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:

• 

  Great Warrior - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RC - March 20 - 10:58 pm

  Have owned since new. Great family vehicle. Better usable space than a Tahoe or Expedition. Very few problems and extremely low maintenance costs for first 128k miles. Transmission then rebuilt at 128k for $3400 doesnt bother me since Im planning on keeping the Ody for another 125k miles.

• 

  unbeatable value - 2002 Honda S2000
  By jfc - March 20 - 6:00 pm

  Bought a new suzuka blue for 2k UNDER sticker! Drove boxter, TT, miata, wrx and mr2 spyder. No better streetable race car available anywhere close to that price.

• 

  Classy, reliable, comfortable - 2016 Honda Accord
  By oana falasca - March 20 - 12:18 pm

  IT is a great car, I really enjoy the features, simple and clean, yet up to date on technology. Good job, Honda. I hope its as good as my previous 2004 Honda Accord which game little to no trouble.

• 

  This special car ... "Fits!" - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Obie327 - March 19 - 10:09 pm

  Ive driven many cars in my day: legend, jetta, Fiat, Saturn, Toyota, etc... My car needs a good driving dynamics and personality. This car is all of that!: ergonomical, practical, efficient, responsive, spacious, peppy, and really fun. I feel like a citizen of the world when driving. Well thought out car. Get the armrest, tint, and a rubber liner for the trunk. I was impressed with winter driving, I mean having the gas tank closer to the front makes for better weight distribution (when full) for snow grip. (not ruling on tires yet) seats are wonderful for my back. Drove 1200 miles on a trip and never had any achy joints or anything! (just tired). Got over 40 mpg going 60+ mph. Great experience.

• 

  Love my Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By David Johnson - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Love my accord, EX-L has great leather, stereo and the controls are easy to use despite what others have said. Car has good power and is very comfortable. The stereo has good sound and would definitely buy again.

• 

  So great, someone else took it from me! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By M - March 19 - 5:01 pm

  I had this car since it was brand new. I drove it myself for +6 years and I had ZERO problems with it, in its 10th year it ran better then most cars that are less than 5 years old. The one negative - people kept trying to break into it (I never kept anything in my car) and finally, dec 08 someone successfully stole it and was written off. This problem is typical of older Hondas. This car was great but its a hot car for theft (and is apparently really easy to steal) and this is what makes me hesitant to return to a Honda since dealing with getting windows fixed etc. from thieves turns into a big pain. :(

• 

  first sports car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jdg - March 19 - 12:11 am

  The S2k is my first and maybe my last sports car and I love it. It is the most beautiful car that I have owned. Mine is black on black, which in my opinion is the best color for this car. It goes down the expressway like it was on a rail and it rolls down the city side streets with all eyes on the car.

• 

  Returned to CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Pat R - March 18 - 5:55 pm

  This redesigned CRV is what weve been waiting for. Its no longer the plain Jane of SUVs, but an example of the latest in mechanical engineering with its Turbo engine and hi-tech applications on the dashboard. Its part of the newest generation of cars with no apologies to be made. I love the side view mirrors/camera set-up. Has already saved me from an expressway fender bender. The cruise control/distance link is super convenient and eases highway driving. Seat adjustments make it comfortable for all shapes/sizes. Dont let the controls overwhelm you, learn them one at a time. Dealers help in setting them up is imperative.

• 

  Premium experience - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kolstad1 - March 18 - 5:16 pm

  Looking at the most fuel-efficient choices out there, I naturally settled on the Prius and Civic Hybrid (and held onto a secret wish for a Mazda 3 hatchback that could get 40 on the highway). The Prius had an appealing zen-like quality to it, but it just wasnt comfortable for someone my size (63"). Acknowledging my natural Hondaphile leanings, I drove the HCH (with some reservations over the supposedly "underwhelming" performance). After that, it was a no-brainer. It accelerates more than well, never once leaving me with that sinking, sluggish feeling. Add to that comfortable seats and billet-like build quality, and I feel I got a premium-class car with 45 mpg for $21.5K. Very happy.

• 

  Economical and sensible but not much else - 2006 Honda Civic
  By craig - March 18 - 6:38 am

  Owned this car for three years and have had no major problems -- Just two recalls for a tensioner bolt and drivers seat bracket bolt. Gas mileage is superb, but it is only a small 4 cyl. and you can notice the strain. As a prior poster mentioned, car is not good in the snow. Maybe too light? Have had difficulty ascending slight grades with only a coating of snow on the road. I have also had problems with traction on level streets from a stopped position. Interior constructed of VERY cheap plastics that scratch and mark seemingly from just looking at it wrong. Suspension squeaks during cold weather months. No momentum obtained on highway driving have to keep your foot to the floor.