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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  1993 Honda Civic Si - 1993 Honda Civic
  By HansC - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Hi, This is a great car. If in good condition it would be a great bet as a used car. I did have a problem with the distributor bearing. The car needed a new distributor . Other than that it has been a classic Civic with all the reliability.

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Civic
  By R.Bostic - March 3 - 8:23 pm

  My parents helped me with this car for a graduation present and I love it. Its fun to drive, great on gas and is very stylish inside. Ive gotten nothing but compliments on it and I love it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a reliable coupe.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey is awesome - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jacknlisa7 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  After test driving a Toyota Sienna and intending to buy it the next day, we decided to see and quickly eliminate a 2005 Odyssey from our options. Lucky for us we decided to have a quick look because it fit our needs much better and even came with a price tag of nearly $5,000 less than its rival. The Honda engine in the EX-L is extremely clean burning and fuel efficient. While the Sienna is a nice vehicle, the Odyssey gives owners much more bang for their buck.

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  Grrrreat! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mb7756 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! Onlly gripes: Too much body lean during cornering, RPMs too high at 70 mph (5-speed - @ 3500 RPM).

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  Best All-Around - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tony in WV - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a car that offers a winning - perhaps unbeatable - combination of value, refinement, reliability, style, fuel economy (just got 30.8 mpg on my second tankful) and overall satifaction. Honda continues to be relentlessly competent in its production of this model. What else would one expect from a perennial class leader?

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  Great Car/ Fun to Drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By debhep - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our EX-L the last day in August, and received a good price of $21500. My husband is a large man and he loves to drive this car, he says that even the back seat is very roomy & comfortable. I enjoy the sportiness,luxury, remote window down function on the key, which I really like on hot days. This car is fun to drive we have been on two vacations since purchasing the EX-L and the ride is great.

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  2004 HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By betrad1950 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  It is a excellent car it rides well gets good gas mileage app 34mpg on trip to florida last winter good sound system has xm radio which is good on trips good air handles well climate control works nice have not had to take back to dealer for any problems very nice car

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  I love to drive this car!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Don S. - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car last weekend and havent regreted buying it. I was impressed by the acceleration in the V6. Gas mileage is good for a V6. All the climate controls and radio buttons and knobs are within easy reach. Its obvious that the person who rated this car 3.3 works for a competitor, because this car doesnt deserve 3.3. Thank you Honda for continuing to build great cars.

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  A lotta bang for the buck. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By William - March 3 - 3:33 am

  Ive had my new EX V6 Navi for about 3 weeks and its doing okay. My previous car was an IS 300 so this is a big difference in sizing and quality. I knew that there would be a new model in 2008 so I decided to save a lil cash on the highest model available now. Im very happy with my purchase. Cant go wrong with this car. It has every single option available. Comfortable for long trips or during the daily grind on the LA freeways. What? No memory seats? Awww man...

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  Great SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmy Damron - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had several Hondas. I love this 2016 as well, very reliable.