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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  Honda-94, One Of The Best Cars Driven - 1994 Honda Accord
  By catfish - November 22 - 2:00 am

  A Fun Car To Drive. Very Low Maint. A Good Good Value For Your Dollar.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2013 Honda Accord
  By loyalhonda - November 22 - 1:31 am

  I have ~1,000 miles on my new car and am getting 19/20 mpg in the city instead of the 27mpg advertised. Contacted Honda of America and they will not open a case until the first maintenance check which I assume will be around 7500 miles. Do I have a lemon or have others experienced this problem? I otherwise really like this car and have a been a loyal honda owner for more than 20 years.

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  I LOVE it! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By FitLvr - November 21 - 11:03 am

  I have been looking at the Fits since 2007 and this year I finally decided to commit. Initially I was going to get an 08 but they couldnt find the "tidewater blue metallic" I wanted so they offered to order me an 09. I was unsure of the body style if I would like the subtle changes but when seeing it in person, I was in love. I love how it drives, love how it handles, love all the space. It is a great car, the best car Ive had so far and do not have any regrets. The biggest plus is the outstanding gas mileage when driving all highway, I average almost 39/40 miles.

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  Reliability and dependability - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pokeweed - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The high gas mileage (35-40 mostly highway) is the main reason I bought this Civic LX, also because of safety crash tests. This years ridiculously high gas prices make me laugh at Expeditions and other big SUVs. Reliability has been perfect, replacing only a few filters, at 99000 miles. I still have original brake pads! Ill need a new timing belt soon.

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  Good but square! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DCLOLLY - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Like the overall body styling but, the rear lights are ugly (sad face look). Would like better color choices, the blue is too flashy and other choices are not very appealing.

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  Incessant seat belt rattle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By CMT - November 20 - 5:40 pm

  My husband and I purchased our second Civic about a week ago. Since the very first moment I drove it off the lot, I have heard incessant rattling. I tried various things to get it to stop like moving the headrests, slamming the back seat to make sure it was locked in. Nothing worked. I scheduled a service appt. this past Friday and was told, yes, they acknowledge the rattle and even went so far as to tell me it is coming from the seat belt tensioner, but that it cannot be fixed. Listening to the rattle takes all the fun out of driving the car. I want to be excited about my new car, but I cant. We own a 2007 civic also and that is very quiet - no rattles. Shouldnt they fix it?

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1992 Honda Civic
  By RedLT1 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned over 30 cars in 36 years and this is the best car quality wise I have owned. It is still going strong after 146,000 miles. It has survived by daughter and two teenage sons. The only thing I dont like about it is that it does not have enough power.

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  I love it! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By countrycommuter - November 18 - 2:00 am

  My husband calls this (affectionately) the "gutless wonder." It is underpowered but on my 110-mile commute on hilly, country roads, I dont have a chance to pass anyone! It handles superbly. The reliability is fantastic. The only car I have ever owned with 0 defects on purchase. It still has no mechanical problems. Ive been in two fender benders (including hitting a mule at 35+ mph) but no structual damage. I wont swap it for my husbands 2002 CRV!

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  So far so good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Prity - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Been driving around with for almost a month now and so far so good. Took it to for a long drive (LA to Bay Area) and was smooth all the way ... including uphill and good hold downhill.

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  Good value. But not for the price. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bobny - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The van is nice and reliable. I have no problems to talk about. Only two minor issues to report, like occational flashing dashboard lights, and tickleing left strut mount wich I hope to resolve on my next service visit. The only thing I cant forguive Honda is for cutting the wrong corners. Like lighted door switches and garage door opener. Trying to find those swiches and buttons at night is a real challenge.