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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  The little honda that could... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By matt h. - May 25 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my 98 ex 5 speed manual in 2006 with 69k miles on it for $5000. When this car finally reached the end of its useful value in 2013 it had 397,000 miles on it and still started and ran no problem rain, snow, or sun. With snow tires on it I could get through anything, and I even took it in the muddy fields and off road, and drove it like a race car, engine next to redline, on pavement and dirt a few times. As long as you do regular maintenance, especially change the timing belt, spark plugs, and distributor cap; and adjust the valves when recommended this engine will outlive you. Two major problems-the door lock assembly on the drivers side broke, and there was no way to open the door, so I had to cut it open with a torch to replace it; and the ignition coil inside the distributor burned out and left me stranded once. Other than that, just routine stuff you expect with a car that old-radiator replacement, timing sprockets and oil/water pump replacements....but the alternator, a/c system, power steering, struts, 3/4 ball joints, and rear brakes were original and working properly within specification when I retired it. Overall a fantastic car that wont give up on you, and trust me, mine got driven and abused.

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  The little honda that could... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By matt h. - May 25 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my 98 ex 5 speed manual in 2006 with 69k miles on it for $5000. When this car finally reached the end of its useful value in 2013 it had 397,000 miles on it and still started and ran no problem rain, snow, or sun. With snow tires on it I could get through anything, and I even took it in the muddy fields and off road, and drove it like a race car, engine next to redline, on pavement and dirt a few times. As long as you do regular maintenance, especially change the timing belt, spark plugs, and distributor cap; and adjust the valves when recommended this engine will outlive you. Two major problems-the door lock assembly on the drivers side broke, and there was no way to open the door, so I had to cut it open with a torch to replace it; and the ignition coil inside the distributor burned out and left me stranded once. Other than that, just routine stuff you expect with a car that old-radiator replacement, timing sprockets and oil/water pump replacements....but the alternator, a/c system, power steering, struts, 3/4 ball joints, and rear brakes were original and working properly within specification when I retired it. Overall a fantastic car that wont give up on you, and trust me, mine got driven and abused.

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  Function, Fun, Turns Heads! - 2005 Honda Element
  By baddawg - May 25 - 8:13 am

  Purchased EX ltd ed last summer - great function (holds 8ft lumber), very functional and convenient entry rear and front, seating OK, great flexibility. Good driving - sufficient power, Excellent saftey features, many convenience items Std., sound system VG. Suburban (40mph) and highway (60- 70 mph) mileage a bit disappointing, but it is an SUV. Well engineered and built. No regrets, zero initial problems!

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  $9,000 per cylender? - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Al Frank - May 25 - 2:00 am

  When I got in the cockpit I first got a positive impression of the car, but given time, other things came to my attention. The Cars performance would satisfy me if the price was around $25,000 because lets face it: 240 horses isnt extreme power by anybodys standards. I was dissappointed by the cars lack of power more than anything, although other aspects of performance were better.

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  Impressed - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gumgardner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Had to wait 4 weeks to get the vehicle, but dealer experience was very positive. Loaded vehicle up with many dealer installed options, we hope that was not a mistake. Dealers servicemen took a lot of pride in prepping vehicle.

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  The Worst Car I have Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dimitri - May 25 - 2:00 am

  By far the worst automobile experience that I have ever had! The first month the from break callipers had to be changed -factory defective-, the third month the radio had to be changed with 6 CDs stuck in there that I never got back. And the worst, there are rattles feom every angle, I dread driving this car! I have stuffed the space under the dashboard with rugs (!!!) in roder to minimize it. Corporate HONDA Customer Service response: this is a massed produced car and you will have to leave with these little imperfections!!!! I regret greatly having departed from NISSAN!

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  Should of heeded MPG warnings - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeff - May 23 - 7:03 am

  Well, despite reading about the MPG problems, the family bought an 07 Odyssey. We have owned 5 Hondas and have always been very happy with them. In fact, right now we have an 03 Accord and love it. With that said, the Odyssey is a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, the mileage is absolutely terrible! Over the course of 3k miles we have averaged 14 MPG. The Ford Explorer we replaced ave 16 MPG. We just cant seem to do better than 14 MPG regardless of how we drive. You can literally see the fuel guage going down. It stays on F for about 25 miles! All I can say with the price of gas going up make sure you explore your other options and know that the MPG warnings are true!

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  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Bryan - May 23 - 6:26 am

  Just bought my first Honda Pilot at the end of June and love it, so far. Coming from Sequoia I was worried about room as older Pilots were not big enough. Rooms is very sufficient and acceleration will run circles around Sequoia. The vehicle has to be one of the most solid vehicles I have ever purchased, well built vehicle. I had to take the vehicle to the dealer as it was "pulling" to the right as indicated in a lot of 2009 reviews. Seems to have improved after service. Gas Mileage is averaging 16-18 city and 21-22 highway.

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  Recession Chic - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Rich - May 22 - 5:50 pm

  Ive only had it a few weeks so I cant judge the reliability yet. But I feel cool riding around in such an efficient car during this recession; would be embarrassed to be driving a BMW. Have put several hundred miles on it and found the seat comfortable for my back even on a day I drove for over 4 hours, though most of my trips are short. With regard to other reviews, I dont find it any bumpier or noisier than my last car, a 2006 VW Jetta, or most mid-priced European cars Ive driven. But I imagine it would be quite a bit bumpier and noisier than say a full size American car, so it depends what you are used to.

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  Another great Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By steven - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is another great Honda. It might not be the fastest suv of there but I know it will not be in the shop like the other cars that I have had. I put on a lot of miles a year both on highway and city and I never had a problems with Honda. I can not say the same about the VW GTI. It was in shop every 2 monthes with a bill average of $600. Glad to be back in a Honda