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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  Average - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lzh7gh - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Good Van. Interior noise is higher than my expectation. It should be quieter. Noise level is par as GM Venture/Transport Vans. Steering is great but typical Honda ride, little too harsh for me. Fit and finish is excellent. Same issue with many Odessey owners - transmission clunks into reverse from park when it is cold (winter).

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  Needs a bit of improvement? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jmcgarv - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I like much about the CRV. Its powerful enough for me, quiet, and it has a superior ride.

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  Solid! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Eberly - October 4 - 2:00 am

  My wive loves this car. Dependable, stylish and reliable. Handles well on winter roads.

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  Real nice, but..........mileage......... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By exGMbuyer - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Handles good, everything ok, but I am not getting the gas mileage. I am averaging only 25-27 in combined city and highway. On highway only - 31.

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  wow - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sanny - October 4 - 2:00 am

  impressive power. quick and very responsive. make sure you invest on a radar detector for you dont want to go home with a ticket. very smooth riding too

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  Fantastic ride - 2005 Honda Civic
  By sasiren - October 3 - 10:09 pm

  My Honda Civic is fabulous - granted I still have very low mileage as all is very convenient where I live. I just had some brake work done today at Firestone for 217 dollars. No problem with the car otherwise.

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  Surprisingly agile little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By fitfan - October 3 - 8:52 pm

  Owned it for 2 mo. & used mostly for in-town driving, with a few 2+ hr trips, and is surprisingly agile and very easy to drive (although as noted elsewhere, not swift). Average mpg (actual, not from gauge, which measures through powertrain) is between 33-36. Its made several trips to Ikea, and can carry home 2 adults and a full size sofabed with no problems. Four tall adults fit very comfortably. Yes, interior is a little cheap looking, but look at the price youve paid -- its great value for the money. Ive rarely used the paddle shifters, but theyll come in handy when the snow starts falling. Wheel size limits me to alloy rims in aftermarket (I prefer steel rims on my snow tires).

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  Bad Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Another Honda??? - October 3 - 8:24 pm

  This model year has several major limitations that you will consistently read about online. The transmission had a recall early after purchase and recently finally bit the dust completely. Its always had trouble changing gears, slipping and revving. All of the electric windows have broken and are outrageously expensive to repair. The engine block mounts have been repaired...also incredibly expensive and the brakes are in continuous need of replacement. Each maintenance appointment brings new issues.

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  Served its purpose, but had a shitty ride - 2001 Honda Accord
  By MManza70 - October 3 - 3:43 pm

  I bought this car off my brother back in 2016 with 193k. The car has seen better days as there is a problem with the bottom of the car as it makes a noise whenever I go at a certain speed. I think its the previous owner before my brother used this car to death.

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  Good solid car, but unexpected repairs - 1998 Honda Civic
  By JAprill - October 3 - 12:28 pm

  I bought this Honda in April of 2004 with 106,000 miles on it. It drove great and looked great. It lasted me through two years of high school and four years of college. After about 150,000 miles, the repairs started getting more expensive and frequent. The exhaust system was a major problem- - the entire system needed to be replaced. A check engine light came on at 175,000 miles and after many diagnostic tests it was found that the computer was fried-- costing around 1200. Overall good car. Big problems to look out for: electrical and exhaust.