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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  Happy owner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Oscar Pinto - July 2 - 2:30 am

  A fun and great vehicle to drive, I tow my boat about 2500 lbs, easily and handles very well. Great vehicle and entirely satisfied.

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  Its gone - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By hipster - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new prelude 3 years ago and it was a great car except for one thing, it burned a quart of oil every 1,000 miles since the day I got it. My dealer contacted honda and they said that was acceptable (refused to do anything,even though I was a loyal customer for the past 15 years). Even my service rep thought that was bull. I just traded for a mini cooper.Goodbye honda!

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  I Expected Better From Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Don424 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  In two years Ive had 4 recalls on the vehicle. I had to replace the tires at 26000 miles, the breaks make a god- awful noise(the dealer says its normal)and there is a clunking noise on the front suspension that cant be identified. Very disappointed since this is my first(& probably last Honda. This vehicle would never have gotten off the line if it was made in Japan.

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  Matts Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Paul E. - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car from the start, if you buy a Honda Accord you gotta get a V-6 It gets up and goes nicely, great handling and brakings not bad either

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  Im wondering.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By snowfrog - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I like this car, but at 9000 miles, the front struts had to be replaced. At 18000 miles, the alignment is out and the front tire have to be replaced. Im wondering if one has to do with the other.

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  Rides like a lowrider with no springs - 2004 Honda Accord
  By David M123 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the roughest riding car I have ever driven. I own a 94 Accord that rides smoother than my new one. I give it an A+ for exterior styling. As for the interior, I have to give it a B only because of the radio which does not allow you to install an aftermarket radio without some serious mods to the dashboard.

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  First Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By votewatch - June 29 - 1:53 pm

  The 2003 Pilot was purchased in 08/02. I have 159,000 miles on it. Purchased "EX" (Top trim level.) The 7 speaker stereo is very marginal. Replaced tranny at 60K miles under warranty. On the plus side, very good front seat leg room. Handling is very good. 2 factory trim options are purchased as packages, either LX or EX. Individual options are purchased through Honda Parts dept. Honda has a strange pricing policy. Chrome bumper garnish sells for over $500. (4 peices of plastic) Fog lights sell for over $400. Cargo cover is $120. Dispite the above, I would purchase another one.

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  Sexiest Honda ever - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Normgarry - June 29 - 2:43 am

  I wrote a full review about this car here on Epinions under the name Bigtruckseries. The Coupe is VERY sexy, very sporty and for less than $34,000 loaded, it gives a great sense of having more without having paid more. The seats are comfortable if you are a short person but the tall wont like it as much. The V6 is the best model, with plenty of ZIP for city cruising while the 190 HP I4 doesnt disappoint those with no need to speed. Good steering Bad body roll Plasticky interior The major downside is a cluttered center stack, poor user interface in the Navigation system and terrible voice controls that can accidentally change the temperature before doing what they should.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Civic Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rwalsh - June 28 - 3:50 pm

  Purchased in April 2006. Drove it as a daily commuter until it was totaled in mid-July 2006. An awesome entry level sports coupe. Fun to drive in early morning light traffic (3:30 AM) but not during the San Fracisco Bay Area rush hour traffic (4PM~7PM). Post crash hindsight: Not a very practical daily commuter car being unable to take advantage of its capabilities in stop & go traffic. In other words, it becomes just like any other car on the road in heavy bumper- to-bumper traffic - something to keep in mind when you get caught up in the "emotional" process of buying a car. Replacement car is a 07 Scion tC, because it is a more practical choice for a daily commuter.

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  Very Satisfied - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve S. - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car in a private deal from a couple who kept up with regular maintenance. So far it has been a great car to drive and I have had no complaints. Took it on vacation and really love the flip down rear seat. I may never buy another american van again.