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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  JUST MY LUCK !!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HateHonda02 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  OUR CAR IS A LEMON FROM DAY ONE. THE A/C MISSING DUCT WORK AND CAUSED WATER TO DRAIN INSIDE THE CD CHANGER THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND NOW A BAD MOLDLIKE SMELL THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. THE CAR FAILS TO START ON OCCASION. THE FUEL PUMP COMES ON ABOUT EVERY FIVE MINUTES WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BUT THE DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL. THIS WILL BE THE LAST HONDA I WILL EVER OWN. BUYER BEWARE!!! THIS CAR WAS MEANT FOR THE CRASH DUMMIES.

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  Reliability- HA! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By fort - June 27 - 8:36 am

  Has had constant issues with the emissions/ fuel systems. After only 20,000 had to replace catalytic converter - Honda offered NO help, and in fact tells me they just cant give me the normal trade in amount becuase the car doesnt run well!!!!

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  Beware of Civics at or near 90k-100k miles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Chan - June 24 - 11:30 am

  06-09 honda civics have a known manufactoring defect in the engine block. They mostly fail at the 90k mark a person driving 8k miles a year may not encounter this until the 12th year of ownership. The repair for this known defect is 2500-4500 depending on the dealer. Honda knows about the defect which is why the extended coverage to 10 years. But for owners who are just hitting this 90k-100k thresh hold we are out of luck and need to fork out almost half of a used car. I have loved and pampered my honda for the past 10 years. I dont think it is a question of if it will fail but when.

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  I have owned this for ONLY 2 months and, - 2002 Honda Passport
  By jerry - June 16 - 12:23 am

  Ive already had to buy a battery and change a 300.00 dollar transmission part its a car that wont last in the long run. it looks nice on the outside. Terrible on gas. hard to find parts ask around you will see!!!!!!

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  Honda Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By txc0325 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Not the car to get. It is nothing special and not worth the extra money espeicially when you compare it to the EX model. Does not get anywhere near the gas mileage on the sticker. The car has barely broken 32 mpg around town. If they had one of those "30 day test drive" deals, I would return it.

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  FM RADIO fades in and out constantly! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By B DUNN - May 22 - 9:25 am

  First off I was told Android auto would work with the 2016 Honda pilot which was not true and secondly the FM radio fades in and out constantly no matter what frequency that you have it on. Its no reception issue. Its not the speed value control. I have taking back to the dealer twice and they cant do anything until Honda Corporation figure it out?

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  Over-rated!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Hdrvr - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble! Multiple electric probs, engine noise (??valves). Delaer trying to be helpful, but this seems like the van from H@#!

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  surprised that i did not like this car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Edy OBrien - April 28 - 3:46 am

  previous Honda crv owner. 2 different styles. 2016 model felt cramped. the new technology in the model was distracting, not helpful. couldnt wait to get off the highway and end this test drive. Bought a Dodge Journey crossroads 2016. Love it!

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  IS THIS A HONDA OR A YUGO? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaboy331 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  7000 miles later, there are rattles from all different locations in the interior of the vehicle that no dealership can see to find let alone fix. The real gas milage is more like 15 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway not 18/25 like it said when I had purchase it. The ride was bumpy new and even bumpier now after a whole 7000 miles, the wind noise drives e crazy. I was talked out of buying the MPV and paid $4500 more when my friend bought a MPV for less money and it ten times happier with his purchase. This cars rattles, guzzles gas, is noise, and bumpy, not to meantion the power doors choose to work when it pleases and the transmission jerks at times when engaged???????????

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  Honda builds LEMONS too! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By mr. vitality - April 25 - 10:00 am

  car broke down 1 week after purchasing it Brand New. steering wheel fluid leaked luckily I got in time or my steering could have jammed, every peice changed with steering 3 seperate occasions . rust on car after 3 months, front shock had to be changed leak, driver door rattled tried to fic different noise now , problems with heater, and not too mention 4 seperate recalls . Suspension is garbage conpared to earlier models