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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  Dissappointed - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Slow Rider - May 4 - 3:32 am

  I switched brands from Chrysler to Honda - based on their reliability ratings. Well let me tell you, throw those ratings right out the window. I traded in a Ram1500 and a Jeep Compass for TWO Honda CR-Vs. One is an LX, other is an EX, both AWD. The EX has already experienced a dead battery - left me stranded after only 6 weeks of ownership, something that has never happened to me before in all my years of driving, and I am 64 years old. The dealer replaced the battery, but I still feel like something else might be wrong - - the electronic dashboard keeps doing goofy things. Also, this vehicle is plagued my countless rattles. The other one - the LX, is also plagued by countless rattles, and is at times, hard to start. The only good things I can say at this time, is the vehicles are roomy, and do get good MPGs. I personally prefer the 2.4 engine in the LX, over the 1.5 turbo in the EX. For Hondas so called great reputation, I am highly DISSAPPOINTED, in these 2 CR-Vs. I wish I would have stuck with Chrysler products. My recommendation is do not buy Honda.

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  Superb 1992 Honda Civic VX - 1992 Honda Civic
  By H. Pierce - May 4 - 2:00 am

  In 11 years of ownership, only four items have broken, two under warranty. A heat shield loosened and rattled, interior locking latches broke on both doors, the distributor cap cracked. Total repair bills: $353 (including 1 tow). All other items have been scheduled maintenance and expected replacements (e.g. battery, tires, CV boots, exhaust system) Overall average efficiency is 46 mpg in my mix of city and suburban freeway driving.

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  Our Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Aytonsown - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent cross country vehicle. Cargo space is excellent for "snow birds".

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  EXTREMELY PLEASED - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By twills - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Three weeks old and loving it. I have owned Hondas before and went astray, never again. I am thrilled with it. Engine seems more like a 6 cylinder. I hope I get as good service as I did my prior Hondas. Highly recommend.

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  Nice, but with problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By reedner - May 4 - 12:36 am

  How did Honda build a bigger Accord with more horsepower and keep the same fuel economy? THEY DIDNT!! The advertised 21 city/31 hwy is way off. Ive put 1000 miles on mine and Im averaging about 19 MPG. Living in Los Angeles I do a lot of city driving, but my previous car (03 Toyota Highlander w/ V6) got the same fuel economy. Not good for a 4 cyl sedan. The ride is also hard. Again, my SUV felt softer. Otherwise the car is comfortable, stylish, spacious and it handles well. The navi, Bluetooth, XM radio features are great. Get this car if you want a stylish family sedan with a good track record. Dont get it if you want good fuel economy & luxury ride.

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  Horrible fuel consumption - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Never another Honda - May 3 - 9:40 am

  The fuel consumption estimate on the sales sticker states 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. I get from 9 to 12 MPG. Dealer keeps telling me to wait for the engine to break in but as I put more miles on this gas guzzler, the fuel efficiency is getting worse.

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  Still alive and kicking!!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By hpark21 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I got this baby when it was barely broken in at 25K miles. Now the car has 142K and so far, it cost me $300 in repair (muffler and tubing, recently) O2 sensor was replaced at 110K under warranty from Honda but even if I had to pay for it, it would have been under $1000 total in repair over the life of the car. This car still rides well and gives me 26M/Gal in Mixed hway and city driving. (during winter. now a days about 28M/Gal) I am hoping to drive until 200K. That will be coming in 3 more years.. :)

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  Excellent Economical Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Arthur Tucker - May 2 - 11:50 pm

  My wife and I needed a new car. We have owned 7 Accords since 1987, the latest being a 2002 Accord EX. We wanted Honda quality, reliability, and resale value, but needed better fuel economy (we got "only" 25 MPG highway with the 2002 Accord EX). We have had our red Civic EX for 2 weeks now, and love this car. This is a sharp looking car. It has a sun roof, alloy wheels and anti-lock brakes. The highway ride is smooth and acceptably quiet, although a couple of bumps on bridges on I-89 in Vermont were a bit jarring. For a trip from Boston to northern Vermont and halfway back which included mixed city, highway, and country driving, we got 36.5 MPG, on only our 3rd tankful of gas.

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  Anybody wants to buy mine... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Rey - May 2 - 9:40 pm

  Its a Honda! quality, reliable its going to be. But on another note had three Hondas before this one, and to be honest, Im kind of disappointed with the Accord LX. The interior looks just like the 1993 civic that I had. They went to basic, on the LX model at least. Not so great for long trips neither. The radio could use some extra amps, its hard to hear music with the windows down. It seems like the new Civic has more futures and it just looks like it was made in this century. Looking forward to trade mine in for a Civic EX. Sorry Accord LX not so top of the line in my reviews. Hope this its helpful.

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  Impressed with civic exl - 2008 Honda Civic
  By andrew - May 2 - 3:46 pm

  Just purchased a exl civi auto. This is a luxury compact car with room in it. Sweet engine, nice leather seating and most all the bells and whistles. Quiet, sporty, frugal, and good looking. Just loving it. With good gas mileage, an upscale interior, why pay more.