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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  Hondas the way to go - 1998 Honda Accord
  By JMV - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda Accord new and now have 83,000+ miles on it. It is a fun car to drive, comfortable on long trips or around town. Only maintenance reqired has been routine service checks, some brake work and a new battery after 80,000 miles. In town mileage is about 18 and highway can get up to 30 mpg. Only complaints are wind noise and squeaky moon roof that the dealer just cant quite get a handle on. I intend to keep it until it can roll no more and then will buy another Honda.

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  Good Car, Crappy Windows - 2000 Honda Civic
  By BBrownfromCA - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has served me well. I have had no engine problems whatsoever, but the power windows are defective and barely work. My 5-speed is fun to drive. Low-end power is nonexistent but there is a nice surge of power once you push it up over 4500 rpm, which is the sweet spot for Honda 4-cylinder engines anyway. Handling is crisp and the ride is smooth although noisy at highway speeds. Front seats are unsupportive for long trips. CD player has started to skip badly despite repeated cleanings of the laser lens.

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  Bad quality Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Honda lemon - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Four (4) recalls and fourteen (14) trips to the dealer with problems in a two (2) year period. No more Hondas for me. This company is not user friendly when dealing with customer complaints.

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  Pilot Rocks! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bruingirl - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, you feel very safe while driving. You get the same car as the Acura for $8,000 less, while using regular fuel. Acura needs Premium! Mileage is good for a car this size. Drives like a dream!!!

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  A Very Good Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Gs Honda - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for six months and have had no problems. I would expect a better sound system in the EX class. A good car overall.

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  Overrated - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rsprinkle - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Accord is overrated, overpriced, underpowered and suffers in reputation from highly aggressive dealer sales tactics. Honda cut a lot of cheap corners by omitting basic items that should be standard on a car this expensive - automatic door locks; heated side mirrors; automatic dimming rear view mirror; auto cutoff for rear defroster. It would not have cost $200 to add these items, yet all were left off to try and bump buyers into the "Acura" version of the same car for $10k more. I get irritated every time I drive it. Alleged 240 hp is laughable exaggeration. Ive had four cylinder cars that had more pep.

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  No So Good Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gail - July 10 - 4:24 pm

  I am very disappointed and surprised at the unreliability of the 2003 CRV. I thought Hondas lasted a long time with standard maintenance. I had to replace the tires not long after I got the car. The ones that come with the car are poor and unstable. My seatbealts are difficult to use and dont slide back and forth as they should. The security light stayed on because one of the seatbeats was not working at all. A part had to be ordered. Another one is a nightmare to use. I have had to replace one of the oxygen sensors for $550.00. Now my clutch and air conditioner are going out. Thats another $2000 plus. Because of this, I will not purchase another Honda and will now trade this one in.

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  Awesome Car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Krina143 - July 10 - 2:50 pm

  My first car was a Honda Civic that I loved, so I wanted an Accord for my next. It was the best decision! I have had this car for 5 years and it now has 147K miles, still going strong. Nothing but routine maintenance, so reliable. I would highly recommend buying this car!

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  The S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By stupid - July 10 - 1:03 pm

  the car is really good !!!

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  The Best Of The Mini-Vans - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By cm111 - July 10 - 10:02 am

  The Odyssey is best-of-breed. Great build-quality and very functional. Where other brands put money into bells and whistles, Honda focuses instead on a great drive-train, top-notch suspension, steering and supportive seating. We have had the Towne and Country and Grand Caravan. The Honda is a more responsive vehicle that leaves the driver feeling in-control.