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:

• 

  Watch the MPG average - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken - March 24 - 9:43 am

  Van is great, all as promised except for the mileage, best Ive got is 22.5, sticker shows 28, but I guess that must be in winter, downhill and with a tailwind. Numbers on MPG should be conservative not ideal conditions, which do not normally exist.

• 

  Beware of the road noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By scain - March 24 - 4:40 am

  We have a Camry and Accord. Exterior styling of the Honda is great. But, we should have driven it longer. Road noise is horrible when about 40mph and you feel every bump in the road. So loud, it causes the Bluetooth calls to break up. Hondas Nav system is much better than Camry. Camrys ride is more like a Cadillac.

• 

  Loved this car - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Cheryl763 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I sold my 1994 Honda Prelude about a month ago and still miss it. The car handled & felt great. It was fun to drive and the body styling was sleek. Aside from normal maintence, the upkeep was minimal. When you wanted the extra power, the VTEC engine gave it to you, great for entering the highway or passing. I would still have it if it wasnt for the fact that I needed a 4-door family sedan...Hopefully I will love my new Saab 9-3 as much.

• 

  clean - 1990 Honda Accord
  By garfield - March 24 - 2:00 am

  its a really good reliable car. its comfortable and really good fuel efficiant.

• 

  civic ex - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Swinga7 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  unbelievable reliability. I have 110k miles on my ex an it still runs like it did when it was new. the only time its ever been in the shop is for a new muffler and thats only because I live in New England and the winter road salt caused the stock muffler to rust through.

• 

  Great Car for the price - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By RN060873 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Great Car for the price

• 

  Awesome Accord Sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By jerryd - March 23 - 9:48 pm

  Fit and finish is excellent, style and design is top notch and quality and value is exceptional. A great all-around driving experience.

• 

  Nice - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Anush - March 23 - 12:26 pm

  very gud performance,good mileage, nice interior

• 

  check it out thoroughly before buying - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By slow learner - March 23 - 11:06 am

  We got our Odyssey less than two weeks ago, so were still learning about it. My wife loves it - she wanted a mini-van - whereas another Camry would have been my first pick. Theres a wind noise on the passenger side - we didnt test drive this car - it was located for us. With the radio on, its not noticeable, but otherwise, it is (maybe that can be fixed?) I did the test driving and never used the passenger seat - now I see that my left knee is on the dash - the seat doesnt go back far. Lastly, the radio controls are pretty far from the driver - need an extended reach to use them. We got 23 mpg (mostly highway driving) on our first tank of gas. My wife loves driving this van -

• 

  Great car with many problems! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By throw73 - March 23 - 7:10 am

  This truck has great handling and ride. The interior ergonomics are great and the center console is huge. The cup holders are annoying since anything that doesnt fit perfectly rattles like hell. i love the in bed trunk. I have been averaging 19mpg with a mix of CA highways and city driving. Right from the start i had 2 annoying rattles coming from the dash area which originates from inside the dash where i cannot reach. The rattle comes and goes with the fluctuation of temperatures. After 1000 miles my truck has developed 2 loud pops or bangs from the front when i am in reverse with the wheel turned(parking in reverse). After around 3000 miles my transmission developed a faint 1-click under light acceleration in 4th gear. At 5000 miles that faint click has become noticeably louder and now occurs in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear. Along with the clicking the truck has developed very aggressive engine braking while low speed coasting or decelerating to a stop. This is a new car owners nightmare. It seems this truck was assembled on a weekend. I have never had a vehicle with this many problems from the get go. I have done some research and it seems although Honda is recently getting a bad rap for its 9 speed transmission, it has consistently had issues with transmissions in general. Also its JD reliability has dropped out of top 10 when in the past it was always top 3 or so. Be careful future buyers.