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:

• 

  Junk - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By dr john - November 9 - 10:56 pm

  I should have bought a Grand Caravan. I song and dance about reliability. Not true just a bunch of fiction from consumer reports and others. The most problematic vehicle I have owned except maybe my 68 GTO. Check engine light never stayed off, catalytic converter replaced 3x, EGR port, two transmissions after warranty was up. Sliding door repairs constantly, electrical problems and irritating road/wind noise. I am not sure what the deal is with the front brakes wearing out so often. Most of these problems were recall issues and the dealer failed to tell me. Called Honda and they refused to honor any help with repair bills. My wife and kids are stranded 5 hours away now. Tranny went out again.

• 

  Nice little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By steverk - November 9 - 8:20 pm

  We purchased our new 2008 Honda SUV after the old Grand Marquis bit the dust. Its a great vehicle! Although rougher than a sedan, the ride is decent and the gas mileage has been good (23 mpg in town). The navigation leaves a lot to be desired. It comes up with the worst routings! The voice recognition is more pain than gain. However, the built in back up camera is helpful. Interior is comfortable a good quality. This is the fully loaded model, so I expected a few more bells and whistles (lighted vanity mirrors, automatic headlights, automatic day/night mirrors) but most of what is has works well and is well thought out.

• 

  Love my Honda! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RMartinez717 - November 9 - 5:53 pm

  Well I had my 2003 Honda civic for about 4 or 5 months now and I have to say I am very glad I decided to go with a Honda for my first car. Not only is it dependable and of a high quality, its not overpriced and has great fuel economy so I could do what I love best and drive wherever I please without constant stops to the gas pump. I look forward to driving my car ever time its tons of fun and sporty! And Ive only had to do an oil change, new air filters and spark plugs since I got it cuz I dont know how the other owner took care of the car but so far seems he did ok.

• 

  Nice Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By nawipper - November 9 - 2:03 pm

  Traded in my old Jeep Cherokee with the CARS program. Fun to drive, great mileage (35 mpg on first two tanks in mixed driving). Sporty handling. I like both the interior design and the exterior. Drove a Corolla and Maxda 3 and liked this best overall.

• 

  2 months in - 2005 Honda Element
  By kayaker - November 9 - 1:16 pm

  My first Honda after having a Blazer. Chevy was big, heavy, sucked fuel, like a nice lazy boy chair to sit in. Im 63. It had a bit better leg room. As far as utility goes, Elements better. Fuel economy decent. Easy to clean (no carpet to get musty). Roomy - no complaints from passengers - friends are won over after a road trip. Also, I dont tow so the engine is fine for me. And tested the AWD - works great - will get me out of the roughest putin Id find myself near - steep, gravel windy path. Can easily accelerate onto freeway, do 85+ mph with 3 kayaks on top, but is not supposed to be a sports car.

• 

  Now thats an SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By markus81 - November 9 - 12:46 pm

  This is our first SUV. My wife test drove the Acura RDX but could not justify the $37k price tag. Then went to Honda dealer and the gave us a great trade in for her 2007 Civic. The car was loaded for $30k. The LED lights on the CRV look awesome. The front end is restyled nicely and not as bland. The back is almost the same except the chrome bar across. It rides like a pillow and corners great too. Gas mileage is amazing with the new fuel injected engine. New multifunction touchscreen radio is great. Also the additional display on top makes the car look high class. Leather seats are perforated and look of high quality. This is a very solid car, and I have owned VWs.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mishuff - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The 1998 Honda Accord is a wonderful vehicle. I love mine and have had no problems with it. I bought it brand new in 1997 as a 1998 year model. It is maintenece free! The gas milage is great, as wel as the reliability, and it is fun to drive.

• 

  My first Experience in a PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By karenazn - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Road trip 600mile.I got only 12- 14city/19mpg highway. VERY NOISY road/tire noise in 2nd/3Rd row where your childrens sits! Poor gove compartmnt design, your legs hits it when you stretch or try to put your legs agains the wall. Noise/squeeks behind the dash or radio. Wind noise is usual, but you will hear it loader than the highlander and sequoia. So if you looking for a quiet,nice,car for trip= this is NOT the car!!!! 2nd row seats is not even as roomy as a honda Accord. 3rd row seats are for children under age of 10. 4-YEARS of engineering a pilot and this is what they came up with?

• 

  Perfect Timing! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Silver 03 Pilot - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Really wanted the Pilot but just could not come to the realization that I was going to be forced to pay MSRP and atleast a 4.9% finance rate! And during the days of interest free financing going on with the American truck makers. I almost decided against the Pilot until I read one of these reviews and someone made the statement, "Id rather get a bad deal on a good vehicle than get a good deal on a bad vehicle". I thought that statement made alot of sense. So now Im a proud Pilot owner and I even was able to work a deal with the local dealer to get a great price on some running boards and have one of the dealer add ons at no cost.

• 

  Got to love the Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By michael williams - November 9 - 10:00 am

  You cant find one thing wrong with this van. I would have payed 40,000 for this van. I think that this is the best thing since sliced bread.