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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  Fit is Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bear - June 8 - 10:26 pm

  More room inside than a Civic. Has more flexibility w/ cargo and is very entertaining to drive. I wish it had more storage space. A telescopic wheel would be heaven! Having a hard time finding a driving position that works because the wheel only tilts. Have never felt unsafe in this car or lacking sufficent power. I dont know why Edmunds said its buzzy on the freeway, mine is just fine at 3K doing 80mph.

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  Reliable Decent Transportation - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Snarks - June 7 - 2:00 am

  A great reliable car. A bit noisy especially in comparison to new cars. I bought it knowing it was reliable and it has remained to this point in time with 191,000 miles. Just regualar maintenance and wear items nothing unexpected or catastrophic failed. It does everything pretty adequately except accels in fuel economy and reliablity, I recommend this car. I plan on running into the ground hopefully it will carry me through 2-3 years of grad school.

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  97 Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Cyborg - June 6 - 10:00 am

  reliable transportation, adequate pep, very few mechanical problems.

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  Much improved from prior models - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By D B F - June 6 - 8:34 am

  Got about 3200 miles on a new 18 model. We got the first one off the truck here locally, the EX-L model with Tech and Nav. We put 100K miles on the same 2011 model. So here is my assessment so far on differences and pros and cons. This is primarily a daily driver for my wife, but I tend to drive on the long family trips. I am 61" 200 lbs and find this van is much roomier than the older models. I would say another 4" or so in legroom, much more head and shoulder room too. I can nearly straighten my left leg in the new van. The arm rests are bit wider as well. You can put the seat back farther as well. The touch screen technology is so much better than the older van. It is in HD color, easy to use, tons of options on it. Fuel efficiency is much better. We just drove a 6 hour trip, full load with 5 people and got over 29 MPG. The van is running 4-5 MPG better on both highway and around town than the older model. Also, the ride is much much quieter, this is very noticeable. The engine puts out a bit more acceleration as well when needed. I also like the fog lights standard on this model, not so on the older ones. The middle seats can tilt back some which the kids like on long trips. The blind spot monitor and other safety features like shin airbags are other nice add ons. Overall, the van looks better, definitely seems like they lengthened it maybe another 6", its roomier for sure. Electric start is nice, also the shifters are now buttons which take some getting used to but work pretty well. The kids like the extra plugs, USB, etc. The rear tailgate goes up higher if needed which I like as I used to hit my head on the old one. As far as Cons, the 9 speed transmission can be a bit shifty and low speeds. Again, this just takes some getting used to. Also, all the safety features like lane monitoring, cruise control, etc. are very unique from what I am used to and take some reading up on. Basically, if the van moves out of the lane and hits the lines, it will lightly vibrate and correct back into the lane. On a tight road, this can get annoying. Also, when cruise control is on, if you approach a car in front of you, it will automatically slow down. A bit annoying as you may just prefer to change lanes without adjusting speed. Just some little nuances. Overall, been happy with the purchase. Van is quiet, more comfortable, looks more appealing, gets good fuel efficiency, has more room, and has Honda safety and reliability. We had to pay sticker but got a good trade and got color combos we wanted.

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  Honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By James Johnson - June 6 - 2:00 am

  very good quality, excellent gas mileage added no oil, then changed oil at 7000 miles.

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  Fun Tow Vehicle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By hotdamnlm@aol.com - June 6 - 2:00 am

  We use the vehicle to tow behond our motor home. It has been reliable and very satisfactory to own.

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  ill be driving it at 300,000 miles - 1995 Honda Civic
  By mpj - June 5 - 2:00 am

  RELIABLE, RELIABLE, AND RELIABLE. This car is a great commuter. Its not the most comfortable car, but it just goes, and goes, and goes. Granted, I havent this car for long... but no problems with a car that had 183,000 mile when i bought it?? unheard of! I have a friend that is a Honda maintenance mechanic... he says that I should expect 300,000+ miles as long as i change the oil regularly. Cant beat this car for the $3000 that I paid for it!

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  Excellent small SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Titania - June 5 - 2:00 am

  My CR-V has been nothing short of perfect for me over the past three years. Though it has had a few minor problems (the drivers door rattled for a bit) I couldnt be happier. For a college student who wants a good ride with space for a dorm room to take home at the end of the semester and decent fuel economy (I get 23 on average) this is a perfect car.

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  Great Packaging - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Anthony - June 4 - 11:40 pm

  This is my 3rd SUV and it rates high on the list. I had a 2002 Mountaineer with a V8 and have not owned another that is that powerful but Hondas V6 does move the truck smartly. Traded in a 2004 Nissan Murano for my Pilot. Although my wife misses her Nissan the Honda has FAR BETTER build quality and seats 8. Gas mileage is a combined 18-20 but you cant expect much more from a 4400lb SUV. Interior is kid friendly with the numerous cup holders and seatback and door holders. Only problem I seem to have is a ticking sound coming from both front windows. I will have that looked at when I bring it for my first service. I would definitely recommend one!!!!

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  2016 Odyssey SE - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ilan Freiner - June 4 - 11:19 am

  This is a great car.