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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  100k and alot of life left - 1997 Honda Accord
  By nanj - November 6 - 2:00 am

  just paid off and no plans to sell, could use more power, 25mpg w/ ac on - 28mpg w/o, over 30 on trips, front window motors replaced under warr, were very slow, now just slow, no other problems, 7k oil changes Mobil 1, 90k trans service is too long, fluid was black, did flush, mostly hwy no abuse, put on bigger tires, much better handling, using 205/60s looks factory, orig tires looked small..

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  OLD MANS VIEW - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By paul trefethen - November 4 - 3:27 am

  shop a lot. buy thru a service if you can.

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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill Trail - November 3 - 2:10 pm

  Drive it gently and hold your speed down to never more than 65 on any roadway including interstates (hard to do) and you will see mileage in the 60s and occasionally even slightly over 70. Honda, you did a wonderful job with this vehicle - but many are complaining about low mileage because they drive it like an Acura TL. I like to call my new driving style "Priest in a Funeral" - or PIF for short. Im a happy camper. Design flaws? 1. Emergency brake handle placement 2. Sun visors that wont slide when moved to the side. 3. Gas overflow that spills directly on the left rear tire

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  2000 Honda Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By briguy5254 - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Great van. Handles well for a minivan. Comfortable, roomy, reliable (aka. Honda!). Engine is one of the smoothest and quietest made. Our one gripe is with the power sliding doors. Although they are a great feature, we have had more than our share of problems with them not working. Weve had to have them repaired a half a dozen times or so (Ive lost track!). Our van may be the exception. Otherwise, a great minivan.

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  reliable econo-car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By rh&sw - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car for over 6 years now. Bought it new. The car is very reliable. It gets decent mileage. Avg about 27MPG in mixed city/hwy. The only problem was the battery failed at about 5 years. This is normal I suppose.

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  Great car, needs a few changes - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Nothing - November 2 - 4:36 pm

  This car is great in some ways but can use improvement. The seats are a bit hard but comfortable. The leather is great. The ride is stiff. Handiling is great. The car is quiet and shifts into other gears smoothly with great pickup. I think the car should have been made a bit larger and the ride should be smoother.

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  Its the small things that add up - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By ansaphone4 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  For the first year of ownership, the only major thing that went wrong was my alternator. The wiper motor went last October and getting that fixed cost $300. Now I think the fan motor is going because the vents soetimes do not work at all. Additionally, within the past few months the moonroof has taken to leaking, or rather, pouring water if the car has been standing in the rain and then you go to drive off. I think it is time to move on although I love my little car and shes never let me down performance or reliability wise.

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  Awesome Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Awesomecar89 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is first minivan my family has owned. It is the best. Lots of room and lots of comfort. Road noise is a little harsh, but not a big problem. Power sliding doors are the best.Provides easy and instant access in and out. Definitely one of the best in the world.

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  Honda 2016 Civic EX-L - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Daniel Belshaw - October 31 - 6:10 pm

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  I love my CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By LASusie - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. I love the size and the turning radius is excellent. A bit of a problem with blind spots, but Id buy another.