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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  Overated Honda Quality - 2006 Honda Accord
  By DrYzf600 - February 4 - 10:13 am

  The car is basically a good car. It is the quality and dealer experience that ruins it. I bought it with 6 miles on the odo and it died on me when I was driving it,no power, nothing.A few mins. later it would restart. It was in for repair twice in the first 2 weeks. It was a bad engine computer like I told them to check the first time.But Im not a "mechanic", so what do I know? Now the paint on the bottom window trim is curling back and I have a bulge in the A pillar airbag cover/trim piece. Also I have an electrical problem that they say is "normal" the headlights dim and the idle gets rough and the hvac fan surges. I say bad alternator, they say it just cant keep up and that its normal.

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  Reliability - 2017 Honda Accord
  By William Abiuso - February 4 - 3:23 am

  Very good car reliable. Comfortable and has all the features I needed

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  Well satisfied - 2004 Honda Insight
  By KatMcCulloch - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I drive the L.A. freeways daily, at 65 to 80 MPH [when the traffic will allow] so I get about 50 MPG. I combed the web for info and I got what I expected. I have had a 52 Chevy, 65 VW Bug, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. This is the only car that makes me smile when I see it and drive it. Thanks Honda.

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  Still The best - 1999 Honda Accord
  By calceste - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Honda since 1986, The Accord have been the most complete trouble free car I ever had. I purchased from original owner with 40K miles, only have put a new set of tires, drives great, super safe handling, impressive response on acceleration for a 4 cilinder, daily driving is very confortable and its simplistic with contemporary stily makes this one one of the best car on the road for the value.

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  The Best Car We Have Ever Owned!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Carlh - February 3 - 11:00 am

  The Best Dang Car we ever owned. We used to have a Infiniti Q45...Big V-8, fun to drop the pedal to the metal...14 miles to a gallon. When gas went to $3 per gallon, we just couldnt support the foreign oil magnates any longer. The Honda CIVIC LX 1.7 gets 39 miles per gallon!!! Yahoo!!!

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  Cr-v - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Doug Fisher - February 3 - 8:31 am

  Pretty good

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  Great Car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By phil9164 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Accord since Dec 1993 with only 2 miles on it when I bought it. It is a very reliable car with superb fuel economy. I like that it has 6 speakers.

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  ELEMENTARY - 2003 Honda Element
  By vincesport - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Honda Element is the "Y" package model. I get about 22 miles to the Canadian(Imperial)gallon in the city. I am also disappointed that there is only one intermittent speed selection for the windshied wiper. The windshield washer is weak and aims too low to be effective while driving at speeds in excess of 30 mph. The ride is a bit rocky. The drivers arm rest is located much too low and is rendered pretty useless. The internal heaters and blowers are excellently impressive, provide plenty of heat at a very relatively quick response after starting in sub-zero weather of -30degrees. The Air conditioning is also very good (in the summer).

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  Hit and Miss - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Greg Murphy - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My first Honda was a 1986 Accord Sedan LX that I purchased new and got 197,000 miles of wonderful service from. My 2001 Honda Odyssey LX (that I also purchased new) has been both dissapointing and frustrating. Although gently used, the van gets about 11-14 mpg in the city and anywhere from 17-21 mpg on the highway, Ive had transmission problems, body side moldings have fallen off, and the van now rattles like a garbage can. The worst part of it is that Honda couldnt care less! Never again!

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  From Jaguar to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Smitty - February 2 - 3:16 am

  Turned in my leased Jaguar early to get my new SE CRV and love it!!! I drive a lot more miles now and the comfort and fun in driving the CRV is great. Easy to get in and out, great hauling space, beautiful interior (I had the wood grain added) with the leather seats and all of the compartments--its wonderful! With a lot of interstate driving it can move along with the best of them--a lot of zip!