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:

• 

  Survived the flip over w/o a scratch! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Ravi Kumar - June 1 - 10:46 pm

  I flipped over on 9/27/09. Totaled the car. I walked out of my car without a scratch on my body. I will buy this car again!

• 

  Worst Purchase Ever - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ayse Ozkan - June 1 - 12:40 pm

  Considering it is a brand new car, it is extremely noisy as if the windows are not completely closed. It has a very low clearance that makes you feel you are sitting on the floor and you hear and feel every grain of sand that hits the bottom of the car. The steering wheel is very small, especially for a petite person. When it is windy, I feel like I dont have a good control of the car because I cannot rest my left arm on the door as I was used to doing with my previous cars. It does not show the outside temperature. I think this feature should be mandatory for every car that is made. My husband convinced me to buy it and I regret it very much. That was my worst purchase ever.

• 

  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JLGOTROX - June 1 - 10:13 am

  I have had the car for 3 days and I am still on the first tank. It is very nice to burn about 9 Gallons and still have half a tank after driving 260 miles. Posted mileage ratings are for those who have a heavy right foot. I have the full boat load, V6 EX-L, 6 Speed, Navi so on. This is my first Honda and I will be getting another. Honda nailed it on the head and it can only get better from here. This car is worth every penny of the 30K asking price.

• 

  Technology disaster - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Hsj - June 1 - 10:10 am

  Buy at your own risk, Honda blames everything on Apple, Bluetooth skips, siri does not connect, messages I haven’t seen or sent one, screen goes black and does not respond or goes blue with a loud beep while you are driving. Honda dealer wanted to just get rid of me and helped in no way after I spent 50k on a car that is most expensive in their lion. The armrest movement is put on reverse and Honda says everything is fine, instead of going down from level position, it goes up pointing towards sky. What good is it that? No car seat position can utilize that mode of armrest, don’t know who tried it? Pretty bad attitude from Honda towards customers that bought their most expensive vehicle. The AAC is a hit or miss, not consistent. The car never brakes on AAC mode but flashed for me to brake. I turned it off after that. Lane keeping does not work below 45mph and even above it misses the lanes all the time, pretty dangerous to depend upon.

• 

  4X4 to My Fit is Go! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By "Fit" is Go - June 1 - 5:26 am

  Switched from a full size 4X4 pick-up to my Fit. Saved enough the first two months, to make two Fit pymts! The cars becoming so popular that I am afraid of theft! Living in Orlando, parking is a premium at some locations, but the Fit fits anywhere! Economy was my initial goal during purchase, but Ive been pleasantly surprised with the "Zip," this car has, especially in city traffic. The cars taken on a personality in our home; its referred to as the "Fit," and not the car...crazy. Its like having a sports car at economy car cost. I predict the Fit will hold its value well over time.

• 

  Honda Ody - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Haylock - June 1 - 5:03 am

  Before purchasing our 06 Ody we considered most other vans. The Sienna and the Caravan both looked like solid possibilities until we demoed the Honda. The Ody presented like a better vehicle with more advanced technology, better seating, smoother exterior lines, and a HONDA tag. After 8 months and 19,000 miles the Ody has proven itself as the correct choice for our family. We have taken two road trips from Maine to several southern states. If we had to car shop again tomorrow the Ody would be the only contender. Needless to say we are very proud and satisfied Honda owners.

• 

  Honda Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Pat Leblanc - May 31 - 9:36 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Have 10,000 KM since purchased on April 2 (Its August now)and I am averaging 8.4 l/100 KM for the entire life of the car. Handling is great for a large sedan with acceleration extremely quick and impressive. The electric motor seems like it is pulling you along. Would never even think about purchasing an Acura TL. Best feature - when I am picking up my wife I stop in the parking lot with my foot on the brake and enjoy the A/C without the engine running. Note: The review that stated they purchased the first one in Canada, would have to have bought it before April 2, 2005 to beat my purchase.(Did the salesman tell a fib???)

• 

  great car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By golffour - May 31 - 3:46 am

  this car is great.

• 

  Its a Truck - 1999 Honda Passport
  By MB2 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Main annoyances are the sometimes squeeky tailgate window and frequently squeeky hood latch. Overall fit and finish are not near the quality you get with a real Honda. It rides like a heavy truck, which it is. Gas mileage is not good. Seats get uncomfortable during long drives. Also a lot of wind and tire noise on the hiway. Very capable off-road vehicle, plenty of power, low end torque, clearance, and decent handling. Good stability in snow and ice. So far no mechanical problems with the brakes or engine (48,000 miles). Well still probably look for something different in the next year or two.

• 

  Serving Me Well - 1993 Honda Accord
  By kmd - May 31 - 2:00 am

  The easiest purchase I ever made was my Honda EX Accord. Its reputation for being long-lasting sold me before I stepped into the showroom ten years ago. My Honda is approaching 80,000 miles without having any major problems. Several people have asked if Im ready to sell but I just cant part with a valued friend!