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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  Trusted Old Friend - 1993 Honda Accord
  By flagirl1964 - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new, and was looking for a reliable vehicle. I havent been disappointed. In the 9 years it has been driven, I can count on one hand the number of times it has refused to go (battery twice and starter once). The interior has held up well, but the paint shows signs of age--hurried along by exposure to weather and a detailer who power buffed the finish. Now the clearcoat is peeling. Ive kept up with the preventive maintenance, so at 157,000 miles it is still mechanically sound.

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  more trouble than its worth - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaowner - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I had nothing but trouble with the automatic sliding doors. Had to have it declared a lemon to finally get them to replace the entire door mechanism. Drives like a car and is easy to drive and maneuver, but the finishes are cheap inside. Transmission shifts really hard. Would never buy another. Know at least 10 other owners that feel the same way - all had door troubles too. Would never recommend it.

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  JUNK - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By KIM - October 10 - 10:00 am

  WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. CONSISTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND NOISES. HONDA WILL SOON OWN THIS ONE UNDER THE LEMON LAW.

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  Versatile and fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Terii - October 10 - 2:40 am

  Have about 5000 miles. Great little car. Roomy interior and seats are extremely comfortable. Expensive-looking interiors. Great gas mileage, I get average between 32-39 MPG in city (I dont drive like I stole it). Helped 2 friends moved with this car. They were super impressed with how much room this car have, its like having a truck almost. Its safety features are +++! For the price, you cant go wrong!

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  2009 LX COUPE AUTOMATIC - 2009 Honda Civic
  By SKYKING1 - October 10 - 2:13 am

  I only have 600 miles on the vehicle but I really enjoy it so far. The gas mileage is increasing every tank full and I expect to easily exceed the 36 MPG rating for the car. I wasnt sure I would like the placement of the speedometer but I cant imagine driving a car with a conventional speedometer now!

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  Its a keeper - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HenryClay - October 10 - 1:43 am

  Purchased a mini-SUV came down to a Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. I liked the body style of the RAV4 over the CR- V, but could not locate a RAV4 with leather, all-wheel drive and side curtain airbags. I purchased the SE AWD because of the AWD, leather and the body-color bumpers, side molding and spare tire cover, much more attractive then the black molding and bumpers. Athought the body style reminds me of a Chevrolet Blazer, it has the best safely features. As for the vehicle, it rides nice and itÂ’s comfortable, although I do wish the CR-V had electric seats and removable rear seats. The SUV could use more under- body sound proofing, as the road noise is a little loud.

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  Baby Blue won my heart - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - October 9 - 8:10 pm

  I drove an Accord Ex-L for 17 years and a Prelude for 13 before. New Civic EX-L Navi brought me into New technology ..love everything....but the road noise on concrete highways...on asphalts runs like a dream...and around town I am counting my lucky stars. Love my new Civic...oh and did I mention the beautiful Blue color

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  Glad I got this over the Prius - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ro_bro - October 9 - 6:36 pm

  I was deliberating whether I should go "green" and get the Prius. I test drove the Prius. Nothing exciting, just thought it was cool that I could potentially save lots of gas. But it seemed to struggle a bit going uphill, so that made me doubt. Then I test drove this Civic 4 door LX AT. I was instantly in love. I had a 1997 4 door LX that broke down recently, just under 200,000. Anyway, the thing that caught me was that this thing has 140 horses! I could accelerate, even when going uphill, and I felt confident that I could pass anyone if necessary. But the 30/40 mpg, that was it for me. I saved about $3k versus the Prius, decent mpg, and I love the extra horses!

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  2004 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TRW - October 9 - 5:36 pm

  The Odyssey should have an all wheel drive option for those of us living in the northland. Our previous car was a Subaru Outback Wagon and we will likely go back to an all wheel drive option. We also have an AWD Passat and the difference between it and the Odyssey on snowy roads is obvious.

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  All fashion, no fuction. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By thelainster - October 9 - 5:09 pm

  I set out on a mission to buy a CX-5, but as a first time new-car-buyer, my dad advised me to get a Honda. At the time, the only CUV was the CR-V ( which I happen to think look like stinkbugs) so I waived him off. Then, I checked the Honda website and fell in love with the appearance and versatility of the HR-V. I bought it and almost immediately regretted my decision. I am 58 of legs and the HR-V just doesnt fit my stature. I even went so far as to modify the seat for an added tilt, which helped but didnt solve the problem. Plus, now I am farther away from the barely telescoping steering wheel. Overall, I am very torn on the whole thing.