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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  Switch from a Chrysler to a Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By scott - July 27 - 7:43 pm

  With gas prices going up I saw the need to change vehicles. The old FWD Chrysler concord was a good vehicle, but avg 20 mpg. The Honda is stable to drive and better in snow that I expected. The fuel economy has offset much of the extra payment, and the resale $$ is much better. Call it Honda+ The brakes are solid and the engine is the smoothest 4 cyl I have ever felt. Good A/C, and sun roof. Bad item was the rear control arms that went bad or were poor design. They ruined the rear tires by 19,000 mi. They were replaced, but watch for this potential failing. All other aspects are excellent with enough room for me, @ 65".

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  08 Honda CR-V EX-L FWD with NAV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lancef - July 27 - 5:40 pm

  Needed versatility,comfort,and good MPG. The CR-V fit the bill. We had no intention of getting the NAV system but once we saw what the NAV could do, especially with being integrated with the audio system it became a must have. We checked out the NAVs on Nissan and Mazda and the Honda Alpine unit just blows them away.

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  john henry - 2005 Honda Accord
  By john henry - July 27 - 2:36 pm

  Tough decison: Accord vs. Subaru Legacy. I won! I chose the Accord Coupe, EX V-6 coupe. What a car! One word: graceful! OK, two words, comfort too. Beats out my past cars: Volvo, Mini-Cooper, VW Jetta, MGB and Ford Explorer. Gotta be best car under $30,000. Very pleased buying this car. I love this car!

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  2003 Civic Hybrid Many Problems - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scott - July 27 - 12:48 pm

  I have 180000 miles. Changed all fluids religiously. Had to replace clutch, transmission in Feb 08 and now IMA battery dying. $7000 worth of repairs. Very bad engineering solution for folks who care about the environment. Stay away from this vehicle...

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  Great Buy - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Darrin Johnson - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I always like to tell my college friends about my 93 Honda Accord EX purchase. After graduation in 93, many of my friends decided to save a few dollars and buy American. Years later, one by one of the Ford and GM products went to the junk yard or were sold for a few hundred dollars while my investment continued to drive hassle free. Last year, my wife talked me into a Volvo S60 and I sold the Accord EX for an unreal price. As cars go, this was an increadable investment. Not very many car makers can say that they have cars on the road for over 8 years /100,000 miles without a single repair not to mention the resale.

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  honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jviray - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 1st Honda for my family. So far, we are very happy with it. The only complain I got so far, is the quality. For 35k I expect almost a perfect minivan.

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  No more honda 4 me! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Nomore honda4me - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought an ody for quality - what a mistake. Its been to the dealer 4 times already. A serious "drift to the right" problem forcing me to hold the van straight by applying force to the steering wheel to keep it straight. The power door decided to start opening and closing itself one day while in my driveway! The rear vents are nosiy as all heck and had to be replaced but the replacements are squeaking a bit now too, and some of the dash lisght come on and then go off while driving! Serious lemon.

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  Pilot is worth the wait! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RobertK - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I had originally set my mind on the GMC Envoy XL, but we were very impressed with the Pilot ride quality, it seemed more composed than the GM SUVs. I thought that the Envoy would feel more powerful, but I was wrong, the Pilots 240 hp is more that plenty, even with my wife, the salesman, and our 3 kids inside. The VTM-4 All Wheel Drive seems to work great so far, though we have yet to use it in snow, etc. The fuel economy has been 18.2 mpg so far. (Used to get 13-15 in my Grand Cherokee V8) The seats are very comfortable. I paid about $3500 less for the Pilot than I would have paid for the 3 row seat Envoy XL.

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  Solid SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MattH - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very solid SUV and supprisingly roomy if your lucky enough to get one. Great family hauler with the benefit of 4WD if needed. So far quality seems excellent. Fairly bland styling but it avoids the plastic frills of a lot of todays SUVS (ie. Trail blazer). All of the benefits of the MDX minus a few dollars.

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  Rolling in New Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By foodsalesguy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent! Best all around value for fuel economy/cargo/passenger seating available. Rides like a car.