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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  GREAT ECONOMICAL CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By CIVIC - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car. Im not really sure how fast it is because I drive so slow since I have to wait til it breaks in. But the car has no problems, the interior looks great, and the engine is pretty dam loud.

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  s22c - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s22c - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Its a stiff ride with a nice 6spd tranni

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  Tight Fit for Tall Folks - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Terrain.org - September 17 - 12:46 am

  I downsized from a larger, more powerful vehicle, and while I love the functionality, gas mileage, and looks of the Fit, in the month and 1,600 miles Ive had it, I havent been able to get really comfortable in the drivers seat. Im 65" and the road test seemed okay, but after sitting in it a while, I sure wish the seat was more adjustable and went farther back. The center armrest should be standard, too (and lower, and designed for use with a manual transmission; the current one will not be installed by Honda on a MT). Otherwise, though, I think its a great little car, and runs well both around town and on the highway. Its moderately zippy, has a great turning radius, and is open.

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  Bit Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LH - September 13 - 11:53 am

  I bought the Accord as I felt it represented the best value in its category. Unfortunately, I have gotten off to a rough start. On the first morning it would not start in my garage and had to be towed back to the dealer. Turned out the battery had a bad core. While it handles the road very nicely, I am very upset with the hesitation I have experienced. When I accelerate from a stop or very slow speed, there is a hesitation about 40%- 50% of the time. The service manager took a ride with me and said that type of effect was normal for this transmission. In 35 years of driving, I have never experienced this with a new car and have not experienced it with my wifes CRV.

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  Good little car, but needs improvements - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Sam - September 12 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car right off the delivery truck...and, at first, absolutely loved it. However, after driving it for awhile, I have found some issues with it, but, all around, and for the price, its a good little car.

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  Honda CRV - Generally great ! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By RS Desikan - September 12 - 9:12 pm

  Honda Link App for Navigation needs improvement.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Blueeyez77 - September 12 - 7:43 pm

  This is my first Honda purchase. And I am very disappointed in the car I bought. For this kind of money, you can get a luxury vehicle with way fewer problems. First servicing took a whole day (so many problems) and still had to take it back. Problems with steering wheel, windows & seals, seats (electric and heater). It is a loud car.

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  Amazing little features !!! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Harry Roy - September 12 - 12:49 pm

  This is a nice vehicle so far. We have only owned it for a week now, but we did experience a problem with the cabin watch and rear entertainment once. Plus, on the cabin talk the Touring can only talk over the headphones. The Elite can talk over the headphones and speakers. These vans are pricey though.

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  I am happy with our CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Zorrolf - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We have bought it 6 month ago and are really happy with it. If you consider buying a CR-V check out the front passenger leg room though ! It is very tight and on longer trips it can be quite annoying for people with longer legs.

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  Not as good as I expected - 1997 Honda Accord
  By handbook - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car because of the reputation for reliability, but ended up disappointed. The biggest problem is slow power windows that sometimes stop completely in cold weather. No one has ever been able to fix them. Ive also had a couple of leaks. In hindsight, I would have bought a car that was more fun to drive instead of this boring sedan.