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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  After 1st week - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sandherc - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is an attractive, versatile "suburban" SUV, geared for highway/city travel. It is larger than most in the mid-size class. It has a car-like turning radius & great pickup. Honda has added so many "little features", like shoulder straps for middle passengers, lots of cargo net hooks, hidden storage, 4 power outlets, 9 beverage holders, storage compartments everywhere. Have not yet tried 4WD feature. Have not travelled in rear seats.

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  Nice SUV - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Ryno - March 18 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Passport is a great looking SUV that also has good road manners and excellent engine power. My model is the EX 2 wheel drive with the CD changer, two-tone paint and leather. We enjoy it alot and recommend it to prospective shoppers as a great value in the preowned market. We bought it used and have not any problems with it.

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  Superb - 2000 Honda S2000
  By chris avery - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is quite simply the most outstanding road race car ever produced THe driving experience is exhilirating and quite frankly breathtaking

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  Wanted an appliance kinda car and got just that! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By EJG - March 15 - 3:32 am

  First of all, I have owned 30+ various vehicles and have been in the auto repair biz for 20+ years, so I feel that I am somewhat unbiased. My wife was driving a Lexus sedan and we really needed a more versatile vehicle with 2 small children, and needed to find something more financially economical than a luxury sedan with higher miles. I wanted a washing machine kind of vehicle, something that just works, has no quirks and has just needs gas, tires, brakes and fluids for 200,000 miles. This CR-V definitely delivers. The Good: Small and nimble, lots of cargo room, pretty good on fuel, and virtually no maintenance besides the basics. Also good visibility and easy to drive. The not so good: Very noticeable road noise, buzzy engine, weird leather seat material that feels like rubber, and short wheelbase means a rougher ride than expected. I had to add a back up camera and a remote start, I wish they would have came standard as they are pretty useful when parking in the city and driving in the winter. In a nutshell, if you are hoping for a something comfortable and luxurious, this will probably not meet your demands, but if you want something economical and versatile a CR-V is just the ticket.

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  Multiple Major Mechanical Problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By timp - March 14 - 10:00 am

  The first five years of ownership were exactly what I expected from a Honda. Very reliable. However, in the last 11 months Ive had to replace both the transmission and the engine totaling over $6k in repairs. The selling dealer is the same as the servicing and I have maticulous service records. In both major repair cases neither Honda or the dealer have helped other then stating the major failures were extremely rare. A lot of good that did me. After driving Hondas for the last 12 years, this may be my last!

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  Fun to drive if SHE could steer it! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jonathan Chu - March 14 - 10:00 am

  At 511 the steering wheel and controls too far away from the driver. It is an uncomfortable and destracting reach to change the radio, heat, air and so on. Female member of home will not drive the car due to this.

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  How to deal with High Gas Prices - 1996 Honda Civic
  By therock69 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in 8/2001. All the servicing I have had done are oil changes and changing the radiator fluid. I use the cheapest gas I can find. It gets 40+ highway miles to the gallon. How can I complain? Its probably one of the smartest purchases Ive made in a long time.

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  11 great years - 1993 Honda Accord
  By nanook - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and got 202,000 miles before the tranny blew. Low maintenance costs throughout. Change the oil and it just keeps on going. I drive hard commuter miles and got my moneys worth and then some.

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By randy - March 10 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this car after having 7 Toyotas. Liked the looks and the value. However there are some issues. There is a white substance that comes through the heater/AC vents on the dash. Dealer has no idea what is causing this. States he will get back to me after talking to the factory, but so far nothing. Also the EX-L 4 cyl. needs power seats on the passenger side. Feels like your riding on the floor. Thought gas mileage would be better. Only getting 23 combined highway/city. My wifes Camry 4 cyl. gets 28 mostly city driving.

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  Extremely reliable - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Carlitos - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Great mini-mini van. Unfortunately it tends to be compared to full mini-vans which most the time carry a V6 under their hoods. Hey! not everybody needs that (keep in mind that its 4 cil. engine is a Vtec. Inside is very roomy and the rear passenger door are a plus with their roll down windows. Extremely reliable (never had to call road assistence at all) So far I have 138000 Km and just one visit to de dealer to replace the power doors controler (covered by the extended warranty) If you want to move people rather than furniture, its great