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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  My Reliable Civic!!! - 1990 Honda Civic
  By charlie3967 - September 9 - 4:52 pm

  Ive owned my Civic for 2 and 1/2 years and the only thing Ive replaced on it were tires and a new radidtor hose! A zippy ride, due to the 5- speed manual. Very fun to drive, excellent handling and very dependable. Never left me stranded. Only routine maintenance required. (Oil changes, plugs, batteries,etc.). Keep your fluids changed regularly and itll run forever. Rock solid car! Only 115,000 miles on her. Plenty of life left. Ill drive her to 300,000!!

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  ACCORD EX 4cyl - 1998 Honda Accord
  By AAC - September 9 - 2:17 pm

  Styling still looks good in and out after all these years. Good handling car, though has excessive road noise that penetrates the cabin especially on rough surfaces, not a problem on our same year (98) Toyota Camry , also not as reliable so far with 98000 replaced egr sensor @ 62000, cat converter @ 80000, & just recently replaced cv joints, will soon trade for a Toyota

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  Back to a Honda - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Back2Honda - September 9 - 10:33 am

  Sienna was close, but was priced higher for similar features. Quest, high price plus shape appears to be done by bubble blowing machine. Caravan, looks uglier with each new generation and resale value should equal price of a decent TV in a few years. My Odyssy is pretty good inside and out, engine is very quiet, ride is smooth, and overall, structure is very tight. Combine that with a roomy interior, easy access to 3rd row, and a decent list of standard features. Lastly, since it is a Honda, youll know that resale value will fare better than others - I should know, I traded in my old Caravan. Lastly, with end of model year, you should be able to get pretty close to invoice price.

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  On my 11th Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephen in Idaho - September 9 - 7:55 am

  We purchased our Van new in October, 02 This is our second Odyssey. We have had 95,000 miles of reliability and comfort for my family. Best van for quality and price. Have had no issues with transmission except for recall to add a trans fluid pumping system, (one day at the Honda spa). Side doors track need to be lubricated and adjusted to so they opperate correctly. Seems to be more of an issue in the colder months.

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  Honda CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By sjt - September 8 - 1:50 pm

  People often ask me "how do you like your new car," and I have to answer the truth...."Nice car, good, but not great." Looks good, nice features, decent mileage I am getting about 21.6 mpg as I drive 15 miles a day within a 40 mph speed limit. Between 40-50 mph the car does not drive smoothly. It seems the engine is "confused" about what gear to be in and drives like it is in 5th gear, but should be in 4th....it is an automatic. This is annoying and I drove another 2010 and it did the same thing. Something I just have to get used to...

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  Cargo Load - 2006 Honda Element
  By HC - September 8 - 12:11 pm

  After reading owners guide, I was disappointed to read that the cargo load is 675 pounds. So, IMOP, Honda is advertising the cavernous interior as if it can haul lots of stuff, that is doing customers an injustice. If you have the car full...4 people at 150 pounds each, you can only carry another 75 pounds of gear, whats that two full suitcases? The class I hitch is a joke!

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  VEHICULAR - 2004 Honda S2000
  By beccadda - September 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR YET!!!

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  Great SUV - Wife is happy - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Cholent Maker - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Hard to find a good deal.

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  Reliable-without bells and whistles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By triage - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Reliable car without mechanical issues-- good gas mileage--travel a lot-interior could use a little padding-leather interior wears great

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  Smooth comfort and power - 2003 Honda Accord
  By B1 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The shifting is superb. The velour seats work nicely but the lack of a split in the fold-down is a continued annoyance. The dash is pretty gimmicky and the controls are quirky. The daytime dash looks like the lights are on and vice versa. The 4 cylinder MT has all the power I demand from it. The clutch is really fast and light.