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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  So-So - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Race - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Very dissatisified with the fuel mileage. 12 city and 16 highway. Our 94 Aerostar with all wheel drive did much better and would run circles around our Odyssey. Has developed a real bad clunking sound from the rear brakes/suspension. Typical dearlership babble, "they all do that". We have 22,000 miles on it now and it has developed several rattles, clunks and other loose sound from both the front and rear suspensions and other areas under the van. I have no doubt that the engine and drivetrain will last 250,000 miles or more, but I am wondering if the rest of the vehicle will last as long?

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  Da Box - 2003 Honda Element
  By trancedjgabriel - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just recently had my 2003 Orange Element stolen! But rest assured, I wont be shopping around for a replacement. Ill be heading back to the same dealership to buy a new one once my insurance company settles my claim (or they find my vehicle!). This truck is a blast to drive and has easily been the best auto I’ve ever owned. The only problems I experienced in the first 5000 miles (just had my first oil change when the crooks took it!) were some deep scratches caused by loading some heavy equipment in the back. I also hung an air freshener from the gear shifter that “rubbed” off some of the cool gray finish.

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  Good car but not a good start...... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By B.K. - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Pilot EX-L last Saturday. I like everything about this car and I drove off the lot with my family on Saturday night. While we are driving back home, I noticed that I could not roll down the front and back passenger side windows from the driver side control buttons. In addiion, door lock and unlock buttom from driver side would not work. And last but the least, interior lights would not go off. It has been only two days and I am taking my new Pilot back to the dealer for some minor repair. Its a good car but I would recommend you to check little things like buttons windows and door locks, etc.

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  HoNDa - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Gone2aCamry - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I loved everything about my 2003 Honda Civic, however, at 11,500 miles, my transmission gave out and I had to have a new one. MY drivers side seat also had to be replaced a couple of times. The seat tracks on this particular Honda had not been alined properly from the factory, and when I had it to the dealer for the 9th time they replaced the seat. However, it did not make a difference. I like everything from the ergonomics of my honda to the performance, but the problems with the trasmission and the seat were reason to rid myself of that lemon.

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  Honda Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By L costa - July 13 - 3:56 pm

  Vehicle drives like a $20k car. The road noise needs improvement. I drove a 97 Volvo 850 for the past 12 years and the Volvo was quieter than the Honda on the highway. I am not sure if different tires would do the trick or maybe a redesigned suspension. I also own a 08 GMC Sierra Crew Cab which has a smoother ride than the Accord; it may be because of the longer suspension but the truck has 20 inch wheel which means less tire to absorb bumps and it still rides better. I purchased the Honda because it gave the most bang for the buck for the size and comfort the vehicle offers. Overall the Honda is nice and stylish, all that needs to be worked on is the road noise and ride.

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  A Great Cheap Car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By I own a Honda - July 13 - 2:00 am

  The Civic is a great cheap car. Cheap to maintain but not cheap in quality. It will never fail you. Great for short trips/daily commute. Not great for long trips--too much road noise.

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  Very Reliable! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Honda Lover - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I had one less thing to worry about! I never had any problems with the car; just its average maintenance. It was very fun to modify - there are so many new things you can to do to personalize it. I am now a Civic enthusiast!

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  Like It .....BUT.... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By VanGo - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Have a 2002 EX that we paid MSRP (Dont dicker pay sticker!!) Never paid over sticker and would not with this car either. Van runs great. Only has 3,700 miles but the mileage is not what I expected (18mpg). Right front side passengers window howls in the wind over 70mph. Power doors generally work fine. The van does not ride as nice as the Grand Caravan but I am sure it will be around longer. I did not consider the Toyota only because it was to small inside. The 2002s new 240 horse motor is hands downs stronger and smoother than the competition. I am happy with it so far but the wind noise issue is annoying and will go to the dealer next week.

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  my 96 passport - 1996 Honda Passport
  By travneal - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Passport from a small dealer in colorado after seeing it on the internet. My buying experience wasnt that great, but I am very happy with the car. I have purchased it with 111,000 miles on it, and it is still going strong with a little help from a new air intake. The car is fun to drive and has great offroad ability. I have had very few problems with it, things that the dealer should have fixed before I bought it, wich were taken care of. I have driven it for over two years on the highway, and off road, and I have had no complaints at all about the ride and cabin noise from any passengers I have ever had. In all I would buy it all over again.

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  Could do better - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nvlav8r - July 11 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned several Accords, the most recent one being a 2005 EX V6. We never had any problems with that car. I wish I had never traded. This new car has many neat features, such as the NAV and the variable cylinder management, but the build quality has me regretting my purchase. There are many rattles and squeaks,(the front end even rattles when you shut the door). But, the most annoying problem is a wind noise above 55mph. I get mad thinking about it and avoid driving it for that reason. Should have bought a Cadillac CTS.