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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  Reliable even if it is a little dull... - 1990 Honda Accord
  By wester - February 5 - 2:00 am

  These cars tend to have a rust problem at the front of the rear wheel wells. Power could be better, but it runs every day.

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  great van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fine - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car except for poor gas mileage.

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  Not for older adults - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jan Epstein - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a ver hard car to see out of. I am very short waisted and I just cant see and have to be very carefull when driving. I find that GM cars are much eaiser to drive when you are older and short.

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  good car- but some minor issues - 2010 Honda Civic
  By hersheypa - February 4 - 1:42 am

  The biggest complaint I have about this car is that I spent extra money for the leather and it has not been very durable. I have several rips- and a big one in the drivers arm rest. I take VERY good care of my car- oil changes, all scheduled maintenance ect. Now that I have 115,000 miles, I notice some loss of power and hard shifting. I also recently had to replace a motor mount ($400!) I seem to go through brakes quickly. On the positive side, with some snow tires it does well in the snow and I am overall very happy with this being a daily driver. It also handles very well on the turnpike and gets decent MPG.

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  Good transportation, not exciting - 2002 Honda Civic
  By dmelgar - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, but not as good as I expected. Safe, adequate transportation but lacking on the excitement scale and not built as well as Id expect. Quality, reliability and assembly as not very good so far, not what youd expect from a Honda.

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  Less money, less car - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mary w - February 3 - 8:53 am

  Buy the pilot! I’ve been spoile by owning the Pilot!

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  Crummy Paint - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Laffelady - February 3 - 6:46 am

  I am surprised to find out that the white Honda Accord that I purchased has only two coats of paint on it. It does not have the clear coat because it is white. A small pebble apparently hit the hood. Now it has to be painted. I have two places on the rear bumper that the paint scrapped off while the car was at the airport. A Honda dealer while I was on vacation told me about the paint. I have never had a car that has paint that just flakes off. What can I do? I bought this beast in Sept 2004. It is a 2005 model. I wish I had never even seen this car. It has a high pitch whine from the front. The first 100 mile trip I went on there was a constant flapping sound from toward the front.

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  Wish it was a Real Honda - 2000 Honda Passport
  By pollywork - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been a true Honda lover since 96. I got a great deal on the passport when i leased it 3 years ago and truely havent had any problems with it. The izuzu engine runs great in my vehcile.

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  Urban Driver - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rey - January 31 - 6:30 pm

  Bought in March 2017. I previously owned a 2010 F150 and had to downsize because of moving to the city. I thought I would be regretting, but I was wrong. Got highway mileage of 28 mpg and the best on the F150 was 20 mpg. Rides very quiet with a soft car ride. I decided to add 4 pounds of air and feels more like a truck for me. I wish Honda would have options to add to these vehicles. I wanted moon roof and rear sliding window and had to go to upper model. I dont use the OEM navigation, but the Android Auto. That is fantastic with my Samsung smartphone. Adaptive cruise is great except when driver in front is slower and causes a rapid deceleration of your car. The truck is slow to get back to speed when passing. I have to manually accelerate to get to speed. Rain causes sensors to give false alarms and lane departure or lane mitigation sensors do not work while driving on the highway in the rain. This seams to be a problem with these sensors since I experienced the same thing with my 2010 F150. Read the manual, Honda is aware of this weather related problem. Materials are great except that they use thinner outside metal that gets easily dented. Overall I am very happy with my buy. Get many compliments.

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  Solid truck! - 2001 Honda Passport
  By 1st_suv - January 30 - 2:00 am

  After moving to Denver CO we purchased our first SUV. With nearly 20k miles of varying duties, our 01 Passport has suited us extremely well. The cabin is well laid out and the 4wd is a snap to use. It has handled 4wd in the snow to our favorite ski areas and off road in the mountains getting us to to places only accessable by 4wd. The large cargo area and easy folding rear seats been extremely useful. Steering and braking is predicatble and what we would expect for an SUV based on a truck frame.