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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  Grab your ankles kids - 2002 Honda Accord
  By NYRangers35 - June 11 - 8:26 pm

  This is my second Honda, first one was a 1990 automatic and gave it to my friend with 235,000 (original trans). Should have kept it. But the 02 Accord, my first trans went out at 88k, second 130k, and were getting ready for #3. Will trade before #3 comes. Has 145k. Its a shame, other than routine maintenance (other than a crankshaft seal fix which was no big deal) everything else was OK. SRS light stays on because of fault drivers side seat belt sensor. They are warrantied for life but need a $100 diagnostic fee first. Honda did replace my first trans for nothing, 2nd one I paid $600 total. I know about cars and do change the tranny fluid. I knew I should have got the 5 speed.

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  Lucky I guess - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert Smith - June 11 - 11:14 am

  I bought my Odyssey new, performed scheduled maintenance and havent had any major problems. Did have EGR valve replaced under warranty. The transmission has a small leak that is annoying but has never failed. As a side note, I never used Honda Transmission Fluid, and I changed my transmission fluid every 40K miles or so - usually after towing a small utility trailer or u-haul. I now have 156k miles and given the history of cars Ive owned before, if it broke down tomorrow I wouldnt be upset. What will bother me more about buying another Odyssey is that inflated price for a comparably equipped model but considering I had to pay sticker for this one, I guess its to be expected.

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  A True Workhorse - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Scott Dimeler - June 11 - 10:35 am

  I have driven the CR-V 55,000 in a little over 2 years. This included about 3,000 miles of towing a trailer a max load. Other than routine maintenance (Oil, new tires, etc.) I havent had any problems. MPG is about 28 highway / 21 in town. I wash and maintain the car regularly and it looks new. I use a leather conditioner on the seats every month. The leather in the driver seat is showing some minor wear. This car has been outstanding.

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  A Utilitarians Nirvana - 2003 Honda Element
  By CJ Menas - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the vehicle for all fathers with 2 or more children who also do work around the house. No hassle to clean; no hassle to drive; no headache when the kids want ice cream; no problem when you need to go to Home Depot. And if you put on the right accessories, no problem when you need to take clients out to dinner. In fact, with all that leg room in the back, my clients just love it even if they are wearing $3000 suits. I love this vehicle. And it looks cool to boot!

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  The Starter Home of SUVs - 2003 Honda Element
  By AmyK - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted my first independent car purchase to be something fun and a little flashy. After pricing the sport wagons from Toyota, I decided to take a look at the Element. I discovered that the pricing and options on the 4WD Auto made it a more than viable option. The fact that you can pratically hose the thing out was also a big draw. The test drive didnt disappoint-- a very smooth ride (not unlike a car) at a comfortable height above cars. Going from a Civic to this was simple. The only adjustments were on turn speed, but the Element corners well. Ive had it for 3 weeks now and I still get excited to drive it!

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  Pilot is a great value - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By msymbrad - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Honda Pilot after considering several other SUVs and hybrids. Knew that we wanted the Pilot immediately after driving it. It is a very solid, comfortable, fun-to-drive vehicle. Was kind of hard to find a dealer who is willing to sell one under msrp in our area of the midwest. When you consider the features and quality of the Pilot compared to other SUVs, the price these vehicles command is a little easier to take.

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dustin Mardis - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After driving almost every SUV from $25,000 to $40,000, we decided to purchase the Pilot (EX-L with DVD). This is by far the nicest vehicle I have owned. The Pilot has all the options I was looking for at a fair price with Honda quality and reputation. If you are looking for a quality SUV with all the options, look no further, this is the one to buy!!

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  FUN 2 DRIVE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ISLANDERBOY_18 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  GREEEEEEEAT CAR! THE PERFORMANCE AND GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT. SATIN SILVER MEATALLIC IS NICE. ITS THE BEST LITTLE CAR EVER!

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  Honda Forever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Suzy Q - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my CRV. I was concerned about the 4 cyl. performance, but have been pleasantly surprised. I travel with work, and I enjoy having the space that a small SUV affords while getting 26 mpg.

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  honda quality declining... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Antun K - June 11 - 10:00 am

  not very fun to drive due to slow acceleration and mediocre handling. both front door speakers began buzzing at 10k miles. Lack of power from a 150 hp I4 is glowing brightly! A huge manual shifter gets obnoxious after 60 miles. Brakes were shot around 36k miles. A/C never gets cold even after tune-ups. Styling is very conservative. On the plus side, CD changer is good and its in-dash so no trunk activity is reqd. Ive had four straight hondas and quality has declined. Also, wind noise and ride noise are problems. But it runs really well, so its not a junker. Im now getting a 525i so all you hondas on the road watch out! 525i=accord eater