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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  Recently purchased on December 7, 2017 - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Bernice - January 10 - 4:05 pm

  I purchased this car on December 7, 2017. It is a beautiful car and it has a smooth ride. This is my 3rd Honda; therefore, you can see that I am a Honda car. I still have my 1999 Honda Accord V6 Sedan and it has 208,260 miles on it. It will be 19 years old and it is still in mint condition. If you take care of your Honda, it will surely take care of you. I am planning on having this 2017 Honda According V6 Touring for those many years. I have not had the time to operate everything on the car yet, but I feel confident they will be 5 starts.

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  Not Pleased - 2000 Honda Civic
  By av - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Within 18 months of buying it, it started jerking while driving, and stalling. No one knew what was wrong with the car. Took it to the dealership about 4 times and finally filled out the lemon papers. Has anyone else had the same problem with the 2000EX?

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  No competition - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By James Bryant - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my new CRV it is typical Honda quality. It was hard finding one at MSRP, every dealer in my local area wanted $1500.00 over MSRP. Hint, check dealerships outside the city limits. They are more flexible.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By silverback - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its a spunky car in the city, and no problem on those steep mountain roads out west. It feels the same at 90 as it does at 60.

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  Transmission Anyone - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By icetime - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Have one week under my belt now. Anyone having problems with transmission? I think either Honda or I have a problem. 0 - 45 MPH is very smooth. Over 45(maybe 50) the tranny wants to shift up down and all around as you speed up and slow down. Its not real bad but definitely noticable. Also level speed between 50 and 55 gets you a low throttle sound like there isnt enough power. More than likely it is shifting too soon. This is true all the time not some of the time. My wife and kids hear it also but so far my wife loves the car (go figure). I like the car but it is easily the worst transmission "feel" for any car I have ever driven with such few miles. Guess its off to the dealer.

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  Great buy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ozwirk - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Best overall vehicle I have purchased in 15 years

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  Could it get any better than this??!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ppakrb - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The comfort in this van is unbelievable!!! The room and space is excellent. Its made for every size person in mind. The heated seats are very nice for the cold weather.

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  Smooth Sailing - 2001 Honda Civic
  By W. Stevenson - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what all the bad talk is about this vehicle. We have put nearly 21000 miles on ours since July of 2001 and not had a single problem. The car is very reliable, efficient and fun to drive.

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  Unsafe windows - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By MomofTwo - January 10 - 9:43 am

  The main drawbacks are a safety issue and Hondas response. The drivers side window has an auto- up feature. This feature lets you put up your window with a flick of a switch. The only way to stop it is with the switch. There is no sensor stopping the upward motion and even if you press down on the window it will not stop. This works even when the window lock is on and the keys are out of the ignition. Hondas response was that "this is how it was designed, it is not a problem and we dont see a need to change it". Honda also stated "If we had any issues/concerns they needed to be settled when vehicle was purchased". other eg:XM,HVAC.check everything closely b4 u buy!

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  Completely Satisfied - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HappyHondaOwner - January 10 - 2:53 am

  I love my new civic. I get so many compliments on it and people staring while Im on the road. Most people think its the accord. I like how the dash is angled toward the driver and the dash is like no other car out there. Initially I wanted navigation but the system looked too plain for the bright new dash and stereo system. Every 1 out of 5 times the SRS light comes on and I found(owners manual) it happens when my foot hits a sensor while getting into the car.At first I had a problem with the stereo (scrambled letters numbers & wouldnt play) when I changed from MP3 CD to regular CD. I had a 98 civic EX before this one & the only problem I ever had w/ it was the window came off track.