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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  UNREAL - 1994 Honda Civic
  By WhatAcar - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this LX sedan for 10 years now. During that time I have had the manual transmission replced (used) for about $500.00 and one fan switch and blower-$230. In ten years-those are the only repairs! This car is absolutely unbelievable & I love it-Not like I loved my German cars (really fun to drive), But because it has never let me down and drives today almost exactly the way it did the first day I purchased it. Honda makes an excellent car!

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  Excellent MiniVan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By marsha - May 17 - 10:20 am

  We love our Odyssey! We previously had a Dodge and Chrysler minivan. They were okay, but did not handle and ride as nice as the Odyssey. Plus, the appearance is so much better! The only thing I miss from my old vans is the power rear hatch, but fortunately, the Odysseys door is much lighter.

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  Indy Oddysey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - May 17 - 5:53 am

  The vehicle has been a useful addition. It handles well and rides well over the potholed interstates.

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  Build them again Honda! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Go4it - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 1996. Have had NO trouble in eight years. Car runs great, handles great could use another 50 horses though to make it perfect.

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  Long-term Honda Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Dr..Planarian - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Mine is a 2000. I bought this car in March, 2000, and it now has 102,000 miles on it. Its been utterly reliable -- nothing has gone wrong. I have replaced the brake pads, tires, and windshield wiper blades only once, and the only problem it ever had is that the passenger side power door lock once failed ($130 repair). I have NEVER needed to replace a light bulb - the lack of vibration in this car makes everything last longer. Ive owned two BMWs, an S-Class Mercedes, two Volvos, an Alfa, and other nice cars, but the Honda Insight is, by a very wide margin, the BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED, period.

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  Awesome Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By asdasdf - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Runs, handles and performs super. Excellent build quality

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  Great car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By mikenyc - May 17 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 8 cyclinder 2000 grand cherokee in nyc and the gas price are 2.20 a galon. 60 dollars a week in fuel. i had a buy a cheap car that was good on gas. i checked out the web site and read about the civic hatch and heard great things about the car. i had to buy one. i bought a 93 hatch with 118k on it. I must say its a great lil car. i had to install a stero system soon as i got it. so far it runs great and its realible. i love honda.

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  Great car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Nick - May 16 - 9:52 am

  Best car Ive ever owned from an overall value standpoint. Went from a 10 Infiniti G35x to the Accord and actually preferred the Accord. No, its not exciting and could be called an appliance, but doing 25k+ a year, this car was perfect and price was great. Went with Sport in 13 because of exterior styling but would have preferred Sport appearance on an EX-L or Touring. This was fixed in 16.

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  Honda Accord - 10 years use. - 1991 Honda Accord
  By N. Solis - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My Accord now has 180000 miles on it. I like it very much and intend to replace it with another Accord or a Camry.

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  Almost too good to be true. - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Kevin Senecal - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough about this car. 167,000 miles and she runs like new! Follow the manual to a tee and shell last forever. I too am getting 30+ miles per gallon. Drawbacks: Slight rust below gas cap (thats with meticulous care), fuel filter is one hell of a project, replacing rotors is a nightmare.