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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  Engine Problems - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Scottlee10 - May 2 - 4:30 pm

  I have enjoyed driving my car. I have done the tune ups and regular oil changes. I had to replace the radiator after 120000 miles. Thats not too bad. Recently while I was driving my engine would just stop. I would waite a minutue or two, my check engine light would go off, the car would start again. This happened randomly. Finally it died and didnt start. It turns out to be the Ignition control module. Thats the only issue I have had. I recommend buying another.

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  Good Minivan...but need more improvement - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By pdoalamo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2003 Ody EX-L. It was great to drive it with more horse power and big interior room. Reverse sensor is useless and dealer included into the MSRP. The sound is really annoying my children when dring backward. I have been driving a car for 10 years without reversed sensor and it is OK to me.

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  Good pick up, great gas milage - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Diemos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  the interior it seems to be made of very nice quality and I expect it to last. I purchased the EX because of the sunroof, better engine and 15 inch wheels. The stereo isent all its cracked up to be. They say its premium although, its stock... I suppose I shouldnt expect wonders, but at 3/4s volume it shouldnt crackle on BASS. Sunroof works perfect, its fast to. 15 inch wheels, are not even real rims, they are just hub caps.. a bit dissapointing until I saw my monthly payments. My stereo is broken, I may one in a million to recieve this problems as the dealership had never heard of it. The clock resets everytime I turn off the car

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  Good for the money - 2000 Honda Accord
  By meleto - April 28 - 7:15 pm

  2000 EX 4 cycl w/ leather purchased new for $20k. 88k miles & running strong. To date, only had to replace oil/air filter (normal sched), light bulb in clock (at 20k), brake pads & tires (at 60k), battery (at 84k), and transmission (at 84k, covered by warranty - known issue for this model). Also had dealer clean out sticking throttle body (at 84k). Just replaced windshield wiper blade inserts (at 86k). Thats everything to date. The drivers side window squeals sometimes (probably due to tint install) and the cupholder lid doesnt close properly (appears to be a broken hinge) can live with all that. Overall a very good car for the price very reliable good exterior/interior design/quality.

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  The Awesomeness - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jen - April 28 - 5:00 pm

  My car is amazing there is so much you can do with hondas thats part of what makes them fun I have never had a problem and it has 85000 miles on it

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  Unsatisfied Consumer - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Suken - April 28 - 10:00 am

  The handling characteristics of the car are excellent. The exterior finish is the worst we have ever experienced, as it is subject to many, many paint chips. We have a 1990 Honda Accord as well, and that car after 14 years has a much better paint finish and less paint chips. Also, the 1990 Honda seems to be built better as everything fits perfectly. That is not the case for the 2004 Honda.

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  01 Civic Coupe - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jesse - April 27 - 3:13 am

  I drive a lot. This car is great for a person who does so. The few problems I have run into are... seeing the "blind" spot - the pillar is in the way for a head check uphill power with the automatic tranny - have to put it into passing gear space inside - always bumping elbows boring - its a car that is really nothing special not enough places to stash your stuff like sunglasses etc. The upside... its inexpensive to own. 30+ mpg, low cost to buy. It was just as expensive to insure as my 2001 4x4 Tacoma which I thought was odd. Overall, I wish I had bought something with more personality even if it had cost a few bucks more.

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  One Major Problem, Otherwise Great - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Bill - April 26 - 12:01 pm

  This has been a great car. I bought it new and drive less than 10,000 miles per year. I have had a major problem with the exhaust system. I have had to have the exhaust pipe replaced twice and the muffler replaced once. I just had the pipe replaced 4000 miles ago and its beginning to rattle again. The mechanic says that short trips tend to do this to an exhaust (condensation does not have a chance to evaporate and rots the pipes) but I dont know. One minor problem is that the window fell off track and had to be replaced. Overall the car is great, and I have had no engine problems at all.

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  Honda - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By R Scott - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle...good mileage...excellent condition. No dents..runs perfectly Seats 7 people

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  Pretty Darn Good Overall - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda 1st timer - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Owner for 6 mos, 9,000 miles. Love the smooth power, quickness, stable handling and relative (to our Windstar) quietness. Fold-down seat is very handy. Drivers seat uncomfortable. Sound system is substandard. Sliding door is always a problem - sticks so I have to get out and yank so kids can get in. In fact, would not open when we picked up at the dealer. Also grime on the interior and ripped fabric at delivery - none of which was rectified by dealer. However, if I get the mechanical reliability experience and longevity that I hear so much about, I will be very happy regardless.