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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  Bought Another Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By melody - August 21 - 7:50 pm

  After owning a Honda Accord EX for 17 years I decided to stick with Honda and purchased a Civic EX for its size for commuting and city parking. Dont really pay attention to the mileage, just fill it up once a week. So far quite pleased. Perfect for a petite person like me. Large and heavy might not be comfortable. Could have a little more pep and drivers seat could be more comfortable. Gauges are well within reach. Nice size trunk. Dont like the headrest, wish it was adjustable.

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  98 Accord LX 4-Door 5-spd Manual - 1998 Honda Accord
  By ryoverde - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, the most reliable, plenty of pep, much more than expected, and the dealership is still a pleasure to work with even out-of-warranty. My biggest complaint ever was the sunglasses storage spring broke. Dealership replaced whole *console*, not just spring. Two repairs on master brake cylinder from Honda voluntary recalls, handled by dealership along with other routine maintenance without even having to ask. Planning to drive the car to "death", should be a long while then look into another. Wish I had bought one years ago; they are a tad expensive, but well worth it!

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  More than enough Power - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Pedro - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice mini SUV to have. We traded in a Windstar with a V6 for this 4 banger CRV and the CRV feels more powerful while being quieter doing it. Shortly after buying this vehicle we drove it from Ohio to Florida down through the mountains and and this SUV far out ran many other cars through the mountains using the cruise control. Of course this would never top my V6 Accord on level ground it does hold it own. Interior is comfortable, and ride is still smooth with easy turning and parking raduis. No trouble parking this small-ute. Four wheel kicks in nice on slick roads with out jolting into gear. Nice all around product.

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  What I Bargained For - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By VegasGuy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Exactly what I wanted. No issues at all.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gordo - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and have no regrets buying it. Rides great, runs strong, and has tons of storage space. Seems like a bargain compared to most other SUVs. Rear entertainment system is great and I highly recommend getting it. Roof rack is functional compared to MDX which adds even more carrying capacity. Styling wont turn heads but neither do I.

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  Repair costs is up the roof! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Brenda - August 21 - 9:20 am

  The touring model has pax tires which cost around $750 per tire! I only had my van for a few months then I have a nail stuck to the tire...costs me $350 to fix it! Dealer said the nail damage the tire and they cant patch it and that I need a new tire! Since the tire was only a few months old, they pro- rate the cost from $750 and only cost me $350 instead of $750. I now have my van 4 years with 82,000 miles and all 3 of the motor mounts cracked! Cost me $1500 to fix it... it does not seem right for a vehicle with such a good reputation to break so early in the vehicle life. Called Honda Corp and they said nothing they can do about it. Its a normal wear and tears on all Honda vehicles.

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  Typical Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mel - August 21 - 3:06 am

  I love this car! Reliable, good feel for the road. My only issue is that it doesnt have more low-end torque (but it kinda works for this light- weight vehicle). Ive absolutely "blown away" vehicles with more horsepower ratings like the altima and maxima, and gave mustang GTs a run for their money as well! When the engine is "broken in" it has a nice "growl" to it when you push it. Give it 20-30 more horses and it would be the perfect car for this segment!

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  Go with the best: Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By harvey - August 20 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this car in high school, my senior year and sold my truck because I was going to college. It had 120,000 on it when I bought it. Now, 5 years later it has 356,000 miles! Although the A/C has broke and it burns a little oil, those have been my only big problems. I still own this car and drive it daily 60 miles to and from work. It has served me well.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MikeL - August 20 - 4:28 pm

  A real fun to drive car. Very surefooted and corners flat, no body roll. The seats are comfortable and the controls are conveniently placed.

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  Well rounded car!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jeff W. - August 20 - 1:47 pm

  I bought this car while in high school in 2007 have averaged 20K a year of mostly city driving and I have had no problems! The fuel economy is second-to-none for the model year... though hybrids may give this Civic a run for its money, for the price, this Civic cannot be matched. Power is decidedly anemic I didnt buy this car to be a racer, but if you value acceleration at all, stay far, far away. Overall, very reliable, well designed, dependable car. While the power is not overwhelming, for the price, one cannot ask for more. My next purchase will be a Pilot though the 5 speed in the Civic is fun and silky smooth, but considering the space, size, and power, Ive outgrown this car.