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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  T. Cravens 2004 pilot review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By t. cravens - April 27 - 10:00 am

  fuel economy could be better lacking power for jumping out in traffic great finger tip controls for the driver excellent dashboard display dvd player w/screen is a must with kids comes with wireless headphones

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  Great fun vehicle - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mountaineer - April 26 - 3:40 am

  Just bought it for my wife to take to work. She loves it and I want to take it away from her! Handles like a sports car, features of a more expensive American vehicle. Cant wait to try it in snow!

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  Hondas QA needs improvment - 2007 Honda Accord
  By David J. Darnbrough - April 25 - 5:40 pm

  2006 & 7 sedan owners check your dash. I had to have the glove box replaced because it was not aligned properly and made a noise. The old one and the new one both have a dimple or sink mark in them. Youll also see one on the lower portion of the dashboard on the drivers side. Honda says that "sink marks are usually hidden by the graining but not on this dashboard. Regarding the question of replacing it with another dashboard, it will have the same type of sink mark so replacement is not recommended." So basically they got junk from their source and were stuck with it. Another unsightly area is the pass. side airbag, it looks like a sticker was there then removed and left a mark.

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  Willrunit totheground - 1994 Honda Civic
  By W&A - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Were the second owners and just passed 92,000 miles. The odd problems are beginning, but I just did a new england swing after getting 90k service and the car continues to run well at 80 or negotiating Bostons nightmarish traffic. I am going to look for something a little bigger but will keep this for my son until it dies - if all goes well hell get three or four years of good life.

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  First Honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bwarren - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Japanese vehicle. All others have been GM. So far we are pleased with our purchase decision. The versatility of the vehicle has been out standing. The list of positives is very long and mirrors most other post. The negative are a little petty. Takes a little while to get use to the shift lever position and with a full tank of gas, you can hear the fuel and air pocket bang around in the fuel tank. We are looking forward to the resale value in four years.

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  Reliable? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BH - April 23 - 7:30 am

  I bought this car because of Hondas reputation of building a reliable car. Unfortunately, with less than 30K miles on the car, the engine malfunction light came on. I took it to the dealership to find out that all of the valve seals in both heads needed to be replaced. According to the dealership, this is the second vehicle (within a 2 week time span) that they have seen with this problem. From the sounds of it, these are not isolated incidents either. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle.

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  what I expected - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ed - April 21 - 8:54 pm

  You can get a good deal.

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  Reliable Performance - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Maui - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Prelude for over 4 years now and have not had a single problem with it. Extremely dependable and reliable car. Handling is excellent for a car in this price range and acceleration is also quite good. Honda is the King of small-engine performance and the Prelude is no exception. True, you wont get the heart-stopping performance of a V8, but the Prelude can hold its own quite well and is cheaper at the gas pump too. All in all, just an excellent all- around package from Honda and a true pleasure to drive.

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  strut problem - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By labest - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I had to have both front struts replaced within 2 weeks of my purchase. The warranty took care of it and the dealership gave me a rental. I was a major inconvince, but I would still purchace another one. I hope I do not have any future problems.

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  the kreeper - 1991 Honda Civic
  By prgodfather - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for about a year. and all i did was drive that sucker to the ground. i strickly made it for street racing and the thing still runs.no problems at all.i love it