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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  Reliable Comfort at Reasonable Price - 2016 Honda Accord
  By James Bluemle - November 26 - 8:16 am

  If you are looking for a car that performs the way you would expect a higher priced model to behave, such as an Acura or Lexus, but at a more reasonable price, this is the car for you. If you really want to stomp on it the car will really go. But we are much gentler drivers and have only put 10,000 on the car in a little over a year. It is the first new car we have purchased that has not had even a single nit-picky issue during those 12 months. Navigation and Honda Sensing function effectively once you become accustomed to using them, and accept the fact that they are merely "driver assist" features and dont expect more. We are completely satisfied with the value it offers for the price we paid.

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  Works For me. - 1996 Honda Passport
  By Robbs - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had this SUV for the last two years and havent had a problem with it yet.

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  great car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By fdg456 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  bought car with 9k and 10years and 227000 miles later lost it to a rear- end collision. Never a problem with it, maintenance was minimal/routine/cheap. Fantastic fuel economy: always 40-44mpg mixed city/hwy, even after 200,000+miles! Inside and out stayed looking great.

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  Reliable Honda? - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By jomohr - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I will NEVER own another Honda. This car burns oil....at least a quart every 1,000 miles. Ive talked to my dealership numerous times (they know my face now) and Ive even talked to American Honda via letters and phone calls. I am always told that this is the way the car is built and there is nothing that Honda can do for me. My low oil pressure indicator light has come on twice since Ive owned the car. Its a beautiful car, but its not reliable and I certainly dont expect it to live as long as Honda predicts their cars should last. American Honda has a failing grade from the BBB. Dont buy a Honda.

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  Smokin S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By tcampbel1965 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Ive had no problems and the performance is outstanding. I see no reason to spend an extra $20,000 just to have a Porsche badge (and inferior performance). If you want and incredible roadster that is as reliable as a Civic, there is no other choice.

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  little things - 2002 Honda S2000
  By carlover - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Not many miles but some things obvious quickly. Door doesnt open wide enough, makes it hard to get in and out. Several rattles, something I never thought I would say about a Honda. Shift from 1st to 2nd is rough, sometimes almost impossible in the cold. If you get a bumper scratched and need to paint it, good luck, they dont go back on properly again. This is a summer, top down, short drive toy car. Used that way its a 10. Drive it every day and you may come to hate it.

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  Nice Ride! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lex - November 26 - 12:50 am

  The vehicle is HOT! Before buying, I drove the Maxima & TL; I bought the Accord (Red): no premium on price or gas, and not costly to maintain. I trust Honda; this is my 6th. I did not like the redesign at first until I saw the 6 spd with the 17 inch sport wheels. People stare with envy: I like that!

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  Back to Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Don - November 25 - 7:36 pm

  I researched and drove multiple cars for months before deciding the V6 Navi was the best decision for the $. I wanted the coupe, but the back seat was a non-starter for adults. Awesome sound system! Mileage not what I expected from the VCM engine, and I drive with a light foot. Navi isnt intuitive yet, but I hope to be better with it after a couple months. The climate control system is exceptional. People I talk to through blue tooth say the sound quality is very good. Exceptionally fine handling and steering. After 4 Hondas and 3 Mercedes, Im sold on Honda. Why pay twice as much for an unreliable Mercedes when you can have a car like this?

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  Special Edition CRV is Outstanding - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By matt weidig - November 25 - 10:30 am

  I really like the way this vehicle rides and handles. The engine is really smooth. The back seats fold down and in to make for a lot of cargo room. I paid the extra for the Special Edition and the features seem are worth the extra pricing. I also got the sports package and it really make the vehicle look good. The Special Edition is assembled in Japan and imported,all of the other CRVs are assembled in the US. I love the heated front seats in cold weather. I plan to keep this vehicle a long time. I have two Accords and a Civic for our other family members. Hondas have always been a great value for us.

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  lots of miles ... cheap transportation - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jim - November 25 - 5:58 am

  Have 330K miles, bought in 2003 with 52k. I usually replace my car more frequently than this but the car is still really nice especially on trips. I practice hyper-mileage tricks and get significantly better gas economy ... record is 720 miles on a tank (but striving for that high is taxing). Simple tricks like turning car off at long traffic lights, etc will attain 36 ... speed is the enemy to good gas mileage. Problems are front half shafts, sway bar links, hydraulic clutch master cylinder, paint clear coat. I take the car cross country and back once a year and it is a fine long trip car.