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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  Excellent Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By vahsi - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car allmost 5 years ago, and still runs like new. I probably spend $1500 extra for the maintaince. Thats it.

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  The Best Car Ever Owned - 1993 Honda Civic
  By PleasedHondaDriver - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable car that I have ever owned. I would never buy anything else but a Honda from now on. The first 100,000 miles only needed routine oil changes. You absolutely could not beat it! If you want quality for your money, you want a Honda

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  One Of The Worst - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By iDragonite1 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has quality issues. The 1st reason is that the car started stalling on me. It stalled on the freeway a number of times and on the street, it is an automatic transmission. 2nd, this car is way underpowered. I had trouble accelerating onto freeways. 3rd, the car handles poorly. The car is front heavy. This makes it diffcult to manuver and avoids things. 4th, the steering wheel is in an awkward position, like a van, and is not adjustable. We got the car brand new from the dealer and used it a lot but took good care of it. My guess is that we probably got a lemon, but that is our first and last experience with Honda.

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  Great Car - doesnt disappoint - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Carman - May 27 - 9:06 pm

  We brought our 2007 EX Cr-V and love it. Great look. Great design. Love the AUX port for the stereo..so much better than the FM transmitter. Got 27 mpg on the turnpike. Actually made the turnpike bearable. Great design for great price.

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  Lovin It! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Cernunnos - May 27 - 11:43 am

  Ok, I just got the little beast yesterday. I had a ball on the test drive and then had even more fun on my 48 mile commute. This transmission is smooth as glass and my roommate loved the exhaust tone when I rolled up to get something from him. Im considering actually teaching my girlfriend to drive stick with this car. The easy clutch and short throw of the shifter will make her life easier.

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  Very satisfied - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Laxmikant - May 27 - 3:35 am

  I love this car, had everything i needed gor my family needs. Runs smooth, good pickup, less outside noise, overall its really a great family car. I dont feel i am drive a big vehicle as its that good in handelling

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  cant beat the gas mileage! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By hempist - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 1 1/2 years and Im very happy with it. The gas mileage is the best! I get about 58 mph driving around town. The steering wheel is small & sporty, the car handles great around corners. The most common questions Im asked are, "Do you have to charge it?" (NO) and "Does it go fast?" (YES). This car is a real conversation piece. People ask me about it everywhere I go.

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  Honda civic DX - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Prettyboy - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my civic for close to four years now and have had very little problems with it. It has been the best car I have ever owned. Even though it is the base model it still gets looks when i drive it around town. I plan to keep me civic for a few more years to come.

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  14 year owner shooting for 250000 miles - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Ronnie - May 26 - 8:28 pm

  Love my car===despite transmission replacement at 83g which after some discussion cost me 1100 instead of the full quoted cost of 2200. Brake rotors are basically a routine issue due to warping. This in turn quickly causes front end issues if not addressed as soon as you notice wheels shaking when you brake over 50 mph. I still enjoy driving it after 173G miles and will likely keep it till 250g if the transmission doesnt crap out again. I feel the rotor warping issue has been handled terribly by Honda. At very least they should turn the rotors at no cost for lifetime owners!

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  Elemental - 2005 Honda Element
  By Brian - May 26 - 10:36 am

  Very Versatile. Roomy with the ability to hold anything you need. The AWD is a very good feature.