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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  2004S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By saluki100 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Not a practical car for everyday driving. This is a car you buy for the "fun" factor not practicallity.

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  2003 honda accord ex - 2003 Honda Accord
  By aznpnoi - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The brakes feels and sounds likes its grinding even after 5-10 minutes after you warm it up. The dealer ship technician says its normal but its way feels and sounds different compared to other cars especially its a 2003 car. and the dealership wanted me to pay $80.00 for them to check it out completely.

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  1 month in - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bryan Hamilton - September 26 - 3:22 pm

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  1 month in - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Bryan Hamilton - September 26 - 3:22 pm

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  Honda Civic Nothing But Trouble - 2001 Honda Civic
  By DJ - September 26 - 3:02 pm

  I bought my Honda with 30,000 miles on it. It now has 147,000. I have never had such a disappointing car in all my life. The struts went out at 60,000. The air conditioner went out at 85,000. I had multiple oil leaks repaired. The engine burns about 1 quart between oil changes. Also had electric windows repaired and bushing replaced multiple times. But the worst problem has been replacing the transmission, it died at 130,000.

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  You get your moneys worth - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald - September 26 - 4:55 am

  This was purchased as a family (2 adults) car that could be towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome. It worked excellently in that capacity. The main weaknesses in our experience are: 1. battery may be undersized. If we park and try to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes the battery loses just enough power that the car computer decides the voltage is too low to even try to start., 2. this is not very comfortable, probably due to the short wheelbase. We feel every bump.

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  You get your moneys worth - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald - September 26 - 4:55 am

  This was purchased as a family (2 adults) car that could be towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome. It worked excellently in that capacity. The main weaknesses in our experience are: 1. battery may be undersized. If we park and try to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes the battery loses just enough power that the car computer decides the voltage is too low to even try to start., 2. this is not very comfortable, probably due to the short wheelbase. We feel every bump.

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  Great Gas Mileage... most of the time - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Citan - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Decent car, decent ride, decent handling, off the line pickup isnt that great with the automatic, but passing power is decent. Only con so far would be: any time the gas tank has fewer than 3 gallons in it, its nearly impossible to start, the dealer cant seem to find anything wrong with it, nor have they been able to duplicate the problem (always how those things go) Also, the dealership was a ripoff for trade-ins, and are a pain to work with in general.

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  Miss some bells and whistles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DaveK - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Love the 2002 Ody, but I sure miss having a trip computer/outside temp gadge/direction feature. Dumped our 96 Town&Country and never looked back. But, the Chrysler rode better, and was much quieter. Honda should address the body stiffness issues. I have had to ArmourAll all the door seals to keep them from sqeaking from all the movement.

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  First Exposure - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By IlliW - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My wifes wants (its her van) took precedence over mine. My preference would have been a better handling VW Eurovan. So far the Odd-issy lacks character at regular driving speeds; the engine, despite its high HP and torque, seems lackluster. Ill put it through its paces to find out what it truly has to offer. On our way home from the dealership a truck on I85 shed its re-caps. A large rubber projectile ripped the front right plastic wheel kowling out. Other than that, ($110.00) including installation, there was no damage, and thank god no accident. In a week or so Ill give my updated thoughts on performance. Reliability? Time will tell.