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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  Civic EX - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Larry Dawson jr - January 11 - 2:00 am

  zero problems through the 137000

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  1998 Honda Civic 4D LX - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Sublime22786 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Worthless cup holders, excellent for refab. parts and racing equipment.

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  Unhappy Honda Owner - 1999 Honda Accord
  By hobbes_esq - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have driven it 63000 miles and I hate the car. The seat is uncomfortable and the emergency brake jabs into my leg. The cabin is noisy and you feel every bump in the road. The accelleration is slow. The car gets only 24mpg hwy. The ignition has been replaced twice. The car stalls nearly everytime I start it and the dealer cant fix it. The visor broke so it slides freely when I brake hard or turn. The cupholder is too large and un-adjustable. The power windows jam. I have owned an Escort, a Sentra, a Protege and a Regal, and each of them was better than this Accord.

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  Actally a 2003 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gester - January 10 - 10:30 pm

  Overalll an excellent, dependable, well built machine. I dont ever get the advertised MPG (I never get better than 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG highway. I feel very safe in it and find it to be more reliable than anyother car Ive owned. Pepole are amazed at how much "stuff" I can pack in the cargo area.

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  I have returned to Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ex toyota driver - January 10 - 2:53 pm

  I drove Honda back in the early nineties and thought I would not return. The design until 2008 I though was just ugly. When I saw this at the auto show, I desided to consider it again. Shopped it heavy, and this is just the best value. I commute alot, so interior is important to me, and its leather is does not seem cheap (like others in this price bracket) and comfort is top notch. I got the EX 4 cyl. for I live in so cal, and the 6 is not necessary sitting in traffic : ). Decent accel, huge back seat for my kids baby seats/ large friends. Read reviews about loud engine sound... mine is quiet. Feels like a luxury car but for about 10 grand less (why buy Acura?), will not go back Toyota

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  Heater will not heat the floor. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By MMartin - January 10 - 4:59 am

  I have tried to put the heat controls pointing to just the floor and due to the small openings there is not enough heat to keep the floor warm. Just took a trip to Chicago and had cold feet all the way. I took the vehicle back to the dealer and was told it works just like the other 2017 units and that was how it works. Definitely not impressed with the outcome of the dealer visit. My 2003 Jeep Wrangler has a better heater than this new 2017 Honda Ridgeline RTS

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  My beloved Honda - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Mario94 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Serves duty as a commuter and a autocross and road race car (not to be confused with motocross or street racing, respectively!). Spot on reliable.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Klem - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Body integrity has been poor. Rattles in doors and wind noise at 60-70 mph is excessive. Would not buy another.

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  Great looks, quality and budget friendly too! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By 350zguy - January 9 - 8:17 am

  Bought my 2013 Accord Sport a few months ago, and have almost 6000 miles on it. The car handles really well, and averages about 27 mpg in town and about 35 mpg on the hwy. This Accord looks great - all black, and good fit and finish. The suspension, handling and brakes are perfect for my driving tastes. The dealer experience was super, too - I traded in my 2012 Civic EX with only 25k miles (it had been a huge disappointment).

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  Waited 2 years for this car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By judi - January 9 - 8:16 am

  I finally found the car of my dreams, or so I thought. Not exactly. I still havent quite figured out how to use the paddles and when I do, the car seems to buckle and surge. One major problem, which I did not think of, the front of the Sport is very, very low. I live in the Northeast region. If we get a lot of snow in the winter, I will have to get out and shovel the car snow in order to move forward.