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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  Overall - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Hondav603 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall its a damn good car.

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  Darn good van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By paulbkirby - February 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used (Honda Certified) in 10/02. It had half the mileage of all the other Odysseys on the lot making me suspicious, but it was Certified so I figured we were safe. So far so good. We got it for several thousand under TMV and have been very happy with it to date. No mechanical problems. Electrical problem is only that the interior lights sometimes dont come on when the drivers door is opened. Annoying, but not a major issue.

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  Excellent commuter vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tespoonful - February 13 - 1:43 pm

  Owned it for last 2 years - no problems. Easy comfy ride for a commuter car. Very fuel-efficient.

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  New at owning a SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Alaura Love - February 13 - 6:11 am

  Downsizing from a full size 4 door sedan to a SUV was a decision not taken lightly. However, sitting up higher has its advantages. Now maybe I will not be looking at just the door or fender of those that like to pull all the way forward in the left lane at stop signals and block your view to the left of oncoming traffic. they have a clear view, but do not need it to turn left like you do when you are in the left lane and want to turn left. So far I am very satisfied with he purchase. However, the drivers seat could be more comfortable for big people on long rides. Also regarding dealers, this was a certified used vehicle, but the battery failed within 36 hours of delivery. The dealer replaced the battery, but condition should have been noted during inspection.

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  Not a bad day in this car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Dr. Rob - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I think the car speaks for itself. 1.6 liter engine that puts out 160 hp. Hard to find another car that does that. Handles with confidence. Very comfortable. Extremely well built and reliable. I have driven this car hard but it seems to have been designed for it. The redline is at 8000 rpm and it makes its max horsepower at 7800.

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  Accord EX-L 4 cylinder w/Navi - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tsull - February 12 - 7:50 am

  Car is nice but definitely has a loud engine. I realized that its more horsepower than some of the other models so that may be why. The steering wheel and seats are not very comfortable but the car itself is very nice looking and has a lot of features. Very disappointed with the amount of noise. When we bought we were told the 4cylinder is as good as the 6 cylinder. Thats really not true and Im sure they have a lot more 4 cylinders to sell. The 6 is a lot quieter.

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  Great little car -- 180k and still going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By bobanahalf - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This car goes and goes. Regular maintanence is all its asked for. I commute 100 miles a day--often in lots of snow--and its never let me down. Especially nice at the fuel pump.

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  i love my honda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By mjbotti - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Its been the the most inexpensive, reliable, fun to drive car ive ever owned. With 130,000 miles it still runs like it just rolled off the assembly line, and as a plus, on a warm sunny day you cant help but get in ur civic roll down the windows and cruise! My next car WILL be a honda!

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  Great little car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By freudy - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for 7 years now, and Im just looking to sell it and get a new honda. The only recall this car has ever had was with the floor mats - seriously. I still manage to get 30-34 MPG. Still handles very well, and Im only now starting to hear some rattles - mostly in the drivers door - and that is because ive had issues with my windows. my cousin, and my best friend also have similiar style honda civics and have experienced the same problem - the windows fall off track or get stuck. you can fix it yourself pretty easily, but i had my mechanic do it for $50 and the window works great now. thats my only complaint.

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  Keeps on tickin! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Randman - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Celebrating my 5 year anniversary with my Accord and for the most part have been extremely happy. The car is incredibly reliable. Other than a new set of brakes and tires, all Ive had to do is change the oil and filter. It is fun to drive, easy to maintain and holds four adults comfortably. The interior, in particular, has held up very well, no cracking leather seats like my previous Acura Legend.