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 car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By maddawg - May 12 - 2:00 am

  love to drive my honda a little disapointed in the gas milage the drivers seat not that great for my commute to and from work had to replace front rotors and pads already at 60000 kms still very pleased

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  Insight Out-of-Sight! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By tennisashoe - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Insight for 3 years and it has saved me over $4000 in fuel costs so far. Its a stylish little car with plenty of room for 2 sets of golf clubs in its roomy trunk. I need a trunk more than a back seat anyway. If you are the only passenger in your car more than 50% of the time, you should be driving an Insight. The fuel and space you are wasting is costing you $$! You dont have to plug in the battery or do any type of special maintenance on this car. It has plenty of power, unless youre running the A/C and traveling uphill. Its easier than you think. Go for it.

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  Great Longevity - 1991 Honda Accord
  By HondaHappy - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Accord for eight years, and still enjoy driving it, with over 300,000 Kms. Esentially, the reliability and quality of the Honda Engine is second to none. As long as regular oil changes are made, the engine is unbreakable. However, I have had my share of repairs made over the years - replaced a rad, extensive exhaust work, gas line repairs, CV boots, etc. The many harsh Canadian winters that the car has gone through have taken a toll, as the body is starting to rust, and the gas tank and gas lines could stand to be overhauled, but it is not worth it at this point (for a 13 year old car).

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  What else to say? Its a Honda. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - May 10 - 4:42 pm

  First of all, the reliability of Honda is unsurpassed. They make a great car. Although I have the 2door coupe with the 6 cyl., being 68 years old its more difficult to get in and out of as when I was a teenager. The power, reliability, steering, and general wear are terrific. I keep my cars for 10 years and take excellent care. It is garaged 365 nights a year. The body doesnt have a mark on it. Perhaps because I park in lots where few others are willing to walk so far. The past Hondas Ive had were passed down to my children and driven for another 100,000 miles. They are just great.

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  reliable - 1990 Honda Accord
  By HSwihart4 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years. I love it very dependable & reliable. It doesnt even look or perform like its almost 15 years old. I will definetely be buying another Honda in the near future!

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  1997 Honda Accord 4dr LX - 1997 Honda Accord
  By A. Albonetti - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile, reliable, very little maintenance required other than oil changes. My next car will be a Honda!!

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  Electrical Problems - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pariz - May 8 - 4:06 am

  It is just one week and 93 miles, before the hand brake / ABS indicator start turn on. And then on the way to service station, 5 minutes later, the transmission indicator start blinking. I never found such any problems on all my previous car, especially it is just 93 miles.

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  nice except the whistle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dloweatl - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Best van i have driven. Good power, good room, able to seat 7. However, there is some aerodynamic problem that has yet to be fixed. when driving around 60 mph, and with a strong cross wind, the car whistles (like a soda bottle) constantly. I believe it is coming from the trim around the driver side of the windshield. Annoying isnt the word for it.

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  Close to Perfection - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Matthew Whitaker - May 7 - 4:02 am

  This is my second 9th gen Accord Touring, so Im obviously a fan of Honda and this iteration of Accord. The 2017 9.5 gen is even more refined than my 2014, with a smoother operating engine that has more seamless VCM transitions between 3 and 6 cylinders, more supple ride quality due to the reactive amplitude dampers and revised rear bushings, vastly improved and updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, improved, more eye-catching styling, Honda Sensing safety features, and additional luxury features, such as rain-sensing wipers, full LED headlights with auto LED highbeams and heated rear seats. In Lunar Silver Metallic with deeply tinted windows, the car often attracts compliments. The acceleration is outstanding and the J-series V6 is a real gem: one of Wards Best engines for 2014, its smooth and rev-happy, with a mean, intoxicatingly joyous sound when worked hard into VTEC range (5100 rpm). It makes higher trim Accords feel like a completely different beast than those powered with i4s and CVTs. If theres any downside, it would have to be the POS Continental ProContact tires that Honda has chosen for models with 19" wheels. Too narrow in both width and sidewall, the tires explode at seemingly the tiniest impact, which is probably one of the reasons why such a reliable automaker now has a roadside assistance program. Having owned my 2017 for 6 months, I speak from experience as I have now had 3 blowouts since December 2016. At $362/tire, premature replacement of tires due to blowouts has to be the largest, if only downside to my ownership experience thus far.

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  Better than my RAV-4 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By isitfriday - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I had leased Toyota Rav-4s prior to this lease. We wanted more leg room, and more cargo room but we were not yet ready to make the leap to a larger SUV (mostly due to the extra costs). The CRV is great, tons of leg room for the back seat people, and more cargo room in the back. Still need to take a tire off of one of our mountain bikes to get it in the back, but oh well. Drives well, much less road noise than the Rav- 4 had, but still not silent like a Lexus... Gas milage is okay, but not great, but it has 4 wheel drive, so that must be the reason. All in all, i am very pleased with the Honda CRV, this is my first Honda and I am very impressed.