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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  Hidden cost to operate - 2007 Honda Fit
  By tiny scott - April 23 - 7:26 pm

  We have 34,000 miles, car has been back to dealer for service, any time the computer hit 20%. At this mileage we have to replace 4 tires and were told WE HAVE TO CHANGE ALL THE FLUIDS AND FILTERS AT A COST OF $490.00. This will be repeated or higher cost every 30,000 miles. My old Mitsubishi with 170,000 miles did not cost me this much. We are considering trading.

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  Horrible Transmissions - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kbrill - April 23 - 4:25 pm

  We have had the transmission replaced twice and its bad again. Honda knows its bad but they wont stand behind it. We have had problems with the sliding doors not closing, the check engine light keeps coming on because of an EGR valve they cant seem to correct and had to have the wiring harness replaced and when they did it messed up the navigation system which hasnt functioned properly since the harness was replaced. Thousands of dollars worth the repairs. Total cost of ownership way too much for us and we have been Honda owners for 30 years. Time to look to another auto maker.

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  Most reliable car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Breath - April 23 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car as a hold-me-over for $300 with 212,000 miles. I have had it for 6 months now and it has done nothing but save me money and get me to where I want to go. I have been beating on this car from day one, taking it off roading, bottoming out, e-brake slides, smashing into snow banks, and just having fun with it, yet it still will not die. $18 fills the tank, drives everywhere, and I dont even think when I put gas in it. Insurance is cheap..no problems. The trunk leaks, Im not sure if that is a regularly occurring problem or something from the previous owner. Also, my speakers dont work.

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  A car with a bunch of problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jon - April 23 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this car new in November 2005. Then,i had to have the SRS airbag sensor replaced. The dealer didnt fix it the first time! the car rattles like crazy. I had panels pop off the side airbag, on passenger seat and "repopped in" my glovebox had to be replaced. The alignment is way off and sterring wheel is not straight,after months of ownership the interior looks like its 10+ years old already,cheap interior pieces and plastics,prone to scratching and damage easy. When you press the gas all the way the car doesnt move!! its weak. I cant see the front of the car or the hood when driving. Drive by wire makes the car jerk, and takes away the enjoyment of driving.

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  Wagons are back! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By choda - April 23 - 12:22 pm

  Bought used with 95000, after selling our 95 Accord damaged in hail storm. This LX wagon has been reliable, although it has a couple of issues. The slow electric windows, starting to smell antifreeze and the worst is the paint clearcoat is failing. The automatic trans requires more frequent fluid changes than most or it will act up. Gets 25+mpg, not quite as good as the 95 Accord sedan. Performance is fine for normal driving. Its too bad the paint is going away. New paint is so expensive I will be selling this car.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot04 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Extremely happy with our new 2004 Honda Pilot EX w/ Nav System. I recently drove to Napa in our Pilot and the ride was very enjoyable. I loved the 240 V6 horse power, the convenient volume adjustment buttons on the steering wheel, the improved Nav system (proved especially helpful when taking some back roads) and the heated seats. It did take me a while to get used to driving the SUV as it does feel like you are driving a truck at times. But you get over that very quickly. With the third row back seats down the extra cargo space was really helpful. Pricing was also very reasonable at $32,500 (which included destination fee and trunk mat).

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  best suv on road - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By billyk - April 23 - 10:00 am

  test drove most suvs in its class and none had the great visibility and mobility of the pilot. bought a 2004 last month. blind spots not a problem. didnt think i would use the heated seats or mirrors as much as i have. mirrors clear off in under a minute. great vehicle. love the pilot.

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  Problems! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By meyerzone - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had a lot of problems with this vehicle. Hondas are great cars but have had many problems with this one. With only 33,000 miles we have had loud noise problems that took 3 attempts to fix. In addition the transmission has been replaced and the altinator.

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  My Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By harrybobber - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Over all this is one of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ejr - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Pleasent car, good for commuting, with reasonable gas milage and comfort.Seems to be reliable , not terribly exciting to drive, smooth engine