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 - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By honda crv - February 5 - 10:53 am

  Build quality of exterior and interior is excellent. But this car used from a dealer. However the ride quality is very mediocre. Very uncomfy shocks even with replacement. Loud engine noise and squeaky interior and exterior on bumps. Excellent reliability and gas mileage. Nice looking exterior and handling.

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  An Overall Satisfied Customer - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike P - February 5 - 9:36 am

  First off, I got this car for a STEAL because it was the last 08 the dealer had on the lot. Due to this, I may think that this car is a better value than others that paid sticker. Overall, I like the car. Its fast, handles well, and looks pretty good when tinted. Its also a decent size, reliable, and pretty economical. I drive "spiritedly" often and I still get great gas mileage. The worst was 26mpg (100 mile trip on back roads in Maine = wild ride) and the best has been about 33mpg...I usually average about 29 with 50/50 highway/city. One warning if you get an Si, every punk kid in a Honda/import will want to race you. Just something you have to live with.

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  Honda = poor engineering - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Anjillian - February 5 - 12:38 am

  I love the aesthetics of this car & it was the main push for the purchase. Big mistake for not doing research on Accord problems because my brakes are worn down & stuck with a $200 bill to replace them. Seriously Honda?! Not even 9000 miles & this is normal? Honda has been very disappointing, and I would still buy Toyota with the recall over this piece of junk scamming their customers money.

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  How do ya spell reliability? H-O-N-D-A! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda Owner - February 4 - 6:54 pm

  I bought my 1990 Accord about two weeks ago and so far its been nothing short of what Honda stands for: reliability. Only thing that annoys me is it seems to suck up oil? Filled the gas tank and drove from Atlanta to outside Athens and back. 175 miles roundtrip. Fuel gauge was closer to full than it was to halfway when I got back to Atlanta. My next car will be a newer Honda Accord. 189k miles and still going.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Dave - February 4 - 9:35 am

  Traded in a Jeep on a cash for clunkers deal. I wanted the most efficient and reliable car I could get. I think that I may have found it. Great mileage, fun to drive and comfortable. Great car for around town driving. Have taken a few 400 mile road trips and it can cruise all day long. Keep in mind that it is a small car and dont try to overload it and all will be fine. A great car for the money.

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  Awesome Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By NPW - February 4 - 8:26 am

  Had no major issues. Had to replace the AC compressor at about 130K. It was a great drive. This was my first new car. I used it till someone else decided that they needed it more than I did and stole it!

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  Cracked Engine Block @ 132K - 2006 Honda Civic
  By NPW - February 4 - 8:19 am

  Love the car! It was a great drive but cracked engine block @ 132K???? This seems to be an epidemic now showing up on 2006/2007/2008 Civics! Honda will not cover it because of the mileage which I think is not good PR considering it is due to to a design weakness or a manufacturing defect regardless of mileage. Hoping for an eventual recall! Also, transmission had to be replaced at 132K!

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  Familiar Problems - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Familymaniam - February 3 - 5:33 pm

  Bought car new in 2000. It replaced my 1995 Odyssey. Love the van except for transmission problem, paint clearcoat failure and repeated problems with sliding doors. Van handles well. Weve been on long trips and the space makes traveling with kids great.

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  Honda Civic 2008 - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dave - February 3 - 3:36 pm

  Front brakes grab unevenly, right front side vibrate and make noise braking on uneven pavement. Muffler exhaust makes putt-putt sound. Have 5K miles on it. Otherwise good car.

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  Great car! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By boating - February 3 - 9:12 am

  Chose this car over a Mazda3. Handles very well in turns and over suburban streets. Very comfortable. I thought that the dash layout and speedometer would be a problem, but that is not the case. Bit noisy on highway at 50- 65.