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 2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JG - June 7 - 2:36 pm

  Great car for the price!!

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  This is one reliable vehicle - 1997 Honda Accord
  By MickC - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Accord I have owned. The first was a 84 that I owned for 14 years; both vehicles have performed flawlessly. I have only spent money on maintenance and tinted windows. After 4 years I still havent even bought new tires or replaced brake pads! I dropped in a K&N filter a couple of years ago and I get 27mpg/400 miles per tank city driving. I have waxed it one time recently and my neighbors told me that they were jealous.

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  My first experience with Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Alec - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car overall with great potentials.

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  2000 is the one bad year - 2000 Honda Accord
  By mcadoo11 - June 6 - 9:07 pm

  I love Honda Accords and owned the 1984 version for well over a dozen years but my 2000 Accord has been a bust, as the engine had to be replaced with just 64,000 miles on it. Consumer Reports show it is the one bad year for Accords.

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  Not totally impressed - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jet - June 6 - 8:13 pm

  Acceleration onto a highway or passing requires some thought. The Auto could end up being deadly slow. The paddle shifters cannot be used when there is any angle on the steering wheel. Because it is an economy car there are compromises. The carpeting is about 2 steps above roofing felt paper. With a little more HP and torque this car would be an absolute hoot.

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  04 Element EX AWD - 2004 Honda Element
  By BSBDCAZ - June 3 - 3:00 pm

  The car is extremely versatile and roomy. Needs some option for the interior; carpet, upgraded upholstery etc...

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Kaygee - June 3 - 12:32 pm

  Bought the car used with 34000 miles for 19 year old son. Gas mileage is big disappointment and the timing of the engine shifting seems to be off. Engine is noisy also. Tried to get an extra key made. Cost in excess of $100 because of computer chip in key cover (security feature). Also twice there has been a power interuption and had to get code from dealer to reset radio (another security feature). Battery died and could not shift car out of park to push out of garage. Will not buy another Honda because of all the security features that can be an real inconvenience to owner.

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  happy - 2001 Honda Civic
  By dane - June 3 - 4:01 am

  Bought this car in 2014, with 127k miles, i am a pizza delivery driver and it now has 171k miles. Ive read a lot of other reviews and i can agree that when putting the car in gear from park to drive, or reverse to drive, it can slip if you step on the gas. My advice to you is: to make your tranny last, go easy on the accelerator right when you get into gear, giving your car this little time cushion will be alot safer on the transmission. you should be able feel the car drop in gear after going into drive. Other than preventative maintenance like the timing belt, water pump, oil changes, new tranny fluid, the best thing you can do is to take care of your car! do the oil changes every 5,000 miles. i started using fully synthetic oil in my car, but its up to you. Im happy with my honda! <3

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  happy - 2001 Honda Civic
  By dane - June 3 - 4:01 am

  Bought this car in 2014, with 127k miles, i am a pizza delivery driver and it now has 171k miles. Ive read a lot of other reviews and i can agree that when putting the car in gear from park to drive, or reverse to drive, it can slip if you step on the gas. My advice to you is: to make your tranny last, go easy on the accelerator right when you get into gear, giving your car this little time cushion will be alot safer on the transmission. you should be able feel the car drop in gear after going into drive. Other than preventative maintenance like the timing belt, water pump, oil changes, new tranny fluid, the best thing you can do is to take care of your car! do the oil changes every 5,000 miles. i started using fully synthetic oil in my car, but its up to you. Im happy with my honda! <3

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  Great Van for the money - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sa125 - June 3 - 3:43 am

  We shopped Toyota and Honda. After driving both we noticed the power difference in the Honda. We really liked the styling of the Odyssey, especially the chrome on the front grille and around the windows. The Sienna was a bit more refined but the Odyssey was just plain fun to drive. This van has no trouble getting onto to major highways, the engine supplies plenty of power. You feel in touch with the road. Honda makes the option packages simple, we wanted leather and dvd, just had to find a dealer with the color we wanted at our price. It was difficult to find a Sienna XLE with Leather and DVD would be installed at dealer.