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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  Now over 500,000 km - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tee Bee - September 17 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased this car new, my first new car, and have enjoyed it immensely. Now at over 345,000 miles, it rides smooth (original struts, joints, CV, links all original), still get over 32 mpg, auto transmission shifts like new, AC blows cold, heater cranks out heat, all doors, hood, trunk lid function fit-perfect. Leather interior wears excellent, no repairs, and carpeting is in fine shape. All brake rotors are factory original. I have replaced only one rear caliper. This is probably the best car ever made in USA. I do all of my own maintenance.

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  A disappointing purchase - 2009 Honda Accord
  By violin8 - September 17 - 11:20 am

  I bought the 2009 as my 5th Honda accord, and couldnt be sorrier. My previous ones were excellent, so I didnt pay as much attention as I should have to this model. After 40 min. the seat is so uncomfortable, I have to get out and give myself a break. It feels like concrete inside it. The road noise on trips is unbelievable. I really miss my 2003 accord and regret trading up to this model.

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  This Car is FANTASTIC! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ThirteenRight - September 17 - 10:13 am

  I just got my 2007 Fit Sport in Blue and it is the best! I love driving it, I love being seen in it ... best purchase Ive ever made! Who knew a Hatchback could be this awesome!

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  the best damn car on tha planet - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jeaser - September 17 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is the most smoothest running honda ever produced with a slick style and high performance, i give it a perfe

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  BALANCING ACT - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sophisticated Driver - September 17 - 10:00 am

  In low RPM, the S2000 drives like a normal car. Select a lower gear and press the gas pedal, a smile will come upon your face. It doesnt get better than this!

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  The WORST Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By odysseysucks - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odyssey is THE WORST minivan! Definitely! After paying almost 3000 over sticker, I hoped to be satisfied. But no! On the drive from the dealer, when the van had less than 100 miles on it, the CHECK ENGINE light came on, and I went straight to the dealer; guess what, TRANSMISSION! At 100 miles! At another 2000 miles, the climate control completely broke, and it was freezing! Many other small problems not worth mentioning. Is this what Japanese cars are like? I previously owned a Dodge Grand Caravan, and should have stuck to it. NO mechanical problems. Do not buy, do not buy, do not buy. Edmunds, please stop recommending it.

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  Honda Reliability is a joke - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Gregw - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a new Civic lx 4 door 5 spd in March 2001. The problem I am having is the car wont idle after it warms up. If you come to a stop & put the clutch in it dies a large percent of the time. I returned it to the dealer they tell me it is a computer program problem and it will be 3 months before they can fix it with a new program. I have talked to Honda Motor Co they are not at all helpfull. I told them that the car is dangerous to drive. I had never owned a Honda prior to this car, I will never own one again.

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  Not All Civics are created equal - 2003 Honda Civic
  By macwindows2002 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  What a crap vehicle. I wish I would have read the Reviews in Car and Driver or Road and Track before I bought this KIA with a Honda badge. What crap!

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  SE Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By StephB - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda. I started with a 99 civic vp and decided to upgrade to an accord. All of the bells and whistles I wanted. Also less road noise than my civic. Although not as much vroom as a v-6, definately more ooomph than the civic. Ive had my new accord since April and Im very happy with what Ive gotten for what Im paying. Only disappointment is that I could not hold out till the 2003 model came out.

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  My Drive to Florida - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Henry Johnson - September 17 - 4:50 am

  Two days after purchasing mr CR-V EX 4wd I set out at 5.30 a.m. for Florida from just north of Montreal QC. It was a nice sunny day calm wind, by the time I arrived at the border on Interstate 81 my wife said to me that she was disappointed with the windshield noise and I had to agree with her, it was very noisy. Later on during the day she mentioned that the seats were very stiff and not very forgiving and although I had put a gel cushion on my side I again had to agree with her. Other than that the view from the cabin is wonderful after driving Camrys for the last 12 years and I found that not using cruise control gave me better mileage.