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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  nice reliable bland vanilla ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By captian tony - August 9 - 10:00 am

  reliable, quick, great economy, great resale, everything good except it is boring

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  storage - 2003 Honda Element
  By Porterhill - August 9 - 2:00 am

  One would think a SUV would have storage. Not! Space for storage is non-existent. There is space under the body alongside the spare and under the passenger side that Honda could have used but didnÂ’t. Where does one store tire chains or a first aid kit or for that matter a 6-pak without it sliding around. They could have made a larger glove box, as there is wasted space there as well. It might have been nice if Honda had not placed devices under the front passenger seat so one could slip long items under (like the mast to my wind surfer). I wind surf and mountain bike and can carry all toys inside. Most often I use the roof rack for the board.

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  lacking seat comfort for tall drivers - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By john miller - August 8 - 9:56 am

  I bought the 2002 CRV EX for its generous and plain interior space. Performance & fuel economy: Good enough. Build Quality: Good enough. Reliability: Dont know yet. Comfort: Im a 6 footer and I do seem to have a problem with the driver seat position/contour. After only a few minutes I feel the unpleasant sensation of my legs circulation being cut off. Is it the seats angle/front edge, or lack of lumbar support? I wonder if there are other tall drivers with a similar experience.

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  Not for off road driving - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By SkyPuddle - August 7 - 2:00 am

  For most driving, we love our Honda CR- V. But we have had real trouble driving it on anything but paved roads. Both last summer and this summer we damaged the vapor recovery system (it hangs down under the rear axle) when we drove it on rough roads. We were not taking on particularly hairy roads but the CR-V really has no more ground clearance than a sedan. Not recommended for those that want a car to take to the mountains.

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  Honda = Reliability - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Honda_Owner - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my first major investment and I have no regrets with my purchase. I plan to drive this until it cant go anymore. I have had to do minimal maintenance. I added a Honda spoiler, tint and fog lights and just love the look!

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  Good - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jung - August 5 - 5:38 am

  Bought it for 23300. Very good so far. Had it for two weeks. Drove 1400 miles highway and averaged out 32 to 33 mpg. Kinda shifts to left but i think its just the wheel alignment.

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  Loving My First Honda!! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By GravisMors - August 5 - 2:00 am

  When i first bought this car it had 120k on it. and in the 2 years ive been driving it the car still runs great. i swapped in an acura GS-R motor at 140k. If you thought the car was fun to drive before. It is simply amazing now. The power is amazing, and going up to the 8k rev limiter will def. surprise a few people. the car has had no major problems since i swapped the motor and im now at 156k on the chasis. This car is a definately fun car and not only is it now fast but it handles just as well.

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  LEMON: 5 Transmissions in 56,000 miles - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Fis - August 5 - 2:00 am

  You read it correctly. 1st transmission lasted only a few months. The replacement lasted about a year. You read it correctly. 1st transmission lasted only a few months. The replacement lasted about a year. The 3rd transmission lasted the longest -- from 2001 to 2004. The 4th transmission lasted only 3,000 miles and just died on the highway while on a family trip. My automatic doors have also been repaired/adjusted 5 times (sudden door buzzing when hitting bumps in the road). If you want an Odyssey, wait for the all-new 2005 model.

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  Not Bad - 1995 Honda Accord
  By red99 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Repairs get VERY expensive past 100K miles. SRS system has a problem with low voltage requiring reset at dealership. ABS system known to leak and VERY expensive to replace ~$2000. Replacemnt catlytic converter way overpriced $1000.

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  1997 Honda Accord 4dr LX - 1997 Honda Accord
  By WhiggyNutz - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Honda because of its reputation and reliability. the last year and a half Ive owned this vehicle Ive never been dissapointed. I am very pleased with every aspect of my Honda and when I run this one into the ground I fully intend on purchasing another.