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! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jmharrell - April 20 - 10:17 pm

  Has 129,000 miles so far, original clutch, all original parts besides regular maintenance items like timing belt, water pump and brakes. Runs great, handles great, manual gives it some pretty decent acceleration. Get 33 city/40-50 mpg highway depending on speed and type of highway.

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  Love our Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Red Devil - April 20 - 7:05 pm

  Just passed 25,000 miles on our EX-L. So far we have had zero issues. Love the comfort of this minivan. The handling and agility is quite impressive for a minivan. Road noise can creep through on occasion. Not the perfect minivan, but a very good one.

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  Sad to see it go. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Me - April 20 - 5:55 pm

  Bought this car with 70k miles 10 years ago, now time to upgrade it. If youre looking for a good budget car - assuming its been maintained well - then you should consider this car. No major problems during ownership, standard maintenance, did rebuild trans, but wow, still kicking after all this time, and Im hard on it.

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  Love everything about my Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mrs. Larimer - April 20 - 4:15 pm

  I bought this Honda brand new when I turned age 61. I do maintenance on it according to the manual. It has 75,000 miles on it now. No problems whatsoever. It handles very good, gets 23 MPG in town and 30 MPG on highway. I have a bad back but the drivers seat is so comfortable since I can adjust it to fit the small of my back. I will buy another Honda when I need to trade.

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  My FIRST car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Sarahbeth - April 20 - 11:29 am

  Im eighteen years old and previously had gotten married and we had been attending college and never expected to get the amount back from school as we did. I had been looking for some wheels to get us to point a to point b. When i stumbled across a 1992 Honda Accord for $850! I took the car for a spin and it was at that very moment i fell in love. Ive had it and it takes me everywhere. I already know Im going to stick with my baby Honda for years on end.

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  Will never buy Honda Again - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Anthony - April 20 - 8:34 am

  I purchased the 2007 EX-L with navigation and rear entertainment system. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.. We first noticed the shaking, took it to the dealer and of course they could not replicate the problem. Found out the all of the engine mounts are broken and have to be replaced. I also paid several hundred dollars to have my brakes including rotors replaced. Torque converter has to be replaced. The transmission is shot.. All of this and I maintain the vehicle. Paid 32k. I owned a 2003 Odyssey and did not have any problems. Thats why we purchased the 2007.. Honda wont own up to the problems with this car. We are forced to purchase the 2011 Sienna with extended warranty.

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  Still going strong (update) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ryanj1178 - April 19 - 11:10 pm

  Bought brand new in 2007, the car now has 44,000 miles on it and drives the same. Have not had any issues whatsoever. Look forward to the next 44,000 miles.

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  Great car but - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jpc477 - April 19 - 9:13 pm

  This is my 3rd review. Bought in Jan of 09 w/ 59k miles, now has 78k. Gas mileage is wonderful. Handling is solid, engine runs smoothly and transmission shifts smoothly. When I first got the car power wasnt quite what I wanted. A cool air intake, header, and performance exhaust helped. However Ive had some unexpected issues. Fuel door cable broke - $300 to fix! O2 sensor failed, over $260 to fix, front control arm bushings replaced for $300. Not things I would expect from a Honda at the age / mileage it is. Overall I still think Honda is an excellent product but I will probably at least look at reviews more closely when I eventually replace my car - which Im not planning on for a while.

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  Glad I have it - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Rodney - April 19 - 7:28 pm

  Bought the Passport with 69,000 miles on it, has ben great overall, I get 23 highway and 17 city, Have to replace water pump at 150,000 and the front shafts soon, not bad for 170,000 miles on it,little things have gone bad but nothing real costly, will but a Ridgeline next. Wife loves it to.

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  Best ever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By meadowmaven - April 19 - 7:15 pm

  I have owned Toyota and Honda going back 35 years and have liked them all. they have performed well with little maintenance. This CR-V has been the best all round vehicle for reliability, comfort and versatility. Nothing but regular maintenance after 7 years, my tall husband is comfortable driving it, and just about everything fits in it thanks to its boxier style. Good going Honda