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:

• 

  Impeccable quality - 1990 Honda Accord
  By J M - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have loved my Accord. I purchased the car used in 1993 because of its reputation for reliabilty. (Anything would be a step up from a Chevy Lumina). The Honda did not disappoint. The car now has more than 261,000 miles, with the original engine, transmission, clutch. The car just keeps going and going. Regular, obsessive maintenance is important. The car may be bland, but my wallet is happy. All are surprised that the car looks and acts younger than it is. Sadly, I have decided to sell it -- I purchased a used Acura RL with 132,000 mile, half the miles of my Accord. Shall I be as lucky?!?

• 

  My first Honda product - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Duncan D. Aker, Jr. - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda, it has 110,000 miles on it. Overall it exudes quality. Dependability and reliability seem to be its genetics. There are some downsides to it, but because of the many sterling other qualities, I can easily overlook those poor ones. First the seats are abysmal-they are the worst feature in the entire package. Second the engine is way too noisy, third, the transmission shifts weird and is unacceptable, but bulletproof I am sure. As for driveability and repairs. Love it, no problems, probably wont be any. I would buy another, hopefully the seats are right and transmission and engine are smoother and quieter in future models.

• 

  Terrific so far - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 6 - 10:00 pm

  This is my first Japanese car. So far, I am really enjoying it. I bought it for the safety (front, side, and side curtain airbags and a good structure), the comfort, and the gas mileage. I was used to a gas-guzzling Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, and the Honda is head and shoulders better in all categories. Its smooth, quiet, gets great gas mileage (30 MPG so far).

• 

  Whats WRONG with the TRANSMISSION,Honda? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By joshua d. yochim - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my civic for two years. I bought a civic because I wanted reliability. I have already had the transmission lock up on me three times,i.e.,it wouldnt shift out of 1st gear.The delership first replased the solenoid,when it happened again, they replaced the entire transmission. When it locked up a third time they went back and replaced the solenion, again! The delership never gave me a good explination. All is running O.K. for now, and besides this ongoing tranny problem, my civic is A good small car. I was just expecting a little more from A Honda.

• 

  I just like hachbacks - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Honda Boy SiR - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I started out convinced that id never like a japanese car. I was in the market for a sub-compact hachback, so i gave it a test drive. My whole outlook on japanese cars changed that day. The Civic SiR (Civic Si in america) hase a very nice short throw "raly style" shifter and exelent throtle response. It corners as if on rails and sports some of the best front seats in any car. The sterio is quite impresive for a facory unit, the rear seat is surprisingly roomy. All in all: this is one sweet ride.

• 

  A Modern MG-B - 2002 Honda S2000
  By KAD - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I drove MGs and Triumphs for over 15 years. This S2000 is basically a modern MG-B/Midget (psychologically) with an oversized engine, leather, air conditioning, and vastly improved handling. Oh, by the way it also is ultra-dependable. The British automobile industry would still be in business if they had manufactured anything close to the S2000 (and they fired Lucas, the Prince of Darkness). A lovely car, a joy to drive. A bit tight, badly placed interior storage, acceptable low-end torque, and a horror in the snow. Easily a 9 on a scale of 10 (Ive never driven a 10).

• 

  Woo-hoo! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Kirsten319 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the CRV (used) with 83K miles and I love it! Nice, roomy interior, adjustable _everything_, and handles magnificently. I was worried about the change in handling from my 90 Corolla to the CRV, but I think the CRV handles as well as, if not better than, the Corolla. This baby really does drive like a car than an SUV.Im looking foward to some long distance driving (more than my commute to work) so I can see how it handles on the open road.

• 

  Pure pleasure. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mark II - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Most fun vehicle I have owned thus far.

• 

  Good overall but quality lags - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Chavalier - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I found a 2002 EX - that was traded-in with virtually no miles on it. I like it very much - I had a Civic Hatchback for nearly 10 years with virtually no problems and was so inexpensive to run. I do like this car it suits my needs is larger than the Hatchback I had. I test drove a 2003 - hated the new dials and found the engine to be noisey. So far with the 02, I have few complaints. I hope to have it for another 10yrs - unless I can find a good RollsRoyce cheap!

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By spot - April 1 - 10:00 am

  A sensible purchase and lots more fun to drive than my 2001 Accord. Night and day difference between the two.