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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  Not if youre looking for power - 1996 Honda Accord
  By dolphin girl - February 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is very pretty, and needs to be maintained on a regular basis. The body is way too heavy for the engine and you can feel it struggle. It has lots of trunk space for big speakers.Car people will love this car because it is a hands on car. The alignment, sparkplugs, brakes etc. need to be dealt with.

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  good car- but some minor issues - 2010 Honda Civic
  By hersheypa - February 4 - 1:42 am

  The biggest complaint I have about this car is that I spent extra money for the leather and it has not been very durable. I have several rips- and a big one in the drivers arm rest. I take VERY good care of my car- oil changes, all scheduled maintenance ect. Now that I have 115,000 miles, I notice some loss of power and hard shifting. I also recently had to replace a motor mount ($400!) I seem to go through brakes quickly. On the positive side, with some snow tires it does well in the snow and I am overall very happy with this being a daily driver. It also handles very well on the turnpike and gets decent MPG.

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  Largely Satisfied - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By WhiteWhale - February 3 - 5:06 pm

  3 factors led us to buy a minivan. The first was we were expecting a 3rd child and needed a car with more room. The second was we wanted a vehicle that would make our numerous long roadtrips more comfortable than our existing cars (Prius and S4 Avant) could. And the third was we didnt want a SUV. When considering which minivan to buy we took the advice of so many auto reviewers in the press and plumped for an Odyssey. After more than 6 months of ownership we are largely impressed with the car.

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  Great, but beware of the seats! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By hrv_girl - February 3 - 12:37 pm

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  96 Honda Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By BIG DAWG - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car bought it in 96 never had a problem .Great gas milage , lots of room .Wish i did not sell it .Never can go wrong with a Honda !

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  I love it! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy and Rob - February 3 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the EX and couldnt be happier. This car has everything we were looking for and on top of that its a Honda.

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  Excellent SUV - little room for bargains - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Rosa - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car but dont expect to barter for a price. Theyre going to sell fast so they arent negotiating.

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  From 94 to 2001/1994 much better year - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Linnymcginny - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for a year and traded up to the Accord. The 2001 Civic had a suspension change (2000 ?) Rougher ride, Noiser ride. Not impressed. Dealership was awful, did not buy my Accord through them.

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  Good transportation, not exciting - 2002 Honda Civic
  By dmelgar - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, but not as good as I expected. Safe, adequate transportation but lacking on the excitement scale and not built as well as Id expect. Quality, reliability and assembly as not very good so far, not what youd expect from a Honda.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Linnymcginny - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2001 Civic for this car. Glad that I did. Suspension is MUCH better and it is a much quieter car. Very happy with this vehicle. This is my first Accord, and my fourth Honda. This should tell you something about the quality of Honda.