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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  2010 Odyssey-Ownership log - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By car lover - January 8 - 6:09 am

  Dealers are good. We bought the car in an emergency. We saw an EX-L RES but we wanted nav, so the dealer swapped it out in an hour for an EX-L RES NAV. Our car is Ocean Mist Metallic. No major parts have been replaced. We also have a 2008 Odyssey Touring (Mocha Metallic) and a 2012 Camry SE (Attitude Black). The car was bought new on December 23, 2010.

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  I Love This Car! 2007 4dr EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By I Love This Car! - January 8 - 3:23 am

  I traded in my 2000 Civic Ex 2dr manual for this one. I love the look, drive, gas mileage and how dependable it is. In the last 7 years that I owned my last one, all I did was routine maintainance and it ran great, no problems. I know this will do the same if not better, why go anywhere else. Plus the resale value. I sold my last one for $7k and it had over 100k miles on it. If youre looking for a fun dependable car that gets great gas mileage and wont break down then buy this one!

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  My Honda S-2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By no neck - January 8 - 2:00 am

  My Honda 2003 S-2000 is exciting and fun to drive. Everytime I get into it it feels like Im driving a brand new vehicle. I get excited every time I go out on the road with it. Everyone looks at it no matter where Im at.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1996 Honda Accord
  By mustangkrs - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have had the car almost two years now, bought it to replace the one my girlfriend totalled. I love it. I even convinced my mom to buy a new one. No problems, drives great, always reliable.

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  A great car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Gregg - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  My wife and I just purchased our Civic DX-VP yesterday. I had looked at a Toyota Yaris as my commuter car, but was able to buy the Civic for just $25/month more than the subcompact Yaris (comparing 60 month loans), and the Civic is a MUCH better car. The DX-VP does not have power locks, but it does have air conditioning and a good sound system, as well as power windows. This car is all Honda. Great styling, great engine, great historic reliability for the Civic sedans. I expect to be driving this car 15 years from now.

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  Over all a good car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By 700312 - January 7 - 10:43 am

  First, going from a V6 to a 4 cyl engine is a huge adjustment. The blue back lit display is very easy to read. Nice large display. My biggest complaint is that the engine does not like to accelerate. Especially from a stop. Once it gets going it is ok. I recently moved and being able to fold down the back seats flat helped a lot in moving. Given the attention to safety that Honda gives, it is too bad that the ABS, traction control, and stability control are not standard features. The steering wheel does not telescope so I am having to reach and there is no center console. I have been doing mostly city driving in heavy traffic so the gas mileage is not what it was advertised to be.

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  2nd civic Ive bought - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Joanne - January 7 - 5:13 am

  The one complaint I have is the passenger seat is too low! Feels like the passenger is sitting in a hole. Bought a cushion to help a bit. The Sirius antennae cover on the roof is too large--looks like a shark fin! I do like the car and safety features. Expensive car tho!

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By quickkaw - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Had my Prelude for over 5 years with 55000 and then totaled it by hitting a guy that ran a red light. Crashed very well at 40 miles per hour, both bags deployed. This car holds its value well! Only problem I had was an emissions sensor LED go off and the dealership could not find any problems. (Cost 88 dollars for them to tell me nothing was wrong!)Looking at cars and I might get another one!

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  sporty wagon reliable - 1991 Honda Accord
  By byrofree - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car for price, mine has over 180000 miles and the engine and transmission are strong. Installed cold air filter helped increase top end power. Regular maintenance-and worn parts, but car overall is strong and reliable. ALWAYS replace main relay switch as these go bad in hot humid weather.

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  Cant get any better - 2014 Honda Accord
  By John Nazzal - January 6 - 6:29 am

  The Car is new garaged all the time and still smells fresh like new