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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  I love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By cec1212 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my CRV since August and I love it. I used to drive an Acura Integra and I was afraid I would not be able to drive the CRV. It the perfect SUV if you are used to driving a small car. It is so easy to handle and park. You cant go wrong with the CRV as Hondas are known for their high resale value. This SUV is great for the $.

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  Best all around value - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Siconvert - May 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I live in Atlanta and probably dont fall into the target market for this car: Mid 40s, No kids, Annual income 150+, conservative. However, we love this car. We were looking for an "Anti-Atlanta" car (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Lexus). We wanted a Prius but with an 18 month waiting list...couldnt touch it! This car is a great car, fun to drive, comfortable, stylish, and a great vaue (paid $17,100). You have to wonder how people pay $30,000+ for cars!

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  could be better - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JJ1 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Accord thinking it would be a carefree experience compared to VW. Not the case. Car has needed front and rear brakes 3 times in less than 14k miles, getting ready to get brand new rotors and pads again. Transmission recall. Passenger airbag cover broken. Front left fender pops (a lot of them do on the car dealer lots). Rattles and squeeks. Not at all what I counted on.

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  Worst Vehicle - 2001 Honda Passport
  By Bill O - May 13 - 7:17 am

  This is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned in my 27 years of driving. For an SUV, it is really noisy and the ride is horrible..( suspension) I have spent many wasted $$$$$$ on constant repairs and maint. I have spoken extensively to many mechanics and dealerships and ALL of them familiar with this vehicle say that its Hondas ( Isuzu ) biggest black eye hands down...This vehicle make me shy away from ever purchasing another Honda product. Sad...real sad!

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  My new toy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Patrick McGuinness - May 13 - 3:06 am

  simply the best craftsmanship and quality possible. Smooth responsive acceleration,top of the line high quality supple comfy leather seats. 190 hp much improved and better than any in its class. Honda has finally outdone itself this time and created a work of art and a masterpiece of engineering!!

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  Premature tire wear - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mark jacobson - May 12 - 9:06 pm

  The Bridgestone tires wore out at 18000 miles. The dealer said that they were out of round. They also got very noisy before they were replaced. This appears to be a HUGE problem for Honda. Their solution is keep putting tires on every 18000 miles and put up with the howling tires until they are replaced. I have talked to 2 of our friends that have the same problem. I asked the service manager if they have fixed this problem since it has been a problem since 2006 and he said "They think they have". I disagree, I KNOW THEY HAVE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2006 Civic seat problem - 2006 Honda Civic
  By WGH - May 12 - 6:40 pm

  Cannot believe this is a small car. Rides very well and appears to be put together well

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  After 7,000 miles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Glen - May 12 - 5:53 pm

  I would recommend reviewing the Civic Hybrid after 6 months or so. I reviewed shortly after purchase and have a few additional comments now that I have had some time with the car. Still a great car and glad I made the purchase. Fairly comfortable on long trips but as in any car, the sitting gets a little rough. Cruise is fairly steady but deviates about one mile/hr over/under the set speed as the engine has to catch up and back off. The audio w/ navi is not really XM ready. It still needs a tuner and a couple other parts. With installation, the dealer wanted $700. Otherwise, this car is one of the best buys. Get the Navi for sure. It is excellent, especially with voice recognition.

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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By G-Man - May 12 - 4:06 pm

  I strongly considered buying a GM product. Test drove the Pilot & I was sold. The deals Honda was offering were much better than GM. I have owned Hondas in the past and have been extremely satisfied with the reliability. The ride & acceleration are smooth. The seats are comfortable- front is roomy. Plenty of features- Honda put a lot of thought in this vehicle-mirror for viewing the backseats, MP3 jack, console with lots of room. Plenty of storage in the doors. Gas mileage is acceptable-could be better. I have zero complaints. One small drawback is the small cargo space if you are with more than 6 people in the car. However, we were able to take 7 people to the beach with room for our beach gear.

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  My favorite car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By alalime - May 12 - 2:45 pm

  I bought the 1995 civic with 8,000 miles on it, and I put 190,000 miles on it before the head gasket blew. With regular maintenance, these cars just keep running. My only gripe about it is the body started to give out before the motor .