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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  dissapointed - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jg - March 28 - 2:12 am

  After having this car I can not understand how everyone seems to love it. I bought the car with 46,000 miles on it and now have 93,000. The AC blower motor went out, Ive replaced the radiator because it was leaking, it has an oil leak, I have had to replace the muffler, then I had a problem where my break lights wouldnt turn off causing the battery to die constantly. The AC is broken AGAIN, the windshield wipers broke and now will turn on if I go over any kind of bump. There are numerous rattles and shakes. The interior is low quality. I will be so happy when I get rid of the car. I wish it was as reliable as everyone else says they are.

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  WOOOOOOOOOOOO! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mothrtruckr2 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  With minor flaws this is one of the most enjoyable cars i have ever owned

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  VERY NICE - 2003 Honda Element
  By HYELIFE - March 28 - 2:00 am

  VERY NICE,NEAT, AND FUN CAR.

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  2000 Civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By SharkSoup - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Has been good vehicle, fairly reliable. Major complaint is lack of power. 1993 Escort we owned before this had more power pulling up a hill; typically with the Civic, have to downshift.

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  Love it - 2000 Honda Civic
  By ForbiddenImage - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I am a female import modder, received this car as a graduation gift. Its been thru a lot....its seen shows and modifications and about 25000 miles a year for the past three years. My entire family has always driven domestics but I was converted with this car. Hondas legendary reliability has been proven to me with this little Civic. Its a very attractive year and for you modders, a gorgeous canvas with tons of mods available. Great fuel economy and with the addition of some subwoofers and an aftermarket deck, the factory speakers have also proven their worthiness. If you need fairly inexpensive, reliable, and fun, this is it. Great job Honda!

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  Outstanding CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Barb Barker - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is flawless so far. Rides very good, has better performance than my 2001 model. This is the third new Honda purchased from Hugh White Honda of Columbus in three years.

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  Nickys Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nicky - March 28 - 2:00 am

  My last 3 vehicles were Toyotas and I said I would never get anything else, but after test driving the CR-V and comparing it to the RAV4 I changed my mind. The CR-V is more comfortable, has a smoother ride, and the price was better and included more standard options. Not so good is the noise coming from my brakes. It only happens after the car has been sitting for a while and I push on the brakes for the first time. The dealership said a "clicking or groaning" noise is normal, but I consider it a loud "clunking" noise.

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  Gets ALOT of looks - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jenn33196 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our Pilot this month and we are crazy about it! We were looking at the Explorer, Highlander, and Trailblazer, but nothing even compares to this amazing vehicle. The best compliment thus far was from a Lexus RX 300 owner, he wanted to know who made that car we were driving? When we said Honda he was astounded. Love all features! Flow Honda was hands down the best dealer to work with! We actually bought for under MSRP with all the features we wanted! Highly recommend this SUV to anyone. Plenty of cargo room, no other SUV we tested beats the seating comfort or the ride. The quadruple five star safety rating was a huge plus.

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  Good but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By eva - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Oddysey ,but after 30000 miles I have started to have problems with transmission. At dealership I have been told that maintenance should fix a problem, which really helped for another 9000 miles.I believe that transmission is the only problem (2001 model). Otherwise this minivan is perfect.

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  Best Van on planet - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SS99 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey is the best van on this planet. Its a perfect vehicle. Its looks like dream comes true.