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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  Darn good van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By paulbkirby - February 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used (Honda Certified) in 10/02. It had half the mileage of all the other Odysseys on the lot making me suspicious, but it was Certified so I figured we were safe. So far so good. We got it for several thousand under TMV and have been very happy with it to date. No mechanical problems. Electrical problem is only that the interior lights sometimes dont come on when the drivers door is opened. Annoying, but not a major issue.

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  Great Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By sharonw - February 14 - 2:00 am

  We love our Honda Minivan! We waited until the new Siennas to come out to make our purchasing decision, and we preferred the suspension on the honda. The Toyota was very nice, but we liked the honda better.

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  Hooked for Life! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By R. Wright - February 13 - 1:53 pm

  This is my fourth car and first Honda. I have always wanted one and I am definitely not disappointed! The gas mileage is great. I averaged 31.8 MPG after my first fill-up. One can not beat that for this type and size car! I can now see why Honda owners love their vehicles so much. Once you own one you will never want to go back!

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  Excellent commuter vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tespoonful - February 13 - 1:43 pm

  Owned it for last 2 years - no problems. Easy comfy ride for a commuter car. Very fuel-efficient.

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  Love my Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Mamalaw - February 13 - 12:26 pm

  This is my sixth Honda, and I love it. This is pure luxury without a pretentious nameplate, which I appreciate. Not for the big SUV crowd, but a powerful, surefooted, sporty, high end ride with great storage and packing capabilities, and lots of room for passengers. I dont even consider it a CUV; to me, its more of a sporty, five door that is both practical and great looking. I love the bigger tires and the 4WD capability for bad weather. Ive gotten lots of comments and questions, all positive. I am thoroughly enjoying this car, and will have it for many years.

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  New at owning a SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Alaura Love - February 13 - 6:11 am

  Downsizing from a full size 4 door sedan to a SUV was a decision not taken lightly. However, sitting up higher has its advantages. Now maybe I will not be looking at just the door or fender of those that like to pull all the way forward in the left lane at stop signals and block your view to the left of oncoming traffic. they have a clear view, but do not need it to turn left like you do when you are in the left lane and want to turn left. So far I am very satisfied with he purchase. However, the drivers seat could be more comfortable for big people on long rides. Also regarding dealers, this was a certified used vehicle, but the battery failed within 36 hours of delivery. The dealer replaced the battery, but condition should have been noted during inspection.

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  Love It - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Tyson Bowers - February 13 - 5:16 am

  I traded in my Honda insight to get something a little bigger and with AWD. Wanted to stick with Honda but didnt want a big SUV. Very happy with the purchase to this point!!

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  Still the ONE. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Matt Landers - February 13 - 3:50 am

  With 5,500 miles on this car in a little over 2 months. No complaints. Gas mileage for mixed driving is around 30 MPG. Not too bad. Exclusive HWY driving yields between 37-40 MPG. Even better. Overall a good car and thus far would recommend this model to a friend. Ill write back in a few months with more updates.

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  Great Car! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By cbrcrx - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I have only 90k miles. I have had no problems at all. The reason I gave it a 10 in every catagory is for the price and the catagory it is absolutly the best. I have had 8 different cars during the time I have had the Civic. I will always have a Civic (my 6th one). Almost eveyone of my friends have Civics. Two of them have over 200k with no problems! One just changed the first CV at 210k miles.

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  Watch out for the - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By monkeysmom4 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  We ordered this car with all the bells and whistles. Probably should have taken one off the lot...We are on our 2nd transmission (with problems as well) and the power doors have continually been a problem since year two. Navigation system needs updating through Honda, but I have to do all the work in obtaining a disc (whats up with that?) Have been told "off the record" that Honda made these so quickly that many have had similar problems. We loved our Accord back in the late 80s and thought Honda was a reliable name. I wont be buying another and am looking for its replacement!