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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  Honda Reliability - 2003 Honda Accord
  By NorthDallasTexas - March 17 - 9:16 am

  03 Honda Accord EX Sedan 4cyl with auto and NAV. Great design, GREAT interior comfort! Room for 5 midsize adults. 23-28.5 mpg city 31.2-35.0 mpg highway What other sedan of this size can compete? I love the Navigation, VERY easy to use. Ambient lighting is neat. 6 cd changer is good, steering wheel controls GREAT for people who use to take there eyes off the road (like me) at 72,000 miles starting to "putt putt" a little. Im 6 foot 1 and hit my knees under the steering column everytime I get out! I dont feel that the brakes, braking system and ABS system work as good as they can. Feels like youre stopping a Suburban, not a midsize sedan.

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  A great all around car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By jusa - March 17 - 2:00 am

  3/17/03 - submitted We acquired our 1992 Honda Accord LX for 7K $ with 83K mi. in clean condition about 6 years ago. We have spent about 3K $ on service and repairs for it the current mileage is 156K mi. The Accord has proven to be a very pleasant car to ride in. Most of our driving has been around town and short trips. As a result of our good experience with our Accord, we plan to buy another. We hope that Honda is listening.

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  What a car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By tbrail - March 16 - 11:13 pm

  Ive had my Rally Red EX Trubo sedan for a little over three months. We just took it on a 2500 mile trip across several states. As a result, I have to write something in praise of this car. Ive owned Civics in the past, and this car is nothing like them. It is much roomier. It is quieter. It is smoother. It is more comfortable. It is much quicker. And the economy is incredible. I specifically wanted the turbo as in the past Honda has tried to compensate for under-powered cars by using the transmission to downshift. But now, the turbo kicks in when you need it. I set the cruise for 75 mph and we pulled long steep mountain passes (6%+ grade) without breaking a sweat (didnt have to turn off the air conditioner, didnt have to downshift, just a slight increase in rpms). All the while averaging over 45 mpg for the entire 2500 miles (one tank was 49 mpg - but we had a tailwind). The climate control was flawless keeping us completely comfortable at high mountain altitudes down to high temperature plains. The only word I can use to describe this trip in this car is AMAZING!! And I dont write many reviews of anything, but I thought people ought to know that Honda has knocked it completely out of the park with this car. Ive driven other competitors to this car as rental cars, and while I have enjoyed them and found them very nice (GM, Ford, Nissan), this little Honda is the total package. The only place they missed was badging it as a turbo, and putting chrome tips on the dual exhaust out the bumper in the back. I have always been impressed by the reliability of the Hondas I have owned and I expect no less from this beauty. You can buy or lease this car with total confidence and you are going to have a great ride with outstanding economy at a very attractive price. Dont hesitate!

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  Close to Perfect! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mark - March 16 - 7:40 am

  I have been driving since 1964 in the US and overseas. My family and I have owned scores of cars including a a MGA, two Jaguars, a Landrover, 3 VW Beetles, a Datsun 210 sedan, a Mercedes 200, a Mustang GT, a BMW 518, 2 VW Jettas, a Cadillac Seville, 2 Toyota Corollas, 5 Chevrolets, a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and others. I enjoyed and liked most of my cars very much. If I had to say which of the cars that I have owned is my all time favorite, my Honda Accord EX sedan/auto/leather is on the short list.

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  The VTEC Prelude is a keeper. - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By crxbrett - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 93 Prelude VTEC 4 years ago. Was hands down, the best car Ive had. Acceleration was Excellent (0-60 in about 6.8 seconds), handling and cornering had to be tops in its class, quality was very high, gas mileage was so-so (but its not an econo-car anyways), and reliability was fantastic. In my opinion the Prelude is the cream of the crop in the import-sc (sport coupe) class (Eclipse/240 SX/MX- 6/Prelude/Celica). Its aggressive styling still looks great today. Honda needs to bring back a sport coupe soon. The car is popular with thieves here in LA, so garage it if you can.

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  Great vehicle for a family - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim c. - March 15 - 5:24 pm

  Only comes from wheel Drive and there are blind spots

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  Love it!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sportsgal - March 15 - 9:36 am

  Bought this car because I wanted something sporty but with a useable hatchback/cargo area. Gotta tell you for a small car, the cargo area is surprisingly large. Love the midrange acceleration and the way the car hugs the curves. Friends are impressed with the sporty appearance--havent gotten one comment about the mini minivan look. Would buy this car again in a heart beat!!

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  1997 honda crv still going strong - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By flygirljill - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Drives well, especially in rain and snow. AWD makes very stable & smooth. In 7 years only had recommended maintenance & front power source (cig lighter) fixed. 76000 miles and taking on long trip next month with no worries. Good on gas. Plenty of power. Honda knows how to get more hp on a 4cyl than anyone. Lots of nice features. Rear seats fold flat. Stereo is great. Seats are comfy. Great visibility. I have no reason to want to trade it in yet. Looks great, drives great.

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  I like it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Honda Hybrid - March 14 - 11:10 pm

  This little car is fun to drive, even when trying to maximize gas mileage. You can easily get 40 MPG if you drive with a little skill and control. If you drive the way the government does when testing gas mileage (50 miles per hour on a flat road with no wind) you can get 50 MPG.

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  Personal - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill Pope - March 14 - 8:16 pm

  I shopped extensively before buying this vehicle. I decided on the Ridgeline because of Hondas reputation for quality and its practicality. It doesnt handle the way most trucks do. Its about the same length as a single cab pickup so parking lots are easy! The truck hasnt developed any rattles and the road noise in muted, umlike my first Honda, the Pilot. I kept that Honda two months before trading it for a Chevrolet truck. I am so much happier with this truck than the Pilot. The seats will make you feel like driving for hours. The navigation ,satellite radio are wonderful, though I found myself in front of a residential home rather than a pancake house in San Antonio.