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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  2005 civic si review - 2005 Honda Civic
  By andrew b, - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a the si on 9/27/04 it was a beautiful vivid blue pearl color with swade leather interior. It is hard to find a dealer with one in stock . I liked the handling, performance of the car. It does great on wet rainy days, had good pickup when passing cars and very smooth when shifting gears. I love the car and it handles great on curvy roads. It is allot of fun to drive and gets good gas milage. when i bought the car it had 27 miles on it now it has almost 1300 miles and i have averaged 30mpg with mostly city driving.Being 6ft1 i was surprised at how much room was in the car with plenty of head and leg room. The moonroof was nice being motorized with a tilt function. its a good car

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  The Best Honda Ever - 1992 Honda Accord
  By WiseOwl - April 15 - 2:00 am

  This car will go down in history as a legend. It has performed flawless throughout the 250,000 miles Ive driven it.

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  Good functional car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By TN Boy - April 15 - 2:00 am

  The care is good overall. The car is very functional. It runs & is fairly reliable (especially versus my previous car an Oldsmobile) Problems experienced thus far: 1. Engine gasket seal blew out before the issue was recalled by Honda (at about 50K miles) 2. Driver power window regulator broke (at 115K miles) 3. Oil pan began to leak due to another weak gasket (116K miles) 4. Radio goes in & out, dealer cant figure out why (112K miles) Over all satisfied with the car, held up well despite a lot of miles & years on the car

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  2000 Odyssey EX_Navigator - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By dvbp_ody - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Our 2000 Deep velvet Blue Pearl Odyssey has been everything we wanted and more. Oil changes and 15h/30k checkups have been only expense.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - April 14 - 12:36 pm

  This is the 5th Honda Ive owned, and the 15th one for my family. Like the others, this one is well built, reliable, comfortable, attractive and I know itll hold its value when its time for another one.

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  Good bang for the buck - 1992 Honda Accord
  By kerri - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used accord and it is still going strong with no major problems

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  Just right vehicle for me - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bryan McCormick - April 14 - 12:39 am

  I wanted the sporty feel and fuel economy of a hatchback. I needed the AWD and reliablity for New England winters. The HRV filed the segment I was looking at very well. I have always liked the reliability and style of Honda and Acura. I looker at the Madza CX-3 and CX-5. They were sportier but cost of ownership and reliabilty was higher. The CX-3 interior was too small and unfinished for my taste. The CX-5 was more than I wanted to spend. The very happy medium was the HRV. The safety and AWD of the CRV and sportiness of the Civic.

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  Someone said youd got to be brain dead - 1996 Honda Civic
  By hlteo - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 157k miles 98 LX from the 2nd owner who doesnt know what car maintenance means. She paid for all the quickie oil changes but the original timing belt is still there after 157k miles. Goes to tell you how amazing the car is built. Anyway, I bought it cheap and spent $800 on a major service including new timing belt, fan belt, water pump, etc... The transmission also did not get a fluid change in the last 135k miles!!! With a little TLC, this car will drive beyond 200k miles.

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  Awesome..........except for Music Link - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By war eagle - April 12 - 5:30 pm

  We just moved up from a 2000 Odyssey. The difference is absolutely astounding. The 2007 is quieter, has more power, and is significantly upgraded on the interior. Weve only had the 07 for a few weeks so gas mileage, etc. has not been really checked yet. My only complaint is with the IPOD Music Link system which is just awful. We were told the Music Link would work through the radio and Nav system, this turned out to be a false statement. The only good news is our dealer has agreed to pull the Music Link system out and give us a full refund.

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  2008 Honda Accord EXL Coupe V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Cal - April 12 - 12:00 pm

  Love this car! Loaded, except the GPS. Great power, great ride, and pretty good fuel mileage (I average 25 between city and freeway, and usually set the cruise on 80). When I go on highway trips I usually get around 28. Great sound system, huge trunk, and plenty of backseat room even for those 6 feet tall! Only complaints I have is the road noise, which is a little louder than I would like, especially in rainy weather (of course my previous car was an Audi A4), and of course it doesnt handle near as well in the snow/ice. Would I buy it again? YES!