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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  Rattle Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By John Ferrier - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It is a good car if you dont care about the rattles.

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  Is this car really a Honda? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jesse - May 20 - 2:57 am

  Note to all looking for this car... it falls apart at 80k. Period. Ive had to replace the tranny ($2800), another timing belt/water pump/tensioner ($850), shocks ($880), resently. My opinion is that shocks and a tranny should last more than 80k especially on a honda. I almost have more money into this car than I could trade it in for in only the last month. I cant believe Honda would put thier name on this heap...and I maintained mine good too.

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  A great car but could be quieter inside - 2001 Honda Accord
  By itsjen_again - May 19 - 11:36 pm

  Bought as "certified" used vehicle w/ 5000 miles in 2003. Most impressed w/ reliability-now at 35000 miles and not a single problem or repair. Reliable family (of 4) vehicle with good gas mileage (26 mpg around town--4 cyl). Not too zippy, but handles well. Expected it to be a quieter ride more wind/road noise than I like. Seats uncomfortable on long drives (>1 hr). Interior design no frills but well laid-out. Lots of trunk space and flexible cargo arrangement w/ the fold- down rear seat and rear seat port-hole (have used this feature many times). We need to move up to larger vehicle now (baby on way) so its good resale value is a plus. Overall satisfied with this car.

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  Dont expect it to be a "Drivers" car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mclean1200 - May 19 - 10:23 pm

  After owning a Mazda RX-8 6spd,(my wife had problems driving a manual after breaking her foot last fall) the Civic was a major step down. Its a nice looking car, but its weak and handles terribly (very choppy ride at highway speed) compared to what I was used to driving. The speedometer placement is very unnatural and distracting especially at night. If all you need is a reliable high mileage commuter, this may work for you, but if I had another chance, Id more likely buy a Corolla.

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  great car bad transmission - 1998 Honda Accord
  By john brown - May 19 - 11:42 am

  got this car since 2001 with 31000 miles at 104000 miles the tranny went

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  Good small car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By cl8855 - May 17 - 3:58 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 for my wife to be. Excellent gas mileage, good looks, nice handling. Overall, I wish I had bought the EX version. The fit and finish on this was not as good as my Accord. A little slow on the get-go unless you rev the engine super high. No trunk opener on the keyless entry.

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  Pilot - A Cut Above - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By PGadget - May 16 - 5:43 am

  Relative to other vehicles we test drove, we simply found the Pilot a cut above anything else out there for the money we had budgeted. This vehicle replaces a 2002 CRV, so its obvious an upgrade. Feature-wise, were quiet happy with it. We looked seriously at Saturn Outlook, 2006 Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Outlook, from a drivers view, just didnt feel right. Highlander felt pretty decent, but didnt care for fit for passengers in 3rd row. 2006 Pilot felt great from a driving standpoint, but felt like it had less leg room in 2nd row than our CRV. After two test drives on the 09 Pilot and there was little doubt. This was a smart pick.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Cucamarimba - May 14 - 11:20 pm

  First Honda and it is no disappointment. Rides and handles very well, goes where you aim it with a very, very smooth transmission. Not what I would call exciting to drive, but very nice to drive. Interior and exterior design is attention getting. More than enough power to do what you need and lots of luxury features. Quality seems to be top notch in general. It is not broken in yet (only had it a week) and it is getting over 27 mpg combined. For me it was the best combination of price, fuel economy, power, handling and styling. Other cars in the class are kind of boring.

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  Honda - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Bob - May 14 - 8:33 pm

  This car has given us many great miles, but the transmission is wearing out. At 13 years old, this car could use new struts, tie-rod ends, and shocks.

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  Stuck Accelerator - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By glenn debell - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have the all weather floor mats. After going to a commercial carwash and not realizing that they did not secure the mat to the pins the the floor. Upon entry to the vechicle I evidently moved the mat forward. Applying full throttle caused the pedal to stick open. The pins are not designed to accomodate the all weather mats. I would like to see a recall om this item.Wind noise from bug sheild is absurd!