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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  prelude power - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By CRIS - December 4 - 6:58 pm

  I bought my prelude brand new in 2001, the last model made SE.. this car is amazing, affordable, fast and great handling. Its not very roomy but whatever, its a great ride and stops on a dime. Im over 200,000 km and it still drives like new. I have always babied it and never had a problem. My biggest expense was timing belt and water pump for a 1000 bucks, my crank pully was damaged. I did wait way to long to change my timing belt, I changed it at 195,000 so lucky it didnt brake, it had cracks all over it. A little tip, if you own a prelude and have a problem, only take it to honda, its to hard of a car to work on and anyone else will screw it up.

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  great for me - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Pete - December 4 - 6:16 pm

  So far so great. This truck is everything I hoped it would be. I got it after having driven a Jaguar for a number of years. I wanted something comfortable, practical, fun, good looking and capable of handling my move to the mountains. I needed a truck that I could enjoy as both a vehicle for regular use and that could handle weekend warrior stuff. I ride a motorcycle so I wanted something that could tow my bike when needed.The Ridgeline had it all. I have had the truck for just a week so there is a lot to learn. I love it so far

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  What problems? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Christina H. - December 4 - 3:26 pm

  Since the time I purchased my van Ive NEVER had a single problem! When the recall for the transmissions second gear came up I took it in for repair immediately and its run perfectly ever since. No lights came on unexpectedly, doors worked fine every time Ive always kept up with oil changes and yearly tune-ups only invested in new brakes at 95,000 mi. (which was to be expected because I have a tendency to brake hard.)

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  IT GOT MY ATTENTION - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Emspirit - December 4 - 12:08 pm

  If you havent been inside the new Pilot, then I suggest you give it a try. This thing is in a different ballpark than the pre 2009 designed Pilot. Heres the thing with the Pilot. We looked at a ton of crossovers, we have 3 smallish kids and when youre looking for room, utility, comfort, a truck feel with a car-like drive, this is it. Take the Mazda CX-9 for example. We climbed all over it but, in the end it was a car pretending to be a utility vehicle. Same with the Ford Flex. The Pilot feels like a truck but drives like a car. When we sat in the Pilot it felt huge. We traded in our Honda Odyssey and feel at home in the Pilot. Im thrilled with it so far.

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  Manual Clutch Needs Overhaul - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kent - December 4 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this car brand new off of the lot back in Aug 2006. I really like this car, is comfortable and fun to drive. The stereo system gets some lame reviews but I find it to be pretty good compared to other cars. That being said watch out for the clutch and shifter. The shifter knob looks destroyed after only 3 yrs and the clutch is weak at best (See below) This is my third manual transmission car and have never experienced this kind of problem.

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  CR-V EX 4WD - Japan built model - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GKUCHER - December 4 - 10:13 am

  I have not test driven too many cars, but this one was perfect. It has all the features we wanted, except for the ones I listed below. Seriously - we got this car knowing that I would miss automatic on/off headlights, knowing that it would be a little nosier than my previous car. There is just no one else who can deliver better designed and more attractive small SUV! (Ill also miss a bigger storage area between front seats, but I guess its available on the EX-L model).

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  Bang for the BUCK!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Febrezee - December 4 - 10:00 am

  The Honda S2000 out hanldes everything in its price class and Is and absolute dream to drive top down!!! -JB-

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  Never any problems in 3 years with my V6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Problem free owner - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Accord 4dr EXV6 for three years now. I bought it brand new with 6 miles on the odo. First ever new purchase and I picked a winner for sure. I just cant get anything comparable to the top end Accord for under thirty grand. It is just a tremendous bargain and I have never had any problems ever. Recommended maintenance is all I have ever done with this car. Why would I even consider anything more expensive...except for name prestige, and how self-centered is that!!!!

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  SI LOVERS - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SDC R21 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR, THE HANDLING THE SHIFTER, JSUT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE HAS COMMENTED ON IT... ITS A NEW FEEL AND NEW LOOK. THE SEATS HOLD ME IN PLACE WHEN IM FLYING THROUGH THE TURNS. ONLY THING I DONT LIKE IS THE TIRES, THEY CHIRP IN 2ND AND THE WHEELS NEED TO BE A BIT BIGGER. I DID HAVE ONE PROBLEM THE MOONROOF LEAKED.. HAD TO BRING IT BACK...BUT THEY DID THAT QUICK AND GOT IT BACK TO ME

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  I am so Happy!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tfulton2 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had any problems with my car. I love the way it drives, the only thing I miss is having more cubby holes to put my stuff. The sound system is great. It would be nice to have more than one intermittent speed on the wipers.