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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  Reliable Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Jirkman - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my "top of the line" Honda (Accord SE) for about half year. I purchased it with 125K and its been allright. I had to replace front suspention springs and struts, but other than that, its very reliable car. I also enjoy the gas mileage on the highways. Its significantly worse in town though! Id recomend the Accord to all of you who want relatively cheap but reliable car that will last :-)

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  Nice Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Reboot - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Hey, its a Honda. It works and works well. The only problem that I had was the radio frequently forgetting its anti- theft code. Honda then replaced the radio/CD player under warrantee.

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  Reliable light car with the space of an SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Matt A. - September 11 - 6:23 am

  My CRV is going strong at over 143,000 miles and is great for city/suburb driving and commute, moving lots of stuff or large items, and the occasional camping or road trip. Engine/transmission and electrical are very reliable but acceleration is starting to drag a little bit, and the door lock actuator is broken (as in other reviews). But I have done all regular maintenance and major services like brake replacements, and the car is fine. Its easy to park and fits lots of stuff with fold-down seats. The seats arent plush, but the interior is roomy and practical with good driving visibility if you remove the rear headrests. Roof rack has come in handy. Reasonably safe, although you wouldnt want to be in a side-crash as many vehicles are larger/heaver than this. Feels like a light car with the space of an SUV. Paint and finish have held up perfectly.

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  Fun with current gas prices!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Dennis - September 10 - 1:33 pm

  Honda built a fun reliable little car. I threw some 18" wheels and sport tires on there and it handles 100% better than stock. Be careful with the side skirt mouldings, they are held on with double sided tape ... cheap!!

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  bought 07 ahead of new body style - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Go Bears - September 10 - 12:06 pm

  I got 2k off of invoice to buy the Pilot in January. The EX-L MSRP is $33,840, the invoice was $30,530 and I paid $28,530. How can you go wrong? Great truck! The new Acura (visions of the new Pilot) doesnt really make me want to wait and buy at or near sticker. I think it is well equipped, very comfortable and as safe as any vehicle on the road. I was considering a Benz or BMW but everyone I talk to that has one says you have to sell before the warranty is up. As good as any vehicle for the money- it is a depreciating asset. I wish there were better colors. I have no idea what some others have said about a vibration at 55mph. They must need a tire balance. GREAT TRUCK BUY IT!

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  Good Buy - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Eil - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used with 15K miles on it. Its perfect for us. Couldnt understand why everyone gets an armrest except the front passenger, but I got it installed aftermarket.

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  Big Improvement - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By pitcher - September 8 - 12:06 am

  Owned 97 CRV for 5 years. New 2002 vehicle is an improvement in ride, comfort, quietness, power and room. Only complaint is a place to put my left foot comfortably. Also the tires are noisy so I replaced them with Michelin X Ones(good for 80000 miles). Now a huge difference in handling and quietness. Also replaced the cheap paper cone speakers , added a subwoofer in rear and amp under drivers seat and have improved the sound 100%.

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  2008 EX 4 Cyl - 2008 Honda Accord
  By staple15 - September 6 - 12:13 pm

  This is the first Accord Ive owned since 1993, and we just sold it. We kept it for slightly under 2 years. The motor was strong for a 4 and with such a large car we averaged over 25 MPG combined driving. Our best tank was 31. The road noise was greater than expected. We had the driverÂ’s seat in for repair twice, one for a frame replacement to fix the "power ratchet" issue. Our last item was the brakes. We only got 28,000 miles from our pads and with the replacement they still were not "great". Not a bad car, but not in league with my 1993 or my Toyota.

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  97 civic lx - 1997 Honda Civic
  By marcelo - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This car just hit 100000 and has never been in a shop unless for oil change and maintenance.

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  Designers Missed Some No-Brainers - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By j4 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Good van overall. We bought it new and have put about 40,00 miles on it. The doors stuck for the first summer we had the van. The transmission shift control is directly in front of the stereo on/off/volume control. The stereo sux! I cant believe for a vehicle in this price range that you have to unscrew the antenna to go through a car wash. Also, no way to secure rear wiper in a car wash. Middle floor mat frayed within the first year.