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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  Old but still going - 1990 Honda Accord
  By ADS 1 - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased with 150000 km 7 years ago. Just passed the 304000 km mark. Repair frequency increasing over the last year, but understandable given age and mileage. The engine and transmission have not been touched beyond seal replacement. This old horse just keeps on going. I will never buy anything but a Honda product - now own 3 of them!

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  Too Many Times In The Shop! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By SweetTee - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for two years and I constantly had this car in and out the shop getting minor things fixed on it. I had brakes and rotors put on the car 3 times ( I have a heavy foot) but Im fine with that. I brought the car when it only had 77,000 miles on it. I had water pump, timing belt, temperature gauge, lower ball point replace on both sides and CV boot, alternator and now I need to replace one of my ABS speed sensors and the engine light is on and I dont know whats wrong with the car. I take very good care of my car dont get me wrong. Sometimes I just want to get rid of it. As of right now it has 150,000 miles on it.

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  Practical - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Gonzalez - November 1 - 3:14 pm

  Its a reliable car with top crash and safety scores.

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  cheap plastics and jittery! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4kids - November 1 - 11:10 am

  Coming off 7 years of Chrysler T&Cs, we wanted to buy another, but 3 significant problems kept us away: 1. the stow away seats are inadequate for regular adult ferrying! 2. the head room shrank considerably with the side air bags (Im only 6 but felt claustrophobic), 3. and the front passenger seat lost most adjustments. Come on. Figure it out! The Honda solves those problems, with good power, great tranny, comfy seats all around, decent int. storage ideas, and rep. for reliability. Not a bad execution, EXCEPT for the cheap plastics, everywhere. Every handle, lever and release feels thin, sharp (dont get cut) uncomfortable--like youd expect in a minivan for $12K.

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  HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Cali girl - November 1 - 6:28 am

  Fun and economical crossover. Great value. Only thing that would have been nice to have is power lift gate.

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  Beware Civic Transmission Problems - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Concerned - October 31 - 1:00 am

  I bought this car used with 66k miles and was the 3rd owner. Make sure to have your tran. checked before buying a Civic. After 13k miles and 7 months, having trans. problems (struggles on hills, doesnt accelerate, jerks into gear). Have had only minor repairs/maintenance. Driving pattern includes a lot of highway, back roads, and stop and go traffic. Only complaints is the ride, you feel everything and it rides like a truck when not on the highway. Overall good car but may purchase new car with A LOT more power.

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  Nice car but whats with the P/W? - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ImportOnly - October 30 - 2:00 am

  We just replaced our 87 Acura Legend Coup with a 97 Honda Accord for my wife and although we love the cars for their overall quality and reliability, whats up with the power window motors burning out? I can understand it on the 87 Acura Legend, but the 97 Honda Accord after having it for only a few weeks that motor on the driver side window stopped working. Honda needs to improve the that power feature of the cars. Everything else is superior to anything else on the road for quality and reliability. Great car!!!

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  happy honda customer - 1998 Honda Civic
  By DANIMAL - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 11/5/98. BRAND NEW. AS OF 10/28/04, I HAVE PUT APPROXIMATELY 126,000 ON IT. I PUT 33,000 CITY MILES ON IT WITH 2 DELIVERY JOBS IN THE FIRST YEAR. THROUGHOUT OWNERSHIP, THE CAR HAS: 1) SEEN BUFFALO NY WINTERS 2) BEEN USED TO DELIVER PIZZAS WITH & 3) HAS SEEN SEVERAL THRUWAY MILES COMMUTING TO COLLEGE CAMPUSES. THIS CAR HAS SEEN A LOT...AND KEEPS ON KICKING. INCREDIBLE RELIABILITY! HAS NEVER BURNED A DROP OF OIL. I ONLY AM GETTING RID OF IT CUZ I WANT TO GET A BIGGER CAR. THIS IS PARTICULARLY PERFECT FOR A STUDENT. GOOD ON GAS..34CITY/42HIGHWAY

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pjro53 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Honda has done a great job. I compared the Honda Pilot to the Acura MDX and the new Volvo SUV. The Honda handles nicely, lots of space, nice creature comforts, and everything works. Paid just under MSRP so prices are starting to drop slightly. Compared to the MDX the Pilot lacks the Acura Brand, the Sun Roof, the heated seats, and entertainment system. I put in the PS2. The result was a car that was $9000 less than the Acura w/o about $2500 worth of features. The Brand was not worth that to me. The shape of the MDX is smoother. The Volvo looks great but fully loaded is $4000 plus more than the MDX. Nav system is excellent. Overall a great value.

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  Pix Pick - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jpick - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I drove a much heavier 96 Chev. Blazer with compromised fuel economy (16 mpg) and fuel tank size, not to mention horrific emissions. I now drive the CRV with some compromise in power, but am compensated with responsiveness, agility, and fuel economy. A trade I find to be well worth the sacrifice.