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:

• 

  best car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By smith999 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  best car ever

• 

  Built to drive - 1991 Honda Civic
  By billysim47 - October 8 - 1:38 am

  I bought a 1991 Honda Civic 2 door Hatchback with 141000 miles and now have 182000 miles. So far I replaced a rear brake clamp. It is time for a timing belt replacement. This car has consistently given 36-44 miles per gallon with 39 being the average when driven 55mph. It is very reliable and nice to drive. It has a 5 speed standard transmission.

• 

  Our first SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By KR - October 8 - 1:32 am

  Pilot 2006 is our first SUV. We bought it brand new and put 40K on it and it is as reliable and dependable as it was on day 1. I love the way they equipped it with very cheap maintenance. We get family over a lot and Pilot hauls up to seven adults with no compromise on performance. Leather quality and color, touch screen navigation, very comfortable seats, roomy and classy.

• 

  Buy a civic thinking it will b amazing... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Megh - October 7 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this car in May of 2008, 8 thousand miles later I needed new brakes in the front. Got literally yelled at for driving the car too hard. 8000 miles later, need new brakes again, go into new dealership, they tell me my calipers are defective. 2 months later there is a creaking from my front right, dealer says defective axle. My experience with this car is that it has a lot of defective parts, and Honda just doesnt seem to care anymore. I also drive an 88 prelude si, and the old clutch felt better then the brand new one on the civic.

• 

  What Honda Quality? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim - October 7 - 6:32 pm

  Purchased this vehicle new in 2003. It has been a good van until now. This week the transmission failed at $89,000 and Honda is quoting $5000 for repairs. Van has been very well taken care of. Called Honda America and they came down to $3675. Still too high---private garage on the outside quoted $1900 - $2600. Although the warranty is better w/ Honda, who can afford that bill in this economy! My Ford Explorer lasted longer than this Van...it made it to 125K with no major repairs!! This was my first and last Honda purchase!

• 

  Hondas never quit - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Honda - October 7 - 5:51 pm

  Our Honda Accord is the best car ever! We bought it with 148,000miles and it now has 182,000miles and still pulls strong. Interstate manners at 75+mph are great. It will take off from 75mph and easily hit 110mph with the 4-cylinder. I will not get rid of this car until it dies.

• 

  Most reliable car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Gorila Gorillon - October 7 - 4:10 pm

  Bought it new and still running. The sad part is a recent car accident may make me part with it. Otherwise, I planned to drive it until the odometer started at 0 again.

• 

  Love it - 2004 Honda Accord
  By California J - October 7 - 1:36 pm

  I bought my 2004 accord coupe in oct 2003, havent regretted it since. This car is fun to drive with the 3.0 under the hood. After 70000 miles the drivetrain still feels bulletproof, and I was 22 when I purchased it with a very heavy foot. A few tickets later I sometimes wish I went with the 4 door, the back seats dont really have enough space and theyre hard to get in and out of. Ive had a few small issues, the car was recalled for the dealer to install a trans cooler, the radio went out after three years, both were fixed at no cost to me. Also the weather stripping on the doors started to fall of (fixed easily with a real good glue).

• 

  Love My Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Leann - October 7 - 12:08 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Pilot new and never have had any service work done! I love my Pilot. Very nice ride.

• 

  Review - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By kathy - October 7 - 11:32 am

  The car is very dependable and has good power. However there are three points that are very bothersome. First, the paint is of pour quality and the exterior of my car is looking bad. I think I can scratch the paint job up with just my fingernail. Second, the car has a lot of road noise. Thirdly, the gas mileage was not as it stated on the sticker (23/29) when I bought it. I have never had better than 26 hwy and around the city i average 18 to 19 mpg.