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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  Honda is a waste! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dennis Guardado - October 12 - 9:50 am

  My purchasing process at the dealer was great but not until i drove it out of the dealer (purchased on 11/23/07). Imagine having a service for your car the 1st day you buy it, thats what I experienced for a hose blowing off the coolant system. Now i have another problem took my car in 6/13/08 had a engine light on and they replaced coils and plugs and again 6/14/08 took it again for service because it had an engine light on again and the tech told me that i red lined the car, they had to adjust the valves and cost me $216. Now on 6/27/08 my engine broke down in the highway and now they tell me that Honda wont cover anything because of the past history of redlining the car. Limiting that it was my prob

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  Great car but cloth seats s--k! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By LS - October 11 - 9:03 am

  Great MPG and pick up in highway. Cloth seats with the foam like touch are cheap and hot on back & fanny. This car would be great if it wasnt for the seats. Will give more info on seat material soon. Suggest you Spend extra on leather seats.

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  Not your typical Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By acap329 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Had to replace the rear struts/shock in the first 6,000 miles (they were leaking?). Well designed interior but try wiping clean with a damp cloth. Paint wiped off from the center console (cup holder) and door handles. Good service from dealer. Front seats are uncomfortable. Good pick-up and did well in Northeast snow storms.

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  Highly Overrated - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Cimbom - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my first time owning a Honda, so far I have owned three Toyotas. I wanted to try something different, based on Hondas reputation and reviews. The car though is just OK, not at all "the best family sedan", as it is touted. Even with the V-6 engine, the acceleration is subpar. Where are the 240 horses? Probably sleeping! The transmission gets confused often, especially when exiting sharp turns and on inclines. I guess the reviewers should spend more than one day with a car before declaring it the best. How about the short 3yrs/36000 miles warranty? If the car is so reliable (supposedly), how come Honda does not stand by it for a longer time?

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  Fun To Drive....NO! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Fun To Drive....NO! - October 8 - 7:36 am

  Comfort, styling and most features are great, but why have 271 horsies under the hood if the take off from a dead stop is so sluggish? It performs great at highway speeds, but hesitates when taking off from a red light. Next Accord for me will be the 4 cylinder 190 HP version. The VCM 6 is a HUGE disappointment for me. Will trade this in as soon as possible!

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By doug1022 - October 8 - 3:03 am

  This is a first impression only... but so far the new 07 Honda Odyssey has me very impressed. We just upgraded from a Subaru Forester. The Odyssey gives us lots more space, seating flexibility, comfort safety and creature comforts. I am dreading to find out what the actual mpg will be, but thats a sacrifice you make by getting a van. Initial impressions include: solid craftsmanship, nice interior design, solid pick-up, great rear camera feature, nice drive.

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  Good car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By MOPAR - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Fun to drive with Honda reliability. Styling isnt great but could be a little more exciting. I love the headlights its like having giant Hella lights on the front

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  Where is the Honda Quality? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By fiend_bear - October 7 - 5:30 am

  We thought the car was great when test driving, but after putting 1,500 miles on it, we are already looking to replace this Odyssey. Too many problems have surfaced and leave us wondering where is the Honda quality? Already serviced for steering spline noise issue and wheel alignment (neither issue corrected completely). Engine knock/ping at low rpms (premium gas does not help), front window rattle, mysterious transmission noise when shifting into drive, and one of the most uncomfortable drivers seats for long trips. This replaced a 2000 Dodge Caravan with perfect initial build quality, but unfortunately recently totaled by another car.

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  I Love It. - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By An Owner - October 4 - 10:23 am

  I liked my 1997 so much I bought a new 2006 CRV and I love it. It was between the CRV and RAV4 and I decided on the CRV. Honda was willing to deal on the price and I got it below invoice. The 2006 is comfortable, roomy, practical and the engine is "peppier" (the only real knock I had with my old one.) My gas mileage has been between 23-27 as on the sticker. It feels like a substantial, quality vehicle.

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  Happy user - 2003 Honda Civic
  By okra - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with the vehicle. But, when I was exploring which one of my cars to sell, I was extremely disappointed in the resale value.