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:

• 

  Feel bad when bought , no regret now - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Sarar - October 6 - 11:53 am

  Bought in Sep 1999, manual has 85K and in 6 years put 100K on it. Still running great. Wish to drive another 70K and make it 250,000 even without working on clutch work.

• 

  Fun little truck - 2004 Honda Element
  By rainEdriver - October 6 - 2:21 am

  Im a cheap-skate. I wanted a small, thrifty truck, but it seems nobody makes em anymore...so I went with Hondas Element. This thing is a hoot to drive. Im no racer, so maybe I dont expect too much but I find this little box hustles. Id have been happy with less given ever-rising gas prices, I want even more than the about 29 mpg its averaged over the first 15,000 miles. I leave my back seats in the garage, and treat it as a 2-seater. No, you cant hose it out, but otherwise it is extremely durable and versatile for light hauling, camping or grocery-getting.

• 

  Car stalls and doesnt crank - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Rich - October 6 - 1:37 am

  I wouldnt recommend buying the 2014 Honda Accord. It has a major safety issue and it isnt reliable. Ive called AAA several times for a jumpstart. The dealer says there isnt a problem with the car but they are WRONG!. I bought the car new and emergency jumper cables were included with the purchase. Hmm, I wonder why?

• 

  Another great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By highdraw - October 5 - 9:10 pm

  Really happy with my new EX-L Accord. Great build quality as in my 02 and 07. I drive a lot of miles and really appreciate the quality feel of the Accord interior.

• 

  Honda van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ozdoggie - October 5 - 4:43 pm

  This van is great: large, comfortable and reliable. Better gas mileage than the small Dodge Caravan I owned. Easy to handle and amazing to park for a big vehicle.

• 

  The Very Best I Could Find for the Money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By John - October 5 - 2:43 am

  Had to decide whether to purchase the Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl or the Hyundai Azera. I picked the Honda since it is a proven product over time. It is an outstanding ride even for someone 61". The ride is superb in every respect. Try it out and youll find it hard to say no to the purchase.

• 

  Id buy it again - 2004 Honda Element
  By Serine Gann - October 5 - 1:46 am

  Love it....very reliable

• 

  The first car Ive ever loved - 2016 Honda Civic
  By KSK - October 4 - 10:44 pm

  The first car Ive ever loved! This is a fantastic car for the money. Looks and feels so much more expensive than it is. Its beautiful inside and out. Mine is cosmic blue which I think gives it a really rich look. I love the center console design, its very comfortable and has a ton of room for storage. The interior looks and feels of high quality which was unexpected for a car in this price range . The turbo is a really nice feature. Believe me when I say that when you step on the gas this car really goes. I have no doubt Im going to get my first speeding ticket in this car. Its super fun to drive. Excellent safety features and the technology is great. Ive had no problems with it so far and Im at 1600 miles. Great on gas too. I cant say enough good things about this civic. I have a feeling that this is the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship!

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Alex - October 4 - 9:51 pm

  This is my second Honda Odyssey, and I think they are fantastic vehicles safe, reliable, versatile, efficient, comfortable - one of the best all- around vehicles on the road. And you can NEVER go wrong with a fun-to-drive Honda engine.

• 

  Honda drops the ball - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Shari - October 4 - 9:10 pm

  Bought this second hand, didnt even know about gray market or what it means. Now we certainly do. Transmission is out at 56,000 miles. Honda America and Honda Canada wont help. Door stops sometimes for no reason. Lots of road noise, brake drums are faulty. This is my first and most likely my last Honda. They were rated so good but now I wonder how long it will really last for us.