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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  Loving it!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DPaddock - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my odyssey. All the room, the magic seat, the gas milage, the power doors, and all the rest. What more can we ask for.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By schmammel - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent, extremely reliable car with outstanding service available. My only complaint is that the dealers know how popular the car is and thus the purchasing experience is not pleasant.

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  Should have a 3-point star on the hood! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Paul C - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This car could have Mercedes Badges on it and everyone would believe it was German. Silky smooth power and lots of it. Top notch build quality. Ultra quiet and smooth with terrific handling. I never thought Id say it but the Honda NAV system is worth $2000! The best integrated NAV systme ever put in an automobile. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an upscale family sedan. Add a spoiler to correct that ugly tail that honda designed. It makes all the difference IMO.

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  Excellent car... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By budhaboy - July 1 - 9:46 am

  I bought a CRV earlier this summer, and was blown away by the quality and performance. When my second car spontaneously combusted, I decided to replace it with a civic. My initial motivation was the gas milage (as it was with the CRV), but Ive been truly impressed with the performance (While it isnt as fast as my old turbo beetle, it gets superior gas mileage, and isnt as fear inspiring as the Volvo was when entering the freeway), as well as the ergonomics.

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  Meets all of my needs! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John - July 1 - 2:50 am

  I wanted an attractive, reliable, comfortable, 2dr automatic that got great gas mileage--thats what I got. Happy!

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  Best Honda Ever - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By BryanBarrett - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my CRV for six years now. Best car Ive ever owned! I have just replaced the original tires at 90,000 miles. Not one thing has gone wrong with the car. At 92,000 miles, all Ive done to the car is the routine changing of various fluids as stated in the owners manual. It still has the original brakes and has averaged 28 mpg for the six years Ive owned it. I plan to keep this car until it registers 200,000 miles. Great car Honda!

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  Disappointed - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Sherry - June 30 - 2:41 pm

  Im just making my 2nd payment today on my 2016 Accord and it is in the shop with electrical issues very disappointed. I really would like to return it now. I went from having a Nissan and wish I had went back to Nissan.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Bonanzagirl - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this one-owner car used with 75000 miles on it from the dealership it looked like new. Now has over 263,000 miles and still going strong! Has one small rust spot in front of both rear wheels, but thats it. The only maintenance its required (other than oil changes and tires) is new alternator (last year), new distributor cap assembly and timing belts. The A/C finally gave out this summer and will need some work. This car has been SO reliable - it has started EVERY DAY since Ive owned it! And its great in snow. I will drive it until it literally falls apart, so Ill have it for a quite a while longer!

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  Great Car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By pablo m - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new and in nine years have performed regular maintenance - oil, coolant changes, changed front brake pads once, changed muffler once. Car has been flawless with no issues.

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  1995 Civic EX - 1995 Honda Civic
  By E. Smith - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. We bought it with 99K miles on it a couple of years ago, and for the last year Ive driven it daily to work, which is a 140 mile-a-day round trip, and it hasnt broken down once. It now has almost 155K on it and shows no signs of stopping. I commute over some high mountain passes, and its fun to zip around other cars. Definitely go for the manual transmission. All in all a wonderful vehicle.