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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  6 speed M fun to drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Johan Knaven - March 28 - 6:13 am

  Comfortable, turbo w stick has lots of get up and go. Entertainment system ill thought out...could use a few hard buttons and knobs.

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  VERY NICE - 2003 Honda Element
  By HYELIFE - March 28 - 2:00 am

  VERY NICE,NEAT, AND FUN CAR.

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  2000 Civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By SharkSoup - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Has been good vehicle, fairly reliable. Major complaint is lack of power. 1993 Escort we owned before this had more power pulling up a hill; typically with the Civic, have to downshift.

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  Good but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By eva - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Oddysey ,but after 30000 miles I have started to have problems with transmission. At dealership I have been told that maintenance should fix a problem, which really helped for another 9000 miles.I believe that transmission is the only problem (2001 model). Otherwise this minivan is perfect.

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  Good but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Eva - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Oddysey ,but after 30000 miles I have started to have problems with transmission. At dealership I have been told that maintenance should fix a problem, which really helped for another 9000 miles.I believe that transmission is the only problem (2001 model). Otherwise this minivan is perfect.

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  Where is the reliability? - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Low Budget Dave - March 27 - 6:36 pm

  I spent the extra money on a Honda because my friends told me the Chrysler was unreliable. But the Hondas check engine light came on after 20 miles, and is still on. The dealer can turn it off for me, if I drive the 20 miles back to the dealer. The road noise is worse than my 4Runner, the seats are less comfortable, there are fewer features, and the VCM feature stopped working when the engine light came on. I want my 4Runner back.

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  Not what I expected - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Tomba62 - March 27 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Honda Odyssey as a certified used car and thank GOD it came with an extended warranty. I have been experiencing various transmission issues. When taken to the dealer they claim not to be able to find any issue. This week as I was on my way to work the car popped out of gear, the engine revved wildly, the check engine light and traction control lights came on and stayed on. Took it to the dealer and at 64957 miles the transmission is dead. Chrysler took a beating over transmission failures on their minivans. Its time Honda acknowledges that this design has some serious issues. I used to consider myself a loyal Honda owner. No MORE.

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  2004 Honda Odyssey transmission-beware - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By 71chall340 - March 26 - 6:52 pm

  The vehicle is one of the best driving vans I have owned. The van has been reliable (other than rear vent window motors) for 85,000 mi. until my transmission had to be replaced. I previously serviced my transmission at the dealer ship with fluid changes. I was lucky to have purchased an extended 5 yr/100,000mi warranty. The early 2004 model year had a recall for this same problem in which my car didnt fall under. I feel Honda should compensate those out of warranty because this problem goes beyond the recall time period.

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  One of the best cars ever built - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Dale - March 26 - 4:03 pm

  I believe Honda Accords are one of the best cars ever made dollar for dollar. If you have a job where you drive a lot as I do, I would HIGHLY recommend a Honda Accord. Keep the oil changed and drive them reasonably, and they will go for a very very long time.

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  Problems with navigation system - 2008 Honda Accord
  By megan4 - March 26 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car because of the reviews. I had a problem with the navigation from the first week. It freezes and will will back out "dial- in" options, not very handy when you are lost. I need to shut off the car to get it to correct itself.