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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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Scotty "beam Me Up" - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. It doesnt handle like a big car, yet it has great size and flexibility. It responds very good under all driving conditions. The interior is laid out very smart, and the folding rear seat is fantastic. Minor brake and rear wiper problems. Definitely, the best minivan ive driven, and looking forward to it lasting with Hondas reputation for longevity.

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  Love-hate relationship - 1994 Honda Accord
  By JRollins - October 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my accord new and have put over 200,000 miles on it since college. It has been extremely reliable with a very concerning exception. The lower ball joint in front end has failed 3 times causing the wheel to disengage and the car to skid off the road in a shower of sparks. It has happened on both the right and left front ends. Honda corp and the various mechanics involved couldnt pinpoint a cause. I have never abused the car and I am the only driver. Other than that, I havent replaced anything other than tires, batteries, brakes, and pipes. It has its original clutch!

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  Honda Civic LX Sedan - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Anallely Bravo - October 30 - 10:59 am

  Its a great car overall, its a standard model for those who are just in need of a very reliable car. Horsepower/ throttle arent the greatest but it does save lots of gas. When I first bought it I was a little nervous because my car would shake a lot white shifting into gear TWO. I told me dealership about it and they said it was nothing because the cars sit there without being driven. A month later the shaking has gone away & its been good so far.

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  My - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Freehold Jimmy - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord with 19,000 miles on it a year and a half old. Since then Ive put on 157,000 over nine years of trouble free ownership. Nothing has needed replacement on this vehicle other than normal wear and tear (muffler, brake pads). Biggest tips: Mobile 1 synthetic evern 4k, and cross drilled front rotors. For some reason the rotors extend the life of the pads while giving the predicted benefit of enhanced stopping power.

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  Terrible Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bflow - October 29 - 6:33 pm

  Weve had our 07 Honda Odyssey EXL-RES for about 6 months. Like everyone else says, the MPG is horrible. In the third month, dealer had to "replace the fuse box" because the wipers would only work on high, brights would not work, and car alarm would not arm - major annoyances. The exterior and interior of the van are nice. The shifting is VERY uneven and like another poster said, is very pronounced when coasting. I never thought I would miss my Grand Caravan but I do.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By scsnyder - October 29 - 3:06 am

  Bought our 2007 LX automatic sedan in January, and have been happy with it. The car has been getting on average 27 mpg, and that is mostly rural hilly driving, with some city mixed in. I expect (and hope) it will get better with time, and once we are done with winter. I like the speedometer/fuel/temp gauge location much more than I thought I would. The engine and transmission work well together, but I wish it had a manual setting, or one more selection, such as D4. Car is well built, handles well, and has a nice feature content for the price. I do wish it had about 1 more inch of seat travel, as I am 6 1" and also bump my knee on the brake lever like some have mentioned.

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  Great ... most of the time! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Cupo - October 28 - 2:40 pm

  The quality of the vehicle is great. The ride is great! The fuel economy is great. The looks are great! The technology could be better! The touchscreen is slow to respond to touch. The name of settings is NOT always intuitive. While the vehicle tries to be incredibly smart about following distances and obstructions, it seems like things are set too conservatively - it becomes annoying and Im about to turn off some of these things. I cant use the cruise control because the following distance is so large that everyone cuts in front of me. Even the sound system - 540 Watts - just doesnt sound great. I cant even tell if all of the speakers are even working. It is a really great vehicle that just should be even better. I paid for this stuff - why doesnt it all just work better?!

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  1995 CX hatch - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Chill - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive just rolled 175K on mine & this thing has been bulletproof. Its still on the original clutch - can you believe that? This thing is a fuel sipper, I think Im still getting around 35MPG on the hwy. Super cheap mode of transport, super reliable, everything Ive ever wanted in a car. Mine doesnt even have A/C....power nothing....guess what, nothing broken on the car yet. Chris

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  Cant go wrong with Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By jma3 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Owning an Accord is a pleasure. It is reliable, comfortable, and inexpensive to own. You can pile on the miles, and it just gets worn in like a first basemans mit. The styling does not get tiresome, though it wont win too many beauty contests. The inside is comfortable, roomy, and durable. If you are looking for a trustworthy car, look to the Accord.

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  cool and sporty - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Brenda and walden - October 27 - 2:00 am

  My car does it all. I love to zip around town in my honda, knowing that I am getting great gas mileage for an SUV. Its totally sporty and cute. The transition from a back seat to a cargo area is easy and it has an extra bonus that no other vehicle has----oh yes, the picnic table that doubles and the cargo bed. It also has a lot of cool storage areas including one under the picnic table. I am looking for a new car and cant find one the rivals the CR-V