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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  Great car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By MIKE - December 31 - 2:38 pm

  My car is great it has had a few problems but nothing i couldnt fix myself and for only 5 or ten bucks the car had 200k miles on it when i got now its up to 213k and still running strong it has the original motor in it everything but the seat belts are original its a great car to drive and is very fun

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  FANTASTIC CAR - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Tristan - December 31 - 10:00 am

  On my third Honda and second Accord. This one to replace my 87 that never failed me. Manual transmission feels great. Superior styling and comfort. Im keeping this one forever.

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  best car for the price level - 1998 Honda Civic
  By akuoh - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Lucky me. Got it as a bday present in 98 and have been driving the hell out of ever since. Installed a CD changer and alarm as the only extras. The interior is pretty noisy. But after renting a Neon for a trip (it only had 3 gears!), Ive come to realize how well built and designed everything is on this car. Plus the mileage is great (32-35mpg) and no mechnical troubles at all. Great car all around. Sure, I can always want more things in a car, but I wont need it outside of what my Civic has offered.

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  Refined Design, Materials, and Ride - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lifeson34 - December 31 - 7:34 am

  Best Volkswagen yet. The interior is refined, with a beautiful center gauge that resembles a high-class wristwatch. A backup camera comes standard even in the LX model. The ride is quiet. At low RPM, the engine has a pleasant rumble. Stepping on the gas generates a healthy dose of power. At intermediate RPM, the CVT is a little loud, which can be disconcerting. While steering is electrical, it doesnt feel as numb as a Toyota. This car is actually fun to drive, something unusual for a family sedan.

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  Better at hauling people than cargo - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By marty - December 31 - 1:03 am

  We love our Odyssey. It very comfortable, sportier to drive than youd think and we expect it to last a long time. The third seat has proven comfortable for adults on a 1.5 hour ride. What it doesnt do so well is haul cargo. The cargo floor is not perfectly flat or smooth. This seems to be a trade off for the easy to fold third row, parts of the hinges stick up. Its impossible to slide things in and out and if you have to crawl in and get something you are sure to scream when you land a knee on one of the hard plastic hinges. Likewise there is a lot of exposed hardware in the floor around the middle row than can get knees, toes and fingers.

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  Great Car But...... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lawdawgfl - December 30 - 12:26 am

  I really enjoyed the Accord, the 6 speed was great and the engine pulled hard. I was not happy however with the fit and finish. This is suppose to be a top of the line Honda and the car rattled like an old Buick. When it was cold the dash board made a clicking noise. The door panels always made noise, push on it and it went away. Great car otherwise, it needs a better quality control. While driving one day I heard a POP, it was the black trim piece that goes up the drivers door, it had come apart, easy fix, but it shouldnÂ’t have happened.

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  5 years old and very few problems... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mike Sanders - December 29 - 7:10 pm

  My 2002 has been a very reliable car. I have the 4-cyl. and it is peppy enough to be fun and safe. I did have the service light come on, twice, because of a fault in the air- bag system. The dealer fixed it both times, under warranty. Also, I had to replace the battery, at around the four year point. Aside from regularly scheduled maintenance, thats it! Ive owned over a dozen cars and Ive never had a more trouble-free experience.

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  watch out for noise - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By hummer - December 29 - 3:46 am

  The Odyssey has a "characteristic" that is annoying. Keep the rpm around 2100 when slowly accelerating or going up a hill and it resonates/hums. I hope they fix this soon! Other than that it has been a very enjoyable vehicle that has more headroom in the rear seats than the Sienna, a big plus when carrying 6 adults.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Nice Vehicle - December 28 - 7:13 am

  Test drove Acadia/Enclave/Outlook, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Aspen and Chevy Tahoe. All were very nice and gas mileage better on Sienna. Deciding factor was better rebate. Family loves it and that was bottom line.

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  WOULDNT HAVE ANYTHING BUT A HONDA! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ally baltz - December 28 - 12:16 am

  It is very comfortable and has plenty of room. Has the get up and go when you want it. Great buy for the money and very reliable. I test drove many cars in the same class and nothing compares to it. I give it an A+.