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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  my honda Vs. canadian made cars (kiddin) - 2000 Honda Civic
  By extere - July 4 - 2:00 am

  in response to bullits review on top of the page: what is NOT an import in canada? civic is without any question one of the most reliable cars out there. its my 3ed. i remember my other ones: not a single mechanical problem after 70,000. just oil, tires, and filters were replaced. great car.

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  Quality! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By rlfuzz - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a 2001 EX looking for a trouble free vehicle (never again will we own a Volvo). The brakes are horrible, rotors were turned at 7500 miles after complaining about severe vibrations when braking. Well, it is time again at 12500 miles, not a good trend. The power doors are nice, when they work! The dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with them. About 75% of the time I have to get back out and shut them because they would not close all the way (Honda Quality?). The engine is wonderfull, both powerfull and smooth. The transmission could use some tuning. I hate the "Grade Logic" feature. It is noisy on the highway but rides great, smooth and stable.

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  Fastest Automatic Honda you can get - 1999 Honda Accord
  By accord - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Its design that has charisma always stuck in my head since I ever saw it. Accords do not look like boyracer style, also do not look like old people car. But, you can race with it tho. If you want to... Its engine is so powerful, it hit 0-60mph in 7.5sec.It is so roomy and comfortable. Its interior is perfect! I hope you all you guys enjoy your life with an accord !!!

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  Better than expected - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Brett - July 3 - 1:06 pm

  This car is terrific. We just took our first road trip and packed the vehicle to the gills. Two road bikes in the "magic seat area", two large suit cases, a small one, a box of food, laptops, hanging clothes, and more in the rear. The car was very comfortable up front for my wife and I and got just under 40 mpg during the highway drive. Obviously some of this wouldnt be possible if we had kids, but this is all the car a couple could need in every respect.

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  par excellence - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Marinie Victoriano - July 3 - 11:34 am

  basic maintenance is only oil change and multi-point check for first 3 years,if your mileage is less than 10 K/year. Thus, there is no need to get a prepaid 3 yr. service contract if you have a good mechanic. Anyway, service check-up does not include complicated electronics which are still under warranty.

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  After 15000 miles - 2005 Honda Accord
  By undertoad - July 3 - 5:16 am

  My first review was in May @ 1000 miles. In September did a long haul tour (26 states and Canada). Overall in all kinds of driving conditions we averaged 33+ MPG (city, mountains, heavy traffic, open road). I have a JPEG foto of the Nav Information Screen; 9/22-9/22 Trip - 480miles Elapsed Time - 6:27 Average Fuel Consumption - 38.7 MPG Average Speed - 74.6 MPH Nav sys is fine for working around unfamiliar metro areas. When you have local knowledge you see that many suggested routes are crude, round about, and just plain wrong. Lot of out-dated data in the NAV database. Local post office moved 10 years ago but still in old location.

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  The perfect vehicle - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By coop - July 3 - 2:00 am

  The dealership was terrible, I bought it used, got only one key and was told I could go to any key store, they are only a couple bucks and the gas was 1/4 tank full. The vehicle is solid, well thought out, great for fuel economy, the fold down seat is sooo handy. No problems w/ van. It is only sad it is discontinued in its present version.

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  2016 EXL V 6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Frank McGourty - July 3 - 12:37 am

  Bluetooth very confusing. Radio needs Volume and tuning knobs. Overall great car for the price. Radio, NAVI too confusing Not intuitive enough

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  Impressed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By marnie - July 3 - 12:26 am

  I was absolutely amazed with the quality of my 2008 honda civic ex-l navi! Its fun to drive, it has GREAT fuel economy and its just a well designed vehicle. The navigation with voice commands is so advanced and easy to use! I would recommend this vehicle to ANY and EVERY interested car buyer, and friend of mine! Take a look at it, its reasonably priced and worth every penny!

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  Superior economy car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By cavemanf16 - July 2 - 7:23 pm

  I just purchased the brand-spankin new LX Special Edition Coupe model w/ standard transmission yesterday. It is a true pleasure to drive compared to my previous Honda Civic EX. I like it even better than my wifes 2003 1.8T Jetta despite the slightly less overall HP at my disposal. The interior has all the little tweaks to it that were missing or non-existent on my Civic, and I dont think Ill be longing for a different car when this lease is up. The Accord is an EXCELLENT car for the price, performance, features, and most importantly: impeccable quality.