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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  Minivan of Choice - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr_Mondoman - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this van for a little more than a month, and so far, it has been perfect in every way. My only complaint is that it goes through a 20 gallon tank of gas pretty quick. Not as good MPG as boosted, but heck, I am still breaking it in also. Seating for seven is very comforatable, easy to drive and great to look at.

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  Enjoy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SK - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought new for $8900, year end-sale. Commuter-car. No problems at 15K. I dont understand the complaints about the paint, Hondas seem to have the best paint appearance in the business. Head room at 6 is tight, rear view in the coupe is tough. The exterior design of the coupe makes this car one of the best looking vehicles on the road. Does seem to have slightly soft suspension(not for slaloms). 39 MPG (mainly highway. Surprisingly large trunk space, and rear seats are reasonably comfortable for 2 people.

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  First Honda....Not the Last! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dspears - October 13 - 12:36 am

  Just traded a 2006 Jetta Diesel for this beauty. What a great car. I am especially glad now that diesel is over 4.00 here. I saw an earlier post that trashed the transmission....mine is flawless. Smooth shifting...I was really surprised by the low rpms at 62 mph, around 2000. I am 6, and this car is super comfortable. Gas mileage is a little less than the jetta, but it will more that even out with the price difference. Combined first tank mpg was 36. I have a 07 yukon xl, and an 06 2500 chev duramax, this is by far my favorite to drive. Huge trunk, nice stereo, I really love this car.

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  Never Again - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dhbl - October 12 - 11:43 pm

  I thought that this would be a reliable car that gets good gas mileage. All I can say is never again will I buy a Honda. I have had transmission problems, some covered by warranty others not. The fuel economy is not great, 22mpg. I can get better mileage from my other larger sedan that I own. Basicaly it has been very disapointing

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  The Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Mountain Man - October 12 - 8:07 pm

  I have personally owned two Hondas (my family has owned many more) and this overall was a good car while I was going to college. It was recently totaled, and as I looked to buy another Honda I was disillusioned with how much people are asking for their used Hondas. Give me a break! They are good cars, but not gold bricks on wheels! I had some problems with my car, so they are not impervious to damage and are not maitenance free. I think too much of a mystique has been built around Honda reliability to the point of being ridiculous! This is evidenced in how much people were asking for their Hondas with obvious blemishes. I ended up buying a luxury car for less.

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  The "find" of the year! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By #4sGirl - October 12 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this car with 32k miles on it from a man whose late wife quite literally only drove it to church, the grocery store and Wal-Mart. Its in fabulous condition for being 9 years old. The only trouble Ive had from it are some occasional noises Im not used to - Ive never had a 4c before. Im loving the low-mileage (I sold my 99 Pathfinder w/ 93k mi to get this car) and the high gas mileage... I plan to drive it for many years to come.

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  Love my Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Jake - October 12 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had my Civic for 8 years now, and I love it - I even bought my wife an Accord after such a great experience with Honda so far. It feels very stable on the highway, but is manueverable and fun when you downshift and take it around curvy country roads. Great long trip car - Ive had it get 40 mpg before on a flat highway, no A/C on, going through a whole tank of gas at a time. Otherwise, it averages about 32-34 mpg in normal commuting. Great car, great company - my next car will have 4 doors though - I didnt really care at the time (college) but now I need em (baby).

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  Brake problems anyone...? - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bigfoot - October 12 - 3:59 pm

  Bought this car new in 2001 and have 117K miles on it. Overall have been very happy with performance and reliability. Only scheduled maintenance (110K is a killer - $900) and replacement of window motor, but expected that based on previous Honda experience. However, this vehicle has recurring problems with rotor warping/brake vibration and I was wonering of other owners have had similar experiences. Have had it back to Honda several times for in warranty and out of warranty fixes, but problem persists. Would like to know if this is a recurring theme as I am considering the purchase of an 05 Accord.

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  Wonderful Truck that drives like a Car or SUV - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stacey - October 12 - 11:21 am

  This truck has very clever design. The interior is posh, appointed like a higher end SUV - the exterior is very attractive but the storage/cargo features are what sells the vehicle. There is a lockable "trunk" hidden in the truck bed. There is a drain hole so you could fill it with ice and beverages for tailgating, etc. The bed is 4 wide so it can accommodate a 4x8 sheet of ply or drywall. I havent attempted that yet but the bed is flat (no wheel wells) so I believe it. There are also several tie-downs located inside the bed. The back seat can be pulled upward and latched creating a large cargo area there. Stuff can be stowed under the back seat while it is down also. I love the storage area between the two front seats. It is very large and can fit a small to medium purse. The truck drives like an SUV or even a car. Very quiet and easy to drive. Very nice vehicle. Reliability and other aspects of longer term vehicle ownership are yet to be determined so I rated them a 4.

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  The Si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By ip120 - October 12 - 9:53 am

  Never have any mechanical problems with any of my hondas, and my si is no exeption. Great car and fun to drive.