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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  No more Honda loyalty. - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Czar - January 8 - 2:00 am

  There was a recall on the engine but I caught it before the recall. Messy. Jammed door lock because of bad actuator (250.00). Front driver window worn out and jammed (250.00). The 1st recall I got was about the electrical wire harness. Also caught it before the recall. Sigh. Two months ago, the engine leaked oil (400.00). The gasket needed to be replaced. I needed to pay first for the two recalls but reimbursed later. Hassle. The 2nd recall fiasco cost 800.00 because the timing belt was damaged ...

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1996 Honda Accord
  By mustangkrs - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have had the car almost two years now, bought it to replace the one my girlfriend totalled. I love it. I even convinced my mom to buy a new one. No problems, drives great, always reliable.

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  A great car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Gregg - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  My wife and I just purchased our Civic DX-VP yesterday. I had looked at a Toyota Yaris as my commuter car, but was able to buy the Civic for just $25/month more than the subcompact Yaris (comparing 60 month loans), and the Civic is a MUCH better car. The DX-VP does not have power locks, but it does have air conditioning and a good sound system, as well as power windows. This car is all Honda. Great styling, great engine, great historic reliability for the Civic sedans. I expect to be driving this car 15 years from now.

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  Over all a good car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By 700312 - January 7 - 10:43 am

  First, going from a V6 to a 4 cyl engine is a huge adjustment. The blue back lit display is very easy to read. Nice large display. My biggest complaint is that the engine does not like to accelerate. Especially from a stop. Once it gets going it is ok. I recently moved and being able to fold down the back seats flat helped a lot in moving. Given the attention to safety that Honda gives, it is too bad that the ABS, traction control, and stability control are not standard features. The steering wheel does not telescope so I am having to reach and there is no center console. I have been doing mostly city driving in heavy traffic so the gas mileage is not what it was advertised to be.

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  2nd civic Ive bought - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Joanne - January 7 - 5:13 am

  The one complaint I have is the passenger seat is too low! Feels like the passenger is sitting in a hole. Bought a cushion to help a bit. The Sirius antennae cover on the roof is too large--looks like a shark fin! I do like the car and safety features. Expensive car tho!

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By quickkaw - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Had my Prelude for over 5 years with 55000 and then totaled it by hitting a guy that ran a red light. Crashed very well at 40 miles per hour, both bags deployed. This car holds its value well! Only problem I had was an emissions sensor LED go off and the dealership could not find any problems. (Cost 88 dollars for them to tell me nothing was wrong!)Looking at cars and I might get another one!

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  Indestructible - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Joshua Herod - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Accord is the most reliable, indestructible vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive been through 3 moderately serious accidents, and yet it continues to run like the day I first got it. With over 261K miles on the original engine, its hard to deny the fact that Hondas are one of the most reliable vehicles out there. Even with the high miles, the engine still has really good power for a four- cylinder. I have an automatic, and its geared exceptionally well.

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  sporty wagon reliable - 1991 Honda Accord
  By byrofree - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car for price, mine has over 180000 miles and the engine and transmission are strong. Installed cold air filter helped increase top end power. Regular maintenance-and worn parts, but car overall is strong and reliable. ALWAYS replace main relay switch as these go bad in hot humid weather.

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  transmission troubles - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaham - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this van for almost 3 years nad have had the transmission replaced two times (under warranty both times). I have been dissapointed in the engine quality for a Honda, other than that super vehicle.

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  A good car, except - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Cyrus Griffin - January 6 - 11:23 am

  Honda has always built good cars. And this Accord is no different. Except the mileage rating on the hybrid accord is way out of balance with the actual. The best I have been able to attain, with careful driving, is 7 to 10 miles per gallon less than advertised. For a major car manufacturer of hybrids this is very bad.