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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  Looks Great After 9 Years - 1994 Honda Accord
  By EDR - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Runs like new. Still sporty appearance with spoiler. Only had to have had into service for couple of repairs. Lost over $600 on extended service warranty after 7 years.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Matt - August 1 - 2:36 pm

  After months of test drives and research, the Civic is far and away better than anything else in this segment. As a commuter car, nothing beats the Civic. I dont know why some people complain about ride quality on the highway. I had to push it to 90 mph until it got a little choppy. Its got to be one of the safest cars on the road with dual airbags and side curtain airbags. The little extras like the oil change percentage, outside temp. gauge, adjustable armrest are what puts this car into a league of its own!

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  08 EX oil burner - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Art Gopfert - August 1 - 10:40 am

  Bought this in 9/08 and was in the shop constantly. My biggest concern was the oil usage, one qt every 1500 miles. Hondas official response after monitoring its consumption for 3 mo. was "as long as it didnt burn one qt every 1000 miles, it was normal". Thats their official response, and that was not coming from the dealer, that was HONDA. Other concerns: one burned out cat converter, (daaa wonder why), 4 tires replaced due to vibration at hwy speeds, never did solve the vibration. 2nd gear syncros not messing without a grind and missed shift. (no it was not my shifting expertise, Honda) I was told by Honda that the oil burning would go away, maybe. Ya, right! I sold this gem 3 mo ago.

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  The Cruck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve - August 1 - 7:20 am

  I have owned my Ridgeline for about a month and bought it to take the place of my Prelude and my Ranger...neither of which had a back seat (for all practical purposes) for our new baby. It has been the perfect answer to all of my needs. What else can haul five people comfortably, a truck bed full of mulch, and a trunk full of groceries (under the mulch) at the same time??? Its awesome! My wife hated the looks but after riding in it and using it she loves it! This car/truck ("Cruck") is what Ive been waiting for. The cabin is quieter than my wifes Accord. The acceleration is great. I would recommend this cruck to anyone without hesitation.

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  i love my prelude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By j0n! - August 1 - 2:00 am

  why do people bash on the interior of the prelude? its got the bare essentials...all that luxory crap is just extra weight anyways. yes, i agree the cupholders are terrible, thats why i got JDM cupholders that came off a prelude type-s. the body shape is awesome, people say they hate the rectangular headlights, but i love them...doesnt look like every other civic on the road. 200hp 4 banger, what more can you ask for?

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  Versatility - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Jammer37 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  In the 4 yrs that we have in this SUV, we have loved every minute of it. Starting with the interior, we are especially fond of the "gap" between front driver and passenger. When our young son requires attention, the passenger can pass from front to back seat with ease. The split fold-down seats have also been a great advantage to us. Lastly, the table has also served us well. We have used it countless times. The exterior is also sleek. And you do sit up just high enough to see over most other cars on the road. Overall, I have loved driving this SUV.

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  Shaky Ride - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Flash6060 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Where to begin? The front end is about to come off! Nothing but vibrations and shimmys. To the dealer several times, new tires, "special balancing", alignments, and now finger pointing on who is at fault (Tire manufacturuer or Honda) Im trading it in for an SUV! Never gain with Honda. P.S. The service checks are a joke! $375 to change the oil and "inspect" a bunch of parts including the brakes which had to be changed two weeks after the service check. Good luck!

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  Blower - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By PILOT-2007 - July 31 - 6:43 am

  There is only one area im not having fun with, which is the blower. When I have the blower Off, - I can still feel air blowing on me - I hoped I can change to have the blower blow only on the window but that is not an option the defogger/window blower also blows with face or foot. This is very uncomforatble - I wish newer version would have this as an option - i.e no blow when off or blower to window only and and not combined with face or foot

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  A Little Disappointed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By James - July 31 - 3:13 am

  I previously owned a 2004 manual Civic, which was a fantastic car that never had any problems. But Ive had number of small problems with my 2007 Civic in just the first 18 months of ownership, and I fear these are signs of larger problems down the road. The A/C broke, driver-side sun visor broke, water-pump had a recall and needed to be replaced, and the car almost didnt start after sitting for just two days recently in 30 degree weather. I plan to trade this car within the next month or so.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jami - July 31 - 3:00 am

  Ive been considering a new car for almost two years now, and I couldnt be happier with the choice of a CR-V. Its hard to add to all the already-posted positive reviews. Everything about it just feels "right" -- you can tell a lot of thought was put into the design.