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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  A Cracked Engine Head at 107,000 Miles! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Linda - March 26 - 8:10 pm

  I absolutely love(d) my Accord EX 4 dr. sedan.It was the funnest car I ever drove! It cornered great,it was peppy, reliable. I had the recommended timing belt maintenance done at 105,000 miles, also an oxygen sensor blew then too. Spent $1,000 on that preventive maintenance, only to have my engine head crack at 107,000 miles! I had no warning, no difference driving, but oil and antifreeze were mixing and the liquid looked like mud!! The pressure blew and popped a radiator hose just 4 months later. Cracked engine &I need a used engine put in for $2750, NOT! Needless to say, I am very disappointed and plan to write Honda to demand an answer as to why this would happen on their #1 product-cars

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  Great for the Price - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Deanne Lock - March 26 - 1:07 am

  You get what you pay for. This is a car that is great for someone without kids. Back seating a very tight and the rear view is difficult. It has FABULOUSA gas mileage and steering. It is road noisy.

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  Really Nice - Not Great - One Sour Note - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ChiliMac - March 24 - 10:32 am

  Purchased new in 1993 - the first off of the lot. As of March, 2008 it has 136,000 on it - almost all city with a once-a-year or so long highway trip. Mileage VG 27 city, 30+ highway. Have replaced radiator (2x), starter (2x), CV half shafts, clutch slave and master cylinders, misc. relays, etc. Mechanically, its never really let me down. My complaint is the paint -- the dreaded Honda clear-coat paint failure hit. It looks like C*!%. Roof, trunk, hood, etc. Honda wont cover any of it ("...normal wear and tear..."). So Im supposed to justify $500-to-$1,000 for new paint on a car thats now worth $2,500. Despite my satisfaction otherwise, I dont plan on buying another Honda.

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  Great truck, could use more power - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Woby - March 23 - 8:16 pm

  Used as a commuter and family trips. Occasional off road use at the beach or back roads. Great in the sand. Ride is excellent. Power is lacking - slightest hills on the highway cause downshift. No maintenance issues after 36,000 miles. Very comfortable for 4 adults. A little tight for 5 or with a baby seat installed and 4 adults. In bed trunk is awesome, dual action tailgate is very convenient.

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  quiet rough ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Zack Ery - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a horse drawn wagon, rough, I expected better. Quiet ride, handles well,

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  Great Riding Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Mitch - March 22 - 5:30 pm

  Im very happy with my van, due to health problems I havent been able to drive it as much as I want. The MPG are pretty good 17-18 city & 26 Hwy. Ive read some reviews that stated poor gas mileage. maybe they are driving at 90 on the Hwy, Im driving 70-75. The worst Hwy MPG Ive gotten was 24 MPG. Am I happy I bough it ? Yes !!

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Gordy Omolaiye - March 22 - 5:16 pm

  My first accord having driven a Camry. Simply just a great car. Mine has gone 65, 000 Miles and still going on strong. What More can I ask for in a car?

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  Black Touring 2007 - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jamie Commire - March 22 - 6:13 am

  The Black touring van rides great. Previous car was Cadillac CTS-V. I love the size of the DVD and Nav screens. Easy to enter with the automatic doors and lift gate. Not getting more than 20 mpg with 10,000 miles on it.

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  Great so far - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By frank - March 21 - 1:40 pm

  Improved ride and handling over my 03 CR-V but I miss the flip up rear window. The maintenance minder is kind of silly and it seems that it will be a pain to use. I prefer a written maintenance schedule which is no longer in the owners manual. The adjustable steering wheel is ok but I usually set it once and leave it alone. The spare sits in the floor well with the valve stem pointed down which means that you have to remove it to check the air.

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  Overrated - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By berndt - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2001 EX Odyssey in Lompoc, CA. After 5 months of driving, the rear sliding doors began to act up. They would not close completely which caused the alarm to go off. We took it back to the dealer and did adjustments. This continued to happen several times and the dealer said I need to clean off the connections when this happens again. When you pay $28,000 for something you expect it to work properly. We are at the point now to have them remove the automatic sliding door feature and install manual doors.I contacted Honda Customer Service and they really did not have any suggestions to fix the matter.