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:

• 

  Quirks! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By William Marchetti - September 28 - 6:32 am

  I really cannot believe that no one here addressed the Dash Reflection Problem on the Windsheild! I have an Image of the creases of the dash almost permanently glaring at me which I find annoying. When the sun shines the reflection of the dash is worse. Its right there straight ahead while driving. A big distraction. Also the illumination of the headlights are weird. They do not go that far out! Mainly downward to a black line. They also do not shine to the side very well, I have trouble making a turn because the lighting is not there. I think the strange headlight design is the reason.

• 

  Perfect Van - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Darryl - September 27 - 11:48 pm

  I have 330000 kms on mine and it still runs perfect. If you look under it it has no rust as well. I would guess that it will go another 300000kms before I would have to retire it.

• 

  Unbelievable Value - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Michael Massimo - September 27 - 11:43 pm

  Change the badge to BMW, MB or Audi and there would be $55,000 sticker on this. Ive owned an Audi A4, driven A6s, A8s & MB E class. Nice cars with beautiful cabins and great performance. No question. But the Honda Accord Sport SE is an unbelievable value. The cabin is top notch. Quality through & through with many features. Leather interior with red stitching is a nice touch. Leg room for the front & rear passengers is excellent. Very comfortable for driver & passengers. I feel that I could drive from NY to Florida and get out of the car feeling fresh as a daisy. Trunk space is ample. Controls are easy to use & very intuitive. The engine is a very reliable I4, 2.4L with 189bhp. Pickup is adequate. Its not going to match other 4 door, 4 cylinder sedans. But Honda is not in the performance business. They make FAMILY vehicles. But it would be nice if they would up the BHP to 220. The engine is quiet and revs low. The ride is smooth and quiet even at 70mph. But the 19" rims outfitted with P235/40 tires does make you feel the road more. That may not be favorable for those who enjoy more of a soft/quiet ride. But I dont mind it at all. You feel the road more and true drivers like that. The MPG is excellent and it uses regular-unleaded 87 octane fuel. Overall this is an excellent vehicle. For the price, its a steal. I dont know how Honda does it.

• 

  I love this car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By jms - September 27 - 10:10 pm

  I purchased this car from my grandma after she had it for 4 years. I have spent a bit on it replacing the exhaust system (from sitting in a parking lot for 4 years and not being driven when my grandma owned it), but it has been reliable for me the entire time I have had it. I have had to put virtually no money in this car and it always seems to run perfectly!

• 

  Best Hybrid 2007 Honda Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jerry Coleman - September 27 - 9:56 pm

  Best gas milage car I have ever owned.Took it on a long trip.Got 45 miles per gallon Highway driving.Same good milage in city.Handlig was great. Turning radius very short.Has so many little features that are great

• 

  2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Winer - September 27 - 2:51 pm

  We leased a 2004 and currently leasing again a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The 2004 Odyssey never gave us any mechanical or electrical troubles. So far, the problem with our 2007 Odyssey was a shorted electrical fuse which led to replacing the factory-installed battery. And since then everything is perfectly okay. My family and I love this car because it possess enough power, comfortable to drive, roomy and has an excellent safety features. Generally, Honda Odyssey or any other Japanese cars are very reliable.

• 

  Not as good as others - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Asian user - September 27 - 10:00 am

  got it from a private party with 85,000 miles on it. The trans is jerking in the "slow & go" situation. Wont happen when its " Stop & go". Thats why I didnt find out at the test drive. I have been a Toyota fan for more than 8 years, their trans just smooth like silk. Been to shop (not dealer), they told trans jerk on high mileage Accord are very common. No solution unless change a used one-$1,200. Also, many of the repair cost are higher than Toyota. it does have one advantage: its timing belt need to replace every 90,000 miles, not 60,000.

• 

  Only nice at high speeds. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By K Reeves - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My 98 honda civic was the first new car I purchased. I have not been as satisfied I would have liked. The headliner (around the sunroof) started to squeak around 12,000 and needed 3 visits to the dealership before being fixed. The car has not started on two or three ocassions, according to the dealer the engine was flooded.Also now it is only 4 years old, has been very well maintaned and barely passes smog this year.

• 

  When will the big 3 learn? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Clarkey - September 27 - 10:00 am

  As I turned in my 1999 Windstar to the Ford Dealership I started my lease at, I asked the General Manager "How do the engineers who designed the Windstar look themselves in the mirror every day, knowing that the Odyssey is on the road?" They asked me if I ever considered buying my Windstar off- lease, my answer was "have fun at the wholesale auction!" In truth, had I been able to get my hands on a 99 Odyssey, I never would have taken the Ford. Such is life. My EX-L is quiet, smooth and powerful. At 62/200, I have plenty of space in all but the rear seat, which is reserved for 2 kids anyway.

• 

  The best van, but .......... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By stekas - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently took delivery of a 2003 EX with the rear entertainment and agree with the critics that it is the best minivan available. It is hard to believe that others have not copied the disappearing rear seat. The vehicle has many annoying shortcomings though. Steering wheel controls are not lit at night.The steering wheel is not leather covered. The door locks are not automatic. No passenger power seat is availble. The car has no compass or outside thermometer.