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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  Jerry in SD - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jerry - September 17 - 7:15 am

  10-13 -Researched this car for 3 months prior to purchase, had 3 deals & broker looking.Back in July difficult car to find.Had been waiting until one Monday got my car had interior changed for leather & didnt get the color I was waiting for. Waited until now we write my review until after road trip which car handled just fine according to my husb which was the driver. He didnt have back support problem he is 6 but I couldnt get comfort in one spot.He luved all features & noted how fast air cond cooled the car down. Got this car for gas mileage, cargo space & price. Car has so many curves on outside difficult cleaning according to husb. Got rainned on paint held up no spot except crome & windows.......

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  Great for Getting to School or Work - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jim Bullard - September 16 - 10:19 am

  This red 99 Honda Civic has been great fun to drive. It gets about 30 Mile/Gal, and has a new transmission and A/C compressor. Most of my driving has been to get to college, get to work and socially around town. Hardly any highway driving

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ylonn Cherry - September 15 - 7:20 pm

  When I began my car research I was interested in it and several competitors. I finally decided on the Honda Accord because it had all the features I was looking for at an excellent price.

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  Reliable Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By arose - September 15 - 10:30 am

  The Honda Civic really is the best value. I wish it had more horsepower. However, horsepower or not, in a few years it will be worth more than all other 2004s in its class.

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  2007 tango read pearl 4wd ex auto - 2007 Honda Element
  By kevkat - September 14 - 5:10 pm

  we just brought the new car home and we like it already. the only thing i am worried about is whether my wife is going to like the free XM and when the trial period is over we will be getting a subsrciption. Lots of room, rides pretty nice and handles well. this auto has all safety features on the market with this version and coded keys and theft prevention radio. buy your accessories at manchester honda in CT. they offer close to 25% discount. we ordered deflector, mats, arm rest, and other stuff alot cheaper than from dealer.

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  Bad Friday on Good Friday! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By George Raitt - September 14 - 11:29 am

  7600 miles and still under warranty ( thank heavens). On I-95 in Delaware, headed for my sons in PA when transmission dies! In middle lane of 5 lane highway. Truck driver behind me pushes me to shoulder at great personal risk. Towed to dealer who got me rental. Ordered new transmission and I picked it up on Thursday. Dealer (Martin Honda was great) but Honda disappinted me. I had a 2007 CRV which I loved! If this tranny busts it will be my last Honda!

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  Do not count on old Hondas reliability - 1997 Honda Accord
  By DailyDriver - September 14 - 10:00 am

  As many of us I bought this car because of common knowledge that Hondas run 150K with no problem. My previous car was Honda Civic 1984 hatchback with flawless 230K on speedometer. Now, at 95K on Honda Accord LX 97, I already replaced AC and transmission. Good that I had 100K bubmer-to-bumper warranty but what awaits me in the future?

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  Awesome Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HappyMom - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Had this van for several weeks and really love it!! The DVD system is wonderful to keep kids entertained and the wireless headphones are great for them to listen to a movie while you are listening to the radio or a CD up front. We owned a Plymouth Grand Voyager and what a piece of junk!!! One problem after another. This is the 3rd Honda we have owned and so far we have never been disappointed. Decided to get rid of the Plymouth and return back to a Honda for dependability.

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  Not what I expected! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By breatherguy - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought new as a "demo" model. Vehicle was great for about 9 months. Then the fan switch quit working on the lower settings. That was replaced under warranty. THEN, a "transmission" recall. The transmission still doesnt work right. When the vehicle is setting flat and you put it into D4, the vehicle hesitates to engage for about 3-5 seconds. Took it back to the "local dealer PLOHAL HONDA" and they insist nothing is wrong. Now, the blower fan quit working "again".Finally this summer the air conditioner emits warm air. The local maintenance person put his hand up the the vent and said, "well it feels ok to me". I anticipated better testing!

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  soft metal - 2003 Honda Accord
  By nice boston driver - September 14 - 10:00 am

  this car dents too easily. an acorn actually put a dent in the top of a fender panel. i garage this car but its full of little creased dents all over. fuel consumption never gets above 28 mpg highway at 75-79 mph. i used to get 30 mpg with a GM LS1 V-8 with twice the horsepower. (average detroit v-6 gets the same milage with an auto-tranny - no detroit fan here.) the interior controls like door locks are poorly defined. sound system is terrific. winter handling, braking, high speed driving and other fundemantals A+.