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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  Always stick with a Honda! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By R. W. - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Recieved this car recently as my first car, and have had this car in my family for years, and I love it! You can never go wrong with a Honda! Performance is still up-to-par with most modern cars. Take my advice, BUY A HONDA!!

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  CRV Review - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By rvoigt - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very efficient and reliable vehicle. I would buy another one in the future.

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  The CVT is disappointing - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kkuhns - January 7 - 6:36 am

  I had high expectations and have been disappointed. The CVT is jerky and stutters when accelerating at in-town speeds. The dealer checked and it shows no codes, so is within specs. But with the occasional stuttering/jerky CVT, and the stiffer struts, the overall driving experience less than desirable. Im sorry I didnt detect these things in the test drive. On the positive side, the gas mileage is as good as advertised, or better (w/ the 4 cyli). The interior is nice and roomy, front and back. The bluetooth/phone interface is great and works well. Overall, I would not recommend this car, unless the CVT issue and the stiff ride dont bother you.

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  My Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jenny - January 7 - 2:36 am

  I think the honda looks good on the inside and out but I believe it is made very cheap. My car makes strange noises and my dealership tells me they cant fix it. I probably would not buy a honda again even though they are reliable.

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By ludelover - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is really a great car. Low end is somewhat lame, but past 4-5,000 it is a blast! Interior is typical Honda. (Simple and efficient.) Definately fun to drive if you like the high revving type cars.

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  Excellent - 1994 Honda Passport
  By Edemcord - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ever since i baught this vehicle it is perfect drives excellent <> no complain but deffinately need a cup holder

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  Wonderful Little Car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Country Belle - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought our Honda Civic brand new in 1990 when our kids were small. It was great to drive around town and I loved the way that I could squeeze into small spaces. We took trips from Georgia to Ohio in it and never had no problems. We have had to have minor repairs on the car, but nothing real serious. Even though the inside of the car doesnt look so good anymore, it stills runs great. My husband drives it to work as it is so good on gas mileage. My daughter which is now 16 years old would love to have and drive it, but unfortunately she does not know how to drive a stick shift yet. Who knows, she may get it when she learns.

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  A Little Disappointed - 1993 Honda Accord
  By C Csada - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car (my first Honda) used with about 84,000 miles. 2 months later I had to do the head gasket because, followed my the flex pipe on the exhaust. 8 months later and 100,000 miles oil sending unit, oil pan gasket and now my water pump is starting to leak. I also have a front tire shimmy when braking, a transmission mount that needs to be replaced and my clutch shudders in the morning. I bought because of Honda reliablity but know I can honestly say that Im not so impressed. Ive owned Chev, Ford and Chrysler products so far my accord is no better than them. Good thing for high resale value.

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  Disappointed with my new Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Clyde - January 6 - 2:53 pm

  I am disappointed with my purchase for the following reasons: low mileage (14.5 mpg city, 24 mpg high way). The car has about a dozen small quality issues. The driver and front passenger seat are not comfortable due to the position of the (non- telescoping) steering wheel. The electric doors do not close well, together with the wind noise you never feel secure about properely shut doors. The doors had to be aligned, since they were chipping the paint. The car has a bumpy ride, it in no way doubles as a sedan, its a truck . The raised expectations were clearly not met. You should do a much more extensive test drive then me before you buy.

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  Transmission vibration/ Idle speed not constant - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By William Digdo - January 6 - 12:34 pm

  Very disappointed with transmission and idle /vibration in steering wheel when accelerating and backing out of garage after starting car in morning