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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  Martys Honda Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By M. Prezette - June 13 - 11:54 am

  Over a doz. years of low maintenance and low cost driving. Very few problems at all. Was repainted several yrs. ago. Ride getting a bit bumpy but still a good over-all maneuverable car with body style still similar to current models.

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  Never have to think about it car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Happy Honda Owner - June 12 - 8:02 am

  Great reliability at a good price.

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  The Little Car That Could - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Joshua Brown - June 11 - 9:32 am

  I bought my Honda Civic Si in 97 for $6200. I have done some basic performance modifications on it, but little to the engine itself. I have had nearly zero problems with this car. My distributor bearing went out in 2001 (cost me approx. $220 to fix myself) and then my ignition coil failed 5/06 (cost me less than $100 to fix myself). This car still gets about 38 mpg on the highway and about 34 mpg in the city. The mpg averages 36-37 even after hitting 260,000 miles!! Yes 260,000!! This cars little sohs vtec engine is an engineering marvel. My only complaint is on the body. Nearly every fifth generation Civic (EG) has rust on the rear wheel well. This car has paid for itself 10 times over

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  Love the "green" Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ArmyDude - June 11 - 6:06 am

  Rides like a car, quiet interior, handles all my outdoor gear, a trunk in the bed, and 21 mpg. So far so good. Have had to replace A/C line and get computer adjust but all is well now.

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  A Steady, Peppy Companion - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Tracy - June 10 - 10:58 pm

  My Honda has been a cream puff for 12 yrs. Have had to fix a few things every 3 years but mostly just oil changes and scheduled maintenance. This is a great economy car and the EX Coupe with its VTEC engine and extras has been fun to drive. Cant go wrong with this car.

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  Minivans have changed - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry - June 10 - 7:20 pm

  The first thing that you notice is the improved looks, best among minivans (in my opinion). Then you jump in the drivers seat and experience a great drive. Yes, its still a minivan, but a great minivan. Along with the smooth ride, the Odyssey has great function. Limiting standard features and some options on some models is frustrating but overall we are very happy. You can get some options, such as the auto-dim mirrow with compass through the dealership. We were fortunate enough to get a little off of MSRP and have a few accessories thrown in. I didnt like the beige interior much, but kind of wish we had chosen it over the gray. The gray interior is kind of monotone, boring.

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  Do the Right Thing - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Roy - June 9 - 1:03 am

  This is a nice car! Roomy, comfortable. Great ergonomics, except for the lack of automatic headlights. Sluggish pickup, but thats the price for great gas mileage. Once it gets going, its fine in traffic. XM radio is a treat, but the audio quality could be better. With my "No more blood for oil" bumper sticker, Im having fun driving in front of Hummers. And with the safety features, I dont have to be intimidated by them. Handling is good. Its a tight ride. I expect typical Honda dependability. Trunk is big enough for most uses. Bottom line: Gets me where Im going in comfort and safety, for about half the gas as my last car.

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  2018 honda ridgeline - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard DuRette - June 8 - 2:09 am

  owned a 2007 honda ridgeline for 11 years. one of the most reliable and good all around vehicles i have owned. it is a light duty pick-up / passenger vehicle that is comfortable, easy to drive and covers all of my driving needs and conditions. theses are the reasons i have purchased a new one. the 2007 ridgeline still remains in the family.

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  300,000 and going - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Ronald - June 8 - 1:27 am

  My civic has 300,000 and its still running. Doesnt burn a single drop of oil. AC works yes I am ready for summer. Just changed the brakes will need a paint job soon. Muffler has cracked but still passed CA emissions :). I love this thing I am sure It will be a classic soon. The sunroof is nice. Put some rims and lower the car with better shocks and you got urself a very good car. Keeping it gangstar. Hella room for everything. I have the 89 civic si red like the picture. No rust so I am luckly. Its a great little car..I love it couldnt have asked for another car did I say it has 300,000 miles and still running..:)..

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  Lots of fun, for a minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By eguy13 - June 7 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the Ody after test-driving the Ody and the Sienna. Love the handling, drives like a large Accord. Fuel consumption is a major setback. Getting approx 14/gallon with 60/40 highway/local driving. Lack of quality control when leaving plant. Had to bring the vehicle back to dealer to correct manufacturing defects and imperfections.