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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  2006 Accord EX/L - 2006 Honda Accord
  By thec - November 26 - 2:03 pm

  We took a 2000 mile road trip a week ago. We didnt really care for the comfort of the front seats for a trip that long, although the driver could at least adjust the seat position more.

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  great car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By fdg456 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  bought car with 9k and 10years and 227000 miles later lost it to a rear- end collision. Never a problem with it, maintenance was minimal/routine/cheap. Fantastic fuel economy: always 40-44mpg mixed city/hwy, even after 200,000+miles! Inside and out stayed looking great.

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  Reliable Honda? - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By jomohr - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I will NEVER own another Honda. This car burns oil....at least a quart every 1,000 miles. Ive talked to my dealership numerous times (they know my face now) and Ive even talked to American Honda via letters and phone calls. I am always told that this is the way the car is built and there is nothing that Honda can do for me. My low oil pressure indicator light has come on twice since Ive owned the car. Its a beautiful car, but its not reliable and I certainly dont expect it to live as long as Honda predicts their cars should last. American Honda has a failing grade from the BBB. Dont buy a Honda.

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  little things - 2002 Honda S2000
  By carlover - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Not many miles but some things obvious quickly. Door doesnt open wide enough, makes it hard to get in and out. Several rattles, something I never thought I would say about a Honda. Shift from 1st to 2nd is rough, sometimes almost impossible in the cold. If you get a bumper scratched and need to paint it, good luck, they dont go back on properly again. This is a summer, top down, short drive toy car. Used that way its a 10. Drive it every day and you may come to hate it.

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  Back to Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Don - November 25 - 7:36 pm

  I researched and drove multiple cars for months before deciding the V6 Navi was the best decision for the $. I wanted the coupe, but the back seat was a non-starter for adults. Awesome sound system! Mileage not what I expected from the VCM engine, and I drive with a light foot. Navi isnt intuitive yet, but I hope to be better with it after a couple months. The climate control system is exceptional. People I talk to through blue tooth say the sound quality is very good. Exceptionally fine handling and steering. After 4 Hondas and 3 Mercedes, Im sold on Honda. Why pay twice as much for an unreliable Mercedes when you can have a car like this?

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  Good on the outside - 1997 Honda Accord
  By NissanGuy - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just plan on replacing alot of the stuff on the inside.. ive owned two hondas both of which have had a problem with the power windows.. they like to break. the air conditioning knobs like to fall off.. so you hafta super glue them back together.. and my passenger seat is stuck all the way back.. however, ive had no major mechanical problems and it gets great gas milage and looks wonderful.

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  Good but not great. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By david12345 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The seats are not comfortable. After awhile I realized I bought a version of the Civic with the basic Accord engine. It is more powerful than the average small suv and it is a definite improvement over the former crv, but it aint luxury. And the gas mileage is just average, about 24 mpg on the freeway or about town.

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  Good but problematic - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By paulie - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Although the Odyssey features a comfortable ride, secure and carlike handling, excellent brakes, quiet interior and a spacious and airy cabin, it gets overtaken by its low-rent feel, uncomfortable seats (at least mine are), and its problems that happen within a month. My A/C and sliding doors are already in need of repair.

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  Honda Passport Ugghh - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Angelina - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I wanted a reliable, dependable and safe vehicle. We got a safe vehicle. We bought the car with about 30000 miles in Jan99. Almost immediately we had problems. Within the first year we had a new alternator, starter, and battery. Since than we have had a new transmission and currently our vehicle is in the dealership waiting for a new cataylic converter (two weeks)- THANK GOD WE BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY! I had a Honda Civic prior to this Passport and loved the car!!! No problems. We also bought a used Grand Prix (94), 6 months prior to the Passport, it has 97,000 miles and we have had to replace 3 fuel injectors and thats it?!?!?!

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  A balance of Economy and Performance - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By stl_honda - November 22 - 8:23 pm

  Ive put nearly 10,000 miles on my Accord Hybrid so far. Ive averaged about 46 MPG with many of those miles coming over the recent cold winter. Using the heat can really take a hit especially on shorter trips. In the summer months Ive averaged 60-65 MPG in town. On several road trips Ive averaged right around 45 MPG.