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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  Buyer Beware. - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Nurseman - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CR-V for a couple reasons. Hondas name and reliability, and because I wanted an SUV with decent gas mileage. Well I had my CR-V for 3 years before the Transmission started to show problems. I spent more on maintainence than any other car I have owned. I was very dissapointed when the transmission started having trouble litterally miles after the warranty ran out. Seems to me that if Honda has such a "reliable" vehicle they would offer a better warranty. I will buy American from now on...at least when they break I can afford to fix them or find the parts to fix them myself.

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  junk car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By against Honda - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I made a big mistake to buy this junk car. It is so noisy and it is not reliable. I changed the springs in the front suspension and I will have to fix the noise come from the brake or steering.

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  Pass on Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By HondaDriver - March 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Pilot for functionality - max passengers & cargo space. Little did we realize how it handles so poorly on the freeway. Anything over 70mph and it rattles & shakes uncontrollably.

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  Loves at first sight turned to disgust! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Jordan - March 26 - 3:11 am

  Amazing gas mileage. I average in the mid to upper 30s and have gotten close to 700 miles per tank. And I dont drive like a grandma. But after only 3 months and 10k miles the love affair is over! After being only a Honda owner I just knew this one would be great like the rest of them. The CVT is horrible in this car. Its jerky at times and sluggish. Other times it performs smoothly for is zippy. It seems like this is a common issue. You just never know whats its going to do, so sometimes when pulling out into traffic I have to second guess myself. Not a good thing. Honda has really lost a loyal customer. Its a beautiful car, but performs horribly. If they replaced the transmission it would really make it a much better car. Seriously considering trading it and taking the huge financial hit. Its that bad!

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  Disappointing - 2005 Honda Civic
  By caloosa - March 18 - 5:50 pm

  The car is suppose to be most efficient in the city. However, the hybrid doesnt perform any better than a non-hybrid civic. It averages 34-35 mpg when it is rated at 48/47 mpg. A very annoying feature is the air conditioning. Living in the south, we really need a strong air conditioner, however, the hybrid shuts down when you are stopped. This is to save gas, but the air conditioner also shuts down and temperatures in the car can be unbearable if you are stopped for long! For the price that I paid for the car, I could have purchased a much more luxurious vehicle with more bells and whistles and just slightly lower gas mileage. Hold out for a Prius!

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  Not Made Simple Anymore - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By PAN - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Where to begin? Move up to the HO from a Nissan Quest so my wife could have a reliable van. What a mistake!! For the first 3 years, back to the dealer 3 times per year to fix power doors...got stuck at Disney World & on the highways (ignition switch problems)...replaced transmission @ 40K miles...trans stopped working again at 54K miles...looks like we will need a new trans again @ 61K. I better stop there, Im starting to get depressed. Must say though, Honda has tried, they know they have a mayor problem out there. Currently looking at the new Toyota!!

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  DONT BUY A HONDA - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous22 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Front bumper chipping & rear trunk peeling. Body dents way too easily & has flimsy bumpers. Tires have terrible traction (firestone). Turning ratio is too small. Engine is gutless (no get up and go without redlining the engine). Dash always rattles when cold. Cheap cloth for interior. Substandard radio and speakers. Suspension and shocks are way to stiff (feel everything on the road). Small gas tank (fill every 3-4 days). Mats and trunk liner do not fit correctly for OEM. Transmission jerks when slowing down abruptly. Seat comfort is minimal.

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  What a lemon! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By JeffA - March 1 - 11:38 pm

  This truck was nothing but trouble! It spent weeks on end in the shop for check engine light problems, blown computer board, and not going into park. After taking the truck back to the dealer numerous times and writing several stern letters to corporate, I was finally able to get out from under the lousy truck and back into a 2001 Accord. The Accord has been flawless. Stay away from the Passport!!! Dont forget, Isuzu, who makes the Passport is like 50% owned by GM!

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  Road noise and yet still more and more. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Chuck - March 1 - 2:33 pm

  Well, I reviewed this Honda back In April and here it is mid September. In addition to my post on 04/26/09 Id have to add more bad news. In addition to the gripes I have with the car the list grows still larger. The seats are the worst seats in any car Ive owned and Ive once owned a Yugo when I was a lad so I know a bad seat when I feel one. Also the Brake discs are now warped and feel that "judder" one feels when you brake. I have had many cars but never one that had just 7,000 miles on it that felt this old so fast. The sunroof although has only been opened a few times sometimes takes 2-3 times to close. I went to try and trade it in they offered me 18-19K after only 5 months.

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  Review of Honda Passport LX 4WD - 2002 Honda Passport
  By Advantyper - February 7 - 6:38 am

  I have had problems a week after the purchase. The key keeps getting jam inside the key slot, brought it back to the dealer and fix the problem. Everything working pretty well so far, but during colder days. I am not talking about snowing, but just average cold days around 50 degrees F. The power window wouldnt work, this happen more than 50 times already. Gas mileage is more like 13 to 14 miles per gallon. I dont recommend buying ANY passports.