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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  Doesnt Age As Much As Driver - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Stein - December 13 - 11:34 am

  At five years and 56,000 miles we find our Odyssey hasnt aged as much as I have, thank goodness. Vehicles outside appearance is still very good, interior shows little wear, engine still sounds and feels sound, transmission doesnt whine, gas mileage still ranges around 20 to 24 mpg (on the road), handling hasnt loosened up to any significant degree and resale value is excellent. The problems I have with this vehicle have to do with braking (although theres never been a loss of braking theres a softer pedal than I like) and when you do longer road trips across the prairies you have to be aware youre not driving a Ford, for example, with a Ford dealer and shop in almost every town. With a Honda reliability is mandatory because dealerships are generally located in cities and often cities are few and far between. So, we do like our Odyssey because its been a great "buy" and a vehicle that lives up to its reputation.

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  Like McDonalds Im loving it! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Tee - December 12 - 3:33 pm

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GF - December 11 - 1:12 pm

  I purchased my Accord new, it now has 102,000 miles and is eight years old. I replaced the rear brakes twice during the first 30,000 miles of ownership. The front brakes are the original brakes (hard to believe). The rear brakes have not been replaced since the redesign (70,000 miles on the rear pads). The only other problems Ive had are the sway bar bushings and the SRS module. The SRS module was replaced by the dealer free of charge even though the car had over 100,000 miles (Thank you Fisher Honda, Harry Snyder is the best service representative I have ever encountered). The car has never burned a drop of oil and handles all elements well here in Colorado with Nokian WRG3 tires. Its been a very comfortable car overall, however the road noise is high compared to other vehicles in its class. In fact, my only significant complaint is the road noise. Ive considered replacing it, but it just drives too well to replace. It drives almost the same as when I drove it off the lot, Ill probably keep it 2-3 more years as long as it remains trouble free. Just a great car.

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  11years owner - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Saaid - December 10 - 8:49 pm

  I bought the car new in 2005. Have 135,000 miles on it and counting without any issue. Have only changed the wear and tear parts in the past 11 years. RUNNING STRONG!

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  310,000 miles running strong - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Konstantin - December 10 - 6:12 pm

  Car has 310,000 miles on it and running strong. I am the only owner. Changed starter only. I like the car. Do not want to sell it.

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - December 10 - 8:41 am

  Only trouble so far are my cloudy headlights. Best car I have ever owned! Must say I love the red!

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  I got what I wanted - A great vehicle - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By joe - December 10 - 4:01 am

  I wanted an all around vehicle with a comfortable on the road ride with some off the road capability. A vehicle that would be able to handle a snow storm or icy roads. A vehicle I could haul bags of mulch, or shrubs from the nursery. A vehicle that could carry the grandkids, cooler, buggy boards, umbrella and chairs to the beach. And I got it with my 2013 Honda Ridgeline I purchased new. A great vehicle.

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  Best car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Lee Ann - December 9 - 9:25 pm

  The best car I have ever owned!! My 2004 Honda CR-V just turned over 340,000 miles! The only real problem I had was the AC compressor which lasted until around 250,000 miles and I replaced for $1000! The tires last forever on this jewel! I am now looking for another Honda CR-V! I love, love, love this car! Wish I could buy another one just like it!

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  1990 honda civic - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Ken Winkler - December 6 - 4:38 pm

  Small car, great gas mileage, dependable

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  Loved My Little Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Patti - December 5 - 2:37 pm

  Bought my car at 90k miles, sold at 115k after owning a couple years. Never had a problem with it, sold it for $200 more than I bought it for. Took it down the Alaska-Canadian Highway, no problem (though it is very small and the seats are not the most comfortable in the world). Calculated out 47mpg on some of these road trip stretches. I had the manual, and really liked the fine, smooth way it shifted. It was a very fun, responsive, maneuverable little car. I dont have kids, so the coupe was perfect for me and my dog. Im also in the shorter/smaller/younger range, so getting in and out was no problem. That said, my husband with his back/hip problems disliked riding in it, and my 50 yo father climbed in and out of it once and said that was it for him, no more, my car was going to give him a hernia. To be fair, if you park it at a curb, youll actually be climbing UP out of it. Also, it should be noted that its not the best/steadiest on snow and ice (probably because of its short/narrow wheel base and light weight), though I drove it two winters in AK and never wound up in a snow bank. If you want to zip from place to place and do so reliably and efficiently, I highly recommend this car. Watch who youre buying it from, though. Mine was all OEM, and I know most of them out there have been modified (unless thats what youre into).