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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  Not happy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By swedepwr - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is trouble. I had Chrysler vans and the reliability is better than Honda. The service is awful the dealer replaced the transmission twice (recall) after the first replacement a vibration in the steering wheel occured and now 130k miles later they have still not been able to fix the car. They replaced the struts and after that now its eating tires. Honda tells me to replace more parts to my expense. I have spent about 7000 dollars to fix the car and its still not working right.I would stay away from this car if you take long trips.

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  40 highway - 2006 Honda Civic
  By pete - September 10 - 1:50 am

  fun to drive, just drove 300 miles and refilled the tank with 7.5 gallons that equals 40 mpg all highway going 70 mph (sweet). i get 30 mpg around town.

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  AWESOME RIDE! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Dont Speed, Fly Low - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for fun, sporty all- time transportation. It drives just as good at 98,000 miles as it did at 150. Its a perfect fit and cups your body on the smooth, lickedy-split fast turns. Rides just as comfortably at 60 mph as 130 mph and I love my manual transmission with the added bonus of the vtech growl.

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  1998 honda civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By re - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The mileage is 52000 driven and 20000 towed behind a motorhome...This unit is fully equipped for RV towing e.g. tow bar... wiring...air brake system extra rear magnetic tow lites...15 cu ft. yakima car top carrier..2 bike racks (1 top 1 rear...

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  2016 Civic EXT - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Dennis Frazier - September 8 - 7:27 pm

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  Love my car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AV - September 8 - 6:10 pm

  I love the car except for the first year model gremlins. Replaced catalytic converter, stereo unit and the imfamous auto tranny recall. I love this car so far even with all these issues.

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  Holy Wind Noise! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Accordian - September 8 - 12:13 pm

  My fiancée just leased this car 1 week ago. The interior is very pleasant and accommodating. The 4 cylinder is not exhilarating, but adequate and smooth on the highway. However, on the highway, the wind noise inside the cabin is ridiculous! I am not exaggerating. I opened and closed the doors several times and open and closed all the windows because I assumed something must not be closed properly. NOPE. It is actually THAT LOUD. Completely unbelievable. My 2001 Hyundai Elantra is 10 times quieter in the cabin. The reliability etc is unmatched but unacceptable that Honda has overlooked thus obvious flaw.

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  The appliance we needed - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - September 7 - 11:51 pm

  When we had our second child, we were forced to face a cold hard fact: we needed a van. I looked at Sedona, Sienna and Odyssey. While I really liked it, poor resale kicked the Kia out of the running. While it felt a bit more powerful and had a bit more storage, poor fuel economy kicked out the Toyota. Among the many things we liked in the Honda were a reliable powertrain, sensible, comfortable interior, and good safety features like the side view camera and collision warning. We have now had our 2015 EX-L for about a year and 15,000 miles, and so far it is nothing shy of terrific. The dynamics are good, and it made a cross-country trip of 2500 miles a pleasant experience. When you consider reliability and resale, I think this car should jump to the top of the list.

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  Realistic comments - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By rdenis - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Still the best "Driving" and practical Minivan on the market. Has power,handling,huge interior space and good design features. You may sacrifice some highway smoothness to get these driving characteristics, but is a fair trade-off.With the current $259/month lease, cant be beat. High expected resale value means exceptional lease rates. Gives you great driving confidence in a Minivan.

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  squeaky noise - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Albert - September 5 - 10:36 am

  Every time that i put pressure on the steering wheel i heard this squeaking noise, i return it to the dealer but they still canot fix it. plus the seat is a little bit too long, very uncomfortable.