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??? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bradly B - May 23 - 8:23 am

  I bought Honda based on reputation and its turning into a nightmare!!! Where to begin? Poor gas mileage, Brake shimmy and now new pads!!! Power doors closing, then opening, then closing again! Next time (in 2 years when lease is up), a Sienna!!!

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  Superb Car! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By RAZORMAN - May 23 - 4:20 am

  Im not sure why there are a lot of complaints about this car. Mine has been an extremely pleasureful car to drive. For a great price, you get a car with the superior Honda quality and technology, great acceleration (had it up to 130 with power to spare), comfortable and in a very attractive package. I looked at BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. This Accord was whole lot less money and gave all the features yet again, with the Honda reliability and quality. I love the car and Im very happy with the purchase.

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  Excellent Package - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dirtintegra7 - May 22 - 9:00 pm

  The car is very quick and responsive. I drive the car daily for work and have been getting 32.5 MPG since day one. The is not the fastest but definitely holds it own.

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  Outstanding car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By nk - May 22 - 5:18 pm

  I have had this for the past 13 years, and it had been the most reliable piece of equipment I ever owned. For a 4-cyl, it provides unbelievable acceleration and all the power options have been working well to date.

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  Best Car to buy! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By A - May 22 - 3:52 pm

  Ive owned many cars over the years. I am talking about Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes, Infinity, and of course Honda. I have a Honda Accord and even though the other cars that Ive owned have served me well- my honda is MY favorite. In 60, 000 miles I have only changed the rotors and brakes, and the oil. Not that I am negligent- just that the car asks for little attention- it does it all and well! I am hating the fact that later on in life I will have to change cars and not be able to buy a new 2000 Honda Accord- I wouldve loved to buy two- keep one in the garage until I need it. The new models look great but the one I have is the best car to buy.

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  GREAT SUV! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By FL3 - May 22 - 10:11 am

  This is the 4th CR-V Ive purchased ... they keep getting better and better! Drives more like a car than an SUV. VERY comfortable. Surprisingly agile. Im averaging 24mpg which isnt bad for a CR-V! I am VERY happy and will probably get another one next year!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed - May 22 - 9:50 am

  I was very disappointed when I purchased the new 2008 Accord after owning a 97 Honda Accord LX for 10 years (purchased new) with very few problems. I currently have about 3700 miles on my new car and have had numerous problems with it. The transmission whines in low gears, the headlights flicker while driving, the visor lights do not work, and gas mileage is on average about 25 (all my driving is on the highway). I cannot describe how disappointed I am with this new car. When taken to the dealer for service, they tell me most of the problems are normal. Normal? What happened to Honda quality? I should have purchased the Toyota Camry SE.

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  FM RADIO fades in and out constantly! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By B DUNN - May 22 - 9:25 am

  First off I was told Android auto would work with the 2016 Honda pilot which was not true and secondly the FM radio fades in and out constantly no matter what frequency that you have it on. Its no reception issue. Its not the speed value control. I have taking back to the dealer twice and they cant do anything until Honda Corporation figure it out?

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  great little - 1993 Honda Civic
  By jw - May 21 - 6:48 pm

  i bought this car in 2002 used with 87,000 miles on it. it now has 126,000. very few repairs. it is very reliable and well built. hondas are unbeatable on their ability to build practical, long term vehicles. love this car!

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  04 Pilot EXL - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob and Dee - May 21 - 9:35 am

  Have owned several used honda cars and all have been predictably reliable. We bought this Pilot new though and now after nearly 20 months and 21000 miles it is still completely problem free and a pleasure to drive. It has been thru 2 snowy Minn winters, easily pulls our 18 boat and entertains the kids with the DVD. This is the wifes truck and she loves the visibility, ride comfort and EXL features. She told me there is no way I could get her to drive (or even ride in) an Explorer or the GMC AWD Safari weve had in the past.