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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  Fit not for me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Justin Slocum - July 29 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased a Honda Fit Sport with the 5 speed manual gear box and overall its a very solid car but I traded it in for the following reasons.. The steering is way too quick and downright squirrely at highway speeds.. Around town its not really a problem but on the highway its annoying. Youre constantly keeping the car on track. Secondly, at highway speeds it seems to be very susceptible to crosswinds because of its weight and body design. I would have to white knuckle the thing going on long trips with it. Lastly, its geared too short. Youre constantly shifting and the engine drones at highway speeds. Traded up to a civic ex coupe. I wouldnt advise buying this car at all.

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  An excellent minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By markr33 - July 29 - 11:53 am

  The new 2005 Odyssey is a wonderful vehicle. It is a delight to drive with ample power to handle just about everything you throw at it. Honda made a few decisions that are hard to understand, primarily the lack of HID headlamps. For a high end vehicle, this should be a must in 2005. The center console also only fits in the second row, it would have been much more useful in the first row.

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  Work horse - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Rick Franks - July 29 - 11:11 am

  Purchased my wagon when it had 57,000 miles on it, now has 140,000. The only "problem" was the antenna stopped working [repair estimate $425.00] so I went to a stereo shop and had a window antenna installed under the rear view mirror - works great.

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  Into the Shop Every 2 Months... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JasonK - July 29 - 10:22 am

  Overall, my Honda has never died on me. I am a very spirited driver, but there are no excuses for some of the constant repairs being done to my car. I needed a new front axle at 60,000 (living in the NYC metro area, we have those big pot-holes), I have blown about 5 or 6 engine mounts, needed a new transmission at 80,000 miles, needed to replace throttle plate at 15,000 miles, the list goes on, and on. Thank god I used common sense, and bought the extended warranty. Its just a shame the terrible customer service at my local dealer turned me off to Honda, and therefore will probably never buy another Honda again. Was a great car until around the 50,000 mile mark. Then its all down hill.

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  Awesome...until I can get F360 Spider - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jeff - July 29 - 10:00 am

  If you want a torque monster, this aint it. If you are looking for rear end warmers, this aint it either. If you are looking for pure unadulterated driving fun for less than 60k. There arent too many other choices. The only other convertible I would consider to be similar would be Porche Boxter S. I like this one slightly more, so the 15k savings just gives me that extra incentive to keep the money in my pocket.

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  Honda accord ex coupe - 1999 Honda Accord
  By JKirk - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. I feel in love with the LX but could only afford the Ex version. I have not been disappointed. I have had no problems other than: -a seatbelt attachment replacement - a brake sensor needing adjustment - door locks going out Most of these things were covered by warranty. Although I do not have the V6, I still like how this car performs, rides, and looks. After four years, I am still very happy with it and plan to hold onto it for quite a while. Its nice to know that Hondas really hold their value in case I do decide to trade in.

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  Disappointed with Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dsignmark - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Honda Pilot EX with Navagation 3 months after I purchased the vehicle. Got poor gas milage. Fit & finish was not up to Honda standards. Also was disappointed that a factory sunroof was not available. I previously had a 1999 Lexus RX 300. The RX 300 Lexus was by far the best car I have ever owned & driven. I bought a new 2003 Lexus RX 300 and am much happier with this SUV. I am getting 19 MPG in the city and 23MPG on the Hwy. Also, The Lexus with more standard features (Bells & Whistles) actually cost less than the Honda Pilot as the Honda dealers do not deal on the Pilot. Once you have had a Lexus, its difficult to be happy with anything else.

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  Best value out there, great vehicle. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By StingrayJG - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is priced GREAT for what you get. Edmunds TMV is more for Envoy, MDX, RX300, & Pathfinder. (and no nav. in Envoy or Pathfinder) Very smooth & quiet ride. Plenty of power. Cargo Tray & All-Season Floormats are key options for cleanliness. I love the truck but my gripe w/ Honda would be to offer heated seats in U.S. not just Canada. It gets cold here too, ya know! Driver seat memory & telescopic wheel needed. (Me=6ft, wife=52") Overall though, I love it, 110% glad I got it.

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  You cant go wrong in a Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By nycdriver - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This review may be biased since Ive always owned Hondas (Civic 90 Hatchback, Integra LX 93, CR-V EX 99). Regardless, the 2003 CIVIC EX is a remarkable car if you were to drive it yourself. Honda reputation is alive and well in the 2003 Civic: performance, refinement, reliability, and value. Improvements over 2002 model are: center storage console with built- in armrest. Slightly redesigned tail- lights.

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  Looks like they did it again... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bantaman - July 29 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderful car to own. Powerful, Comfortable...WOW. I just got 35 mpg on my first trip. How do they do it? The only thing I can comment on as far as a suggestion, it is a little soft in the suspension when you drive aggressively, while the ride seems a bit "busy" on rough roads. However, its all Honda quality!!!