sure it could use more torque and horsepower but $22k is a bargain. I love the quality and dependability of Honda but they need to offer more HP in the Civic to keep me in them.

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  love the car .but........... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bill - May 22 - 6:06 am

  ive had this car for just about a year. overall," I love it." its quick it has beautiful interior its roomy and fun to drive! But the seat is too hard!!! I thought it would soften with time but it really hasnt.Also,the radio could be a little LOUDER!!!! And for the money i paid for it it should have heated mirrors and a better rear view mirror!!!

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  Disappointing reliability - 2000 Honda Accord
  By denc13 - May 21 - 5:28 pm

  I bouth my 00 Accord EX V6 more than 5 years ago new, and the reliability of the car was very disapointing. Right after the warranty expired, things started breaking down. The major repairs include alternator replacement, power steering pump replacement, EGR valve replacement, now a belt tensioner replacement. All within 30 thousand miles after the warranty ended and do not include a slew of minor repairs in the moonroof, door locks, etc. Very disappointed in Honda, especially considering the "legendary reliability" premise I bought the car on and has been much worse than any of the cars I owned or are currently in my household. This was the first and will the last Honda I ever own.

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  Zippy Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By T Moe - May 20 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had trouble getting comfortable in this car. The seat is low and hard; there is no arm rest; I need to reach too far for the small steering wheel; and the pedals seem too close together. Everything is fine on a short trip, but I commute 45 minutes one-way and Im shifting around in my seat too much after 30 minutes. I thought this would be a great commuter car, but I wish I would have gone with the Accord.

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  Honda odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Randy Frank - May 20 - 10:36 pm

  Like the van a lot performance is good ride on trips is comfortable. Plenty of room.First minivan and would buy again.

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  On the fence - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By dett6799 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research before purchasing my CR-V. Traded in a Honda Accord V-6. I was really afraid the engine would be a big difference. I was wrong. Little to no difference. Gas mileage did take a dive though. Got better mileage with the V-6 for some reason. My biggest complaints are the loud road noise (due to the bridgestones) and Im unable to clearly see out the back window due to 3 headrests. I keep the back seats down most of the time since I have few backseat passengers except the dog.

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By guscape - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Honda owner since my purchase of an Acura in 89, I think this is there finest product.I am a handyman and I carry lots of tools in my Pilot I still have space for passengers.