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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  Love my Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda lover - March 18 - 4:29 pm

  I cannot understand all the complaints about the Odyssey. I previously had 2 different Chrysler vans and this Odyssey beats anything I had with Chrysler. I have had not brake problems, no tire troubles, nothing. I am religious about oil changes and routine mileage servicing. I would buy another Odyssey in a minute! Drives like a dream!

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  Safety in a crash - 2006 Honda Accord
  By judy Sutter - March 18 - 4:14 pm

  I appreciated my 2006 Honda accord Ex 4 cyl. for its comfort and fuel economy-consistently 30 mpg- better on the highway, but the best part was when I was in a serious front end collision in which the front crumpled and absorbed the impact and the airbag did the rest-I was fine. I recommend the Honda accord! I now drive a 2007 of the same model.

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  My baby the Ex-C - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Mimi - March 18 - 3:34 pm

  This was my first car and I live in an urban area with lots of stop and go traffic. I only drive the Honda about 4 times/week. But this car stands the test of time. Anyone can fix it and it rarely breaks down. I feel safe and secure and I have saved thousands by keeping. I am tempted to buy a VW but my Honda Civic is a hard relationship to end.

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  Still Love This Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Shelly in W Michigan - March 17 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this car new in 2000, my first Honda after driving Fords. What a difference a brand can make. Honda dealerships have been great. Treat women like people, unlike Ford. Car is the best auto investment Ive ever made. 10 years later and 177.000 miles, it runs better than some of the used cars Ive just started test driving. Also being offered $4k for trade-in. Am now thinking about keeping car (rust and all) for another couple of years. Now gets ~25 mi/gallon. Only got ~20 mi/gallon for first few years. Not crazy about styling, but car is dependable. Had front end repaired a few months ago and muffler pipe replaced last year. Other than oil changes and tires, thats it.

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  Modern classic - 1995 Honda Accord
  By jim n - March 17 - 7:15 pm

  Bought my Honda in 2009 with 125K miles. For piece of mind I had the timing belt service done. No worries since. I get 30 mpg highway and its very comfortable. The styling on these cars still looks up to date and I`m surprised how many of these 15 year old cars I still see on the road. There is a fair amount of road noise and the AC is marginal. Overall if you get one that has been taken care of you can`t go wrong.

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  Insight after 5000 miles - 2010 Honda Insight
  By cd - March 17 - 4:30 pm

  The car does nothing to clue you in that you are driving a hybrid except shut down when you stop and return excellent mpg. I have gotten from 40 to 62 mpg on trips and of course the cold start, short trips get the lowest and the under 55 mph longer trips get the best. If you go 70 mph on the highway you will get better mpg with the econ mode off. As for the paddle shifters I have not made use of them except on a trip through the Great Smoky mountains. I would downshift to keep the car from running away on the long downward grades, otherwise I would have worn the brakes out because the regenerative braking was not working because the battery was charged to the max due to the downward grade.

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  Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - March 16 - 7:59 pm

  First Honda ever purchased. Best vehicle ever owned. Over 100,000 miles and never been back to dealer for any problem. Still has original brake pads. Will buy another one.

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  Excellent Investment - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bruce - March 16 - 11:52 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and I have not been disappointed at all. Other than just oil changes and tire rotation this vehicle has never let me down. I feel very safe with my family in this car. My wife takes coumadin that thins the blood and she bleeds very easily. I trust the safety of this car.

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  Good little used car, glad I found it - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By L in TN - March 15 - 9:13 pm

  This is a nice car the money. Purchased it used and the very next day drove it to Smokey Mountains in TN. It is a 4 cyl but it held its own on the highway. Paid cash and enjoy carefree ownership. No sputtering, no slow start-ups even in the unusually cold winter, no trouble in the snow. Very good value. Nice for going to Sams, easy to load. Will be getting tinted this week, plan to keep this car for a while.

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  Good car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BELLA275 - March 15 - 8:31 pm

  This is my first Accord, after trading in a Civic. I actually love the car, despite the reviews. I have to admit, I had my rear brakes replaced. My car was making a weird noise and when i took it to the dealer, I was told that the brakes have sensors. The dealer did not charge me a penny. I guess because they know that there is a brake problem. They told me that models 2008-2010 get free rear brakes for three years. So to those who own this car, make sure you are offered the same deal.