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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  Good Car, Some quirks - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CivicsOKwithMe - February 15 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had my Civic for about 2 months now and I really enjoy it. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing this vehicle and it has lived up to almost everything I heard/read. I love both the interior and exterior styling -- the two tier dash is my favorite. The quality of the interior materials is far beyond that of some of its competitors, namely the Toyota Corolla. I read some other reviews that complained about the lack of a remote trunk release, 60/40 rear split seats, and outside temperature gauge: All of these features are available on the EX trim. My only complaint is the gas mileage...I average about 27 mpg. Based on my research, I was expecting better fuel economy.

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  Ugly Duckling - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pine - February 15 - 1:00 pm

  This is not a pretty automobile, at least on the outside. That being said, it is very comfortable, has plenty of smooth power, handles well, and can still tow a meduim sized boat/trailer. Best of all it is built solid. The sound of the doors closing is better than a Mercedes. Theres plenty of room on the inside and lots of practical items, e.g. cup holders, even for the third row seat, rear air conditioning, etc. Fuel mileage is typical in the city (18mpg) but the economy drive will get you to 24 mpg on a a straight an level interstate. Not pretty, but a real comfortable, durable and functional SUV. I recommend it highly.

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  Still happy six months later - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By hugh easterwood - February 15 - 6:45 am

  I have owned it for six months now and am still satisfied. Gas mileage is still great, better than advertised. Im getting about 32 MPG in town and 38-42 MPG on road trips. I still wish there was an engine temp gauge. I wish there was a mute button on the steering wheel. I wish there were more storage areas. I still wish that my Honda dealer would have been willing to negotiate on the price (they wouldnt), but I still think its a good buy. But, overall, I dont have any big complaints. The good far outweighs the bad.

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  Well worth every penny - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Mrmatt85 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 92 Si and Im loving every minute of this car. Whenever Im not driving it Im waiting for the next time I can go out and cruise. I love the handling and the power is great for a four cylinder. The enterior design is very spacious in the front but horrible in the back. I love the electronic fuel and oil gauges. The sunroof is a great addition. I could go on forever about what a great car this is, buy one if your considering it, you wont be dissapointed.

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  Pilot EX 2005 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ND Doc - February 14 - 11:26 pm

  Leased it in Oct 2004. Reliable, good in North Dakota snow, has high ground clearence. I am more satisfied with the build quality of my 98 Honda Accord than this. Hear some rattles inside, wind noice pronounced. Excellent customer service at Fisher Honda.

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  Good Simple Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By bdiddy - February 14 - 2:16 pm

  My new 05 Accord Sedan excels at nothing, and is defficient at nothing. It is a simple, reliable, quite car. It gets good gas mileage, is VERY safe, has plenty of room, is fast enough. It is not sporting to drive, nore is it boring. It is a car. A ---> B

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  Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By JimmyD - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had it about nine months. So far no problems. Bought it used with 115000 miles, had the timming belt changed and all maintenance done right after I bought it.

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  Quality Highway Commuter - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Kevin Groenevelt - February 13 - 4:03 pm

  A durable and quality-made performer: this vehicle has gotten it done for me for 4 years now, in all kinds of weather and conditions. It tracked true on ice and crud with the original Michelin Energy MV4 (model# ?) 16 inch tires and cornered reliably. Now have more reasonably priced Yokohama AVID VX4(model#?), and will compare life and winter performance. I make a 100 mile per day work commute on 90% expressway. The original brakes and tires went 82K miles! Had a small foam seat-foreign object imperfection removed under the leather; only dealer inquiry in 30K miles!! Have never had carefree ownership, quality, performance in a vehicle like this one!

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  Expensive Maintenance - 1992 Honda Accord
  By T................... - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Front brakes have to be done by a mechanic for an extra 125. Total 315 for two hours work. 125 in parts at a store. Timing belt change costs 700! Why is the oil filter is on back of engine block? What a pain. Battery has to be removed to replace right head lights. Again, what a pain. Spark plugs are deeply recessed. Maybe too deeply since my gaskets were replaced by a Honda dealer and oil still leaks, filling the plug holes. Original distributor, radio, and exhaust long since gave up the ghost. Forcing the car into fifth, I broke the syncromesh gear. Now I have to double- clutch fifth and cause excessive wear to the clutch.

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  one year later - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JMR - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Ody last February - great from the start. However after one year and about 13,000 miles I needed four new tires. Also I notice a lot of cabin noise - the rear doors sound funny. Took it to a honda dealer to be fixed and they say they dont hear the rattle. Also I notice the gas tank makes swashy noises.