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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  What happened??? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By lemoncivic - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This latest edition CIVIC fetures a very bouncy rear suspension, rattle prone interior, Sluggish engine thumpy transmission and questionable interior design quality standards. It will hold its value as all HONDas due. This is the only real plus about this car. The exterior design is beyond Vanilla especially on the very ugly sedan. Stay with a used model 97 - 00, an example of the finest CIVIC ever made.

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  Troublesome and uncomfortable - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Rikk - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Uncomfortable drivers seat. Limited seat adjustments, awful slope to the back of the seat. At 80k miles the temperature selector knob failed due to a broken linkage cable behind the dash. Expensive repair required remove the entire dashboard. Entire air conditioner failed, resulting in $1,300 repair bill. ABS pump makes scary noises and the ABS idiot light flickers at times. yet dealer insists nothing is wrong. Brakes are inadequate, despite servicing from Honda who claimed they performed to specs. The factory stereo system is anemic. The 1.5L engine, even with manual transmission, is barely able to get out of its own way.

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  Death Trap - 1999 Honda Passport
  By In a Death Trap - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The Passport was bought used with 30K miles. In less than a year, the ABS system had to be replaced, the Check Engine light enables & disenables on a regular basis, the gas gauge broke & the component for that was replaced, & the computer require "adjustment". The worst thing of all, while driving & no method to the madness, the engine simply turns off. Its an automatic & is very difficult to stop without the engine on. I sincerely fear for my & my childrens lives (age 7 mos. & 8 years). Honda should take some responsibility for this one.

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  $28,000 DOWN THE TUBE! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Amy+3boys - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a money pit! I bought it with 5,000 miles on it and paid over $25,000! It has been junk. The back window has always squeaked. The remote key entrys both broke within a few months. THE whole ABS brake system had to be replaced. The ENGINE had major repair damage this summer costing over $5,000 AND my gas gage stays on empty ALL THE TIME...ANOTHER REPAIR! oh YEAH! I have had another thing repaired that cost over $350 but I cant even remember what is was...NOTHING has been under warranty because the miles. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY IT HAS BEEN!

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  I cannot stand the Honda Pilot Touring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kelly - October 12 - 6:22 am

  I have owned Hondas all my life. This is my 5th Honda, and it will be my last. Words cannot describe how frustrated and disappointed I am with this vehicle. I test drove the lower level version and thought it was great, but it was a huge mistake to upgrade to the Touring. That infotainment system is a joke. Ive almost gotten in accidents just trying to use it. Attempting to control the music/volume is a nightmare. Oh, and when were using maps the passenger has absolutely no control over the music. The 9-speed transmission is terrible. I feel like my neck hurts after driving because all of the jerking around. I am constantly fighting with this car to be in control. God forbid I have to do something quickly, like get around a stopped car with traffic coming, because the car doesnt react quickly to my foot. I despise this car, and we have it for sale, though no doubt will lose a ton of money on it. Im so glad were not the only ones having issues. We have registered the complaint with Honda Motor, and have brought it back to dealership a few times, but they are mostly dismissive of our concerns.

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  Get a 2002 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By john sparks - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Dont buy a 2003 Accord. Get a 2002.

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  This is not a great car - 2002 Honda Passport
  By Sail - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I dont know why Honda wantedto ruin its reputation by marketing a Isuzu Rodeo. I had a great confidence in Honda and that was the reason I bought my Passport (iT IS ACTUALLY AN isuzu Rodeo. Too bad I didnt know that and It was too late when I realized that). After I bought this car, I have to go to the dealer very frequently. The reliability of this car is horrible. vThe ride is very bumpy as well.

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  A/C didnt work from the start - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Chris - September 25 - 10:04 am

  yes thats right first week i went to use the a/c and nothing but warm air came out, wish I tested it at the dealer. Was very unhappy to have not even a week old car in the shop needing a repair. Two years with it and its starting to show some wear. The paint isnt durable theres a couple rock chips on the hood. Things I dont like: everything about the CVT especially the loud whine noise. dont recommend for highway driving., excessive road noise, no volume knob, numb steering and driver side window shifts the interior door in the direction of the window going up and down.

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  Bad electronics - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Schmoll - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This CRV was in the shop 5 time within two years. Three times for the same eltronic engin problem. The CRV is fine for flat land driving, but put it in the hills and it does not have enough power.

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  I wish I wouldve bought something else. - 2002 Honda Passport
  By EricfromNC - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this car. I have it and it is pretty bad. The drive sucks and the gas mileage is worse than they report. Ive had alot of problems too w/ the engine.