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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  Switched from BMW to Honda Accord - 2013 Honda Accord
  By inbaskingridge - October 31 - 4:53 pm

  My lease was up on my 2010 BMW 328i x-drive (AWD) and I decided to get off the lease treadmill and buy...in this case a 2013 Accord EX-L with navigation. Overall, I am very happy with the switch. This is the first Honda Ive owned. Build quality is excellent, road noise is probably less than my BMW.

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  My new CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tallperson - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the new CRV for our growing family (new baby in July!). We were sold on the safety features and the numerous extras that came with the EX model. It passed its first test when we had to stuff a dresser in it, the seats flipped up beautifully and everything fit! The 6-disc cd changer is a bit noisy as it switches and I would love it if Honda would put in heated seats (like a comparably priced Subaru does). And why no daytime running headlights? We are happy with the acceleration and power. We looked at the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Jeep Liberty. Honda was the best value for space, options and price all-around.

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  Car Review - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jason803 - October 30 - 5:58 pm

  I bought this car in sept. 05 with 72K on it. So far i have had no real problems with the exception of the cd player keeps sayin P-EO to brand new cds. the engine check light stays on a little longer than i like. Is this Normal?.. the paint is very easy to chip off took a chunk off with the nozzle at car wash.. Over all it has not let me down it took me cross country with no problems... Its a Honda ... Hope what say is true hondas last forever.

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  our Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AB_ALL_DA_WAY - October 30 - 3:02 am

  A reliable vehicle, but does not win any awards for its appearance. I haul my drums around in it along with people, so it is a functional vehicle. No bells and whistles, just a functional car. Dont expect it to be like a luxury SUV, because it is quite simple and plain. I would recomend it to anyone who want a functional, reliable car/SUV.

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  Honda Civic 99 - 1999 Honda Civic
  By sue - October 28 - 6:24 pm

  I purchased my civic used and it has been a charmer. No problems and has not been in the shop since I got it. I have had other Hondas and find them to be very reliable cars.

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  Great family truckster - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Felix - October 28 - 8:20 am

  We bought our Odyssey primarily for long road trips. Its been fantastic. Plenty for room for everyone, no one complains about being cramped anymore. Its so comfortable inside that long drives are much less fatiguing. The main reason I picked the Honda is because of its great handling. Its seriously better than most SUVs and even some cars. There have been a lot of comments about the fuel economy. The vehicle is heavy, so its city mileage is poor. But on the highway with 6 people & 4 bikes on a hitch rack, I get 22 to 25 mpg on the highway. Better than my 4 door sedan with bikes on the roof! In summary, Id recommend it to anyone looking for a minivan, especially if you like to drive!

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  King Honda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Johnny4Wheels - October 28 - 3:52 am

  Fantastic vehicle! I bought this with 164,000 miles on it and youd never know it by the way it runs. Heck, the interior looks practically brand new! The paint hasnt held up too well, but it is 11 years old. It is a fun car to drive with plenty of pep with a 5-speed. Also, I think this generation Civic is the best looking. Im 66", so its a bit tight, but not too uncomfortable. Lots of legroom helps, but the seats dont support my back too well. Small price to pay for 43 mpg (not running AC), though! I foresee many more enjoyable miles with my new best friend.

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  Its all show, no go - 2007 Honda Civic
  By djwilson - October 28 - 2:10 am

  This car lacks power. You have to really "drive it like you hate it" to keep up with traffic. Most of its power is reserved at 6000 to 8000 rpm. Who wants to thrash their car trying to keep up with a mini-van or a truck. This car is an economy car without getting good mileage or a cheap price. The six-speed tranny shifts good, but in this car with its lack of torque, you are shifting every few seconds. It is loud inside the car too. I find myself saying “what” a lot while on the freeway. I have had the car less than a month and the seats are a magnet for lint and dirt. The paint seems to scratch very easily. The car rides like it has not shocks.

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  Reliable Accord V6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By rzeles - October 27 - 12:21 pm

  Bought my Accord EX-V6 back in May of 2000, and still have it. Has about 60K miles. Overall great, reliable car. Would recommend it to anyone. I agree the styling is a little bland, however, I prefer something not too flashy. To date, aside from tire rotations and oil changes, I have done a few things to it to keep it up and running. I too had the EGR value issue fixed by a local shop, and was promptly reimbursed via Honda after writing a short letter. (Great service). Replaced the tires, new alternator, trans fluid changes, and 2 brake jobs. With the transmission warranty extension to 7 yrs/100K miles, Ill keep it for another year or so. Overall great car, would recommend it.

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  cool 8s - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sadf - October 27 - 10:00 am

  its great and i love it and it is so cool and the only reason i gave it eights was because i never give higher