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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  Satisfied! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By JE Reid - April 24 - 6:38 pm

  My first SUV and I am so impressed with the way my Pilot drives. I am having fun and love it. All my family are proud and happy for me and my friends are complimentary. Was not sure I would like SUV but am very satisfied.

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  Extremely Reliable - 2001 Honda Civic
  By BRIAN - April 24 - 6:02 pm

  This vehicle has been great! Other than regular maintenance I have just had the struts replaced. I bought this car new in 2000 and Its still running strong it has over 130000 miles now. I get great gas mileage and the car has adequate power. The steering and brake pedal are too soft. The fuel Economy and the sunroof are nice. I wish the sound system was better, even on the top of the line ex the stereo only has 4 speakers. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Great car! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By km - April 24 - 5:33 pm

  I bought my civic in 1999 with 37,000 miles on it. Were in 2009 and it has 180,000 miles now. I have had no issues with it whatsoever, just the normal maintenance. It has been so reliable and dependable. Gas mileage is great! Honda knows what theyre doing!

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  Another defective transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Paull - April 24 - 4:45 pm

  I like many others have a defective transmission with only 91,000 miles. Honda wont fix it. The transmission was slipping for many years but got worse the last 2 months. I went online and was surprised by all the other Accord owners with the same problem, which really surprised me about a Honda car. There were so many complaints that I was not sure why there is not a recall. I thought Honda had great quality, bad this did not happen in my case. By the way, the new transmission will cost me $35,000.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Robert H Hight - April 24 - 4:20 pm

  This car has exceeded our (wifes and my)expectations, She is the primary driver using it to travel to and from work. Long trips of greater than 500 miles were comfortable and very economical. We highly recommend it and will purchase Honda Hybrids in the future.

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  Honda, Honda, Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Sly - April 23 - 11:20 pm

  Just got the EX4dr and its great. Quiet, smooth and can get up & Go(for a 4cyl that is). Got for $21,700 out the the door,with the Spoiler w/brake light and a bed liner in the trunk. Cant beat that. The handling on this car is as good as it gets. If choosing between Camry, Accord, or Altima it really a no brainer. Just dont budge on your price at the Dealer. Knowing how good the car is and how bad some people want them theyll take advantage of you. they tried to sale it to me for 23,789 without taxes tag etc. I got it for 21k with tax tag etc included! Worth 21k but not 24,25k.

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  Cool Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By leo - April 23 - 10:51 pm

  The 2003 Honda Accord is the best Japan car. I had it for 7 years. I bought it in 2003 and still have it. It runs great and it is a very fast car. The top speed I got it at the track is 140. My sister and I bought 2. She has one and I have one and I think you should buy one too. You will love your Honda Accord forever. Buy it! It will last you for long life.

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  My lil CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Menezes - April 23 - 10:43 pm

  Because I am on the road constantly, Reliability together with looks is of paramount importance. My little CRV has been a real Gem. No problems with it since I took possession over 100,000 miles ago!! I recommend this vehicle very highly to anyone looking for a small SUV

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  Great MPG!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Irishndn22 - April 23 - 8:04 pm

  I was the second owner of this car, the previous people decided it needed some upgrades but never completed with a turbo (pity). I drive 30 miles one way to work and get on average 32-35 mpg, cant beat that! I have never had any major problems with the car, would recommend to anyone looking at a Civic Si of this style or anything with good MPG.

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  Performance AND economy: Its about time - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ezhift5 - April 23 - 7:28 pm

  The test drive showed the strong performance inherent to the 240 HP V-6 coupled to the 6M. A trip thru the desert (LA to Phoenix) showed the surprising fuel efficiency. After 3.5 years 60k miles (on the OEM Michelins yet), the reliability has been only challenged a few times. Two pass. window regulators replaced under factory warranty. Ditto for a CEL dealing with a coolant sensor. I like the 6M but feel that "in-out" vague friction point clutch should try for more BMW-type feel. Other than that... best car Ive ever owned.