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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  Problem Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline - July 15 - 9:41 am

  I have had nothing but issues with this truck, the first problem showed up the day after I bought it. I have owned my truck for about a year and a half and have had numerous seals replaced included a gas cap. Most recently my brakes. They have frozen up on me and the emergency brake stays on. Neither the dealership or Honda know how to fix, they know there is a problem but have told me they can only fix it once I am stranded again. Not looking forward to that. I would never recommend this truck or Honda again, I had better luck with Hyundai.

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  No complaints - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Danielle - July 15 - 8:05 am

  I am currently leasing the 2009 EX-L model with rear entertainment. I have been very impressed so far. The comfort is great. The cargo space is excellent! I wasnt very excited about crossing over into the minivan world as a former SUV driver but Ive actually enjoyed the switch.

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  Said goodbye to my MINI - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By MFH - July 14 - 2:49 pm

  It was tough, but I was ready to say goodbye to the modified MINI Cooper S thats been my pride and joy since 2002. Weve owned other Hondas and every one has been bullet proof. We chose another Honda because of our positive experiences with our local dealer and service department and because our Civic and previous Accord have never required any service other than routine maintenance (affordable even after the warranty has expired). Im really enjoying the quiet smooth ride that the CR-V provides. I got black w/ ivory interior, looks sharp.

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  Would do it all over again! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Steve - July 14 - 2:08 pm

  Thought you may be interested in a review from someone who has owned this car for 6 yrs. Just turned 204,000 miles. Only problem was the radio that was replaced by Honda. Replaced the alternator at 190,000 miles. Other than that, just normal maintenance. Lots of highway driving, getting 30 to 32 mpg. Brakes last far longer than any other car Ive owned. Cant believe the car still runs so well. I keep asking my service man (independent) when the car might die and he keeps saying not anytime soon. The 4 cylinder doesnt have the initial burst that you would like, but the low cost of maintenence and the reliability more than make up for it. Would highly recommend this car.

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  Great First Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By WSUguy - July 14 - 9:28 am

  We bought my civic a year used from friends who were moving on to a Prius. It was a great first car, everything just worked. I never had a problem outside of a flat tire. I only filled it up once or twice a month, and with its 12 gallon tank that was really amazing. It has a really fun ride and did a great job getting me through high school. My sister is now driving it, and there still is yet to be a mechanical issue!

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  a real thoroughbred - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dykhuis - July 14 - 3:46 am

  fun to drive, lots of power, all features are easy to use: radio, cd, navigation. Lots of cargo capacity, tight steering radius, easy to park.

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  Finally owning this car after months of shopping - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Justine - July 13 - 10:45 pm

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  Finally owning this car after months of shopping - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Justine - July 13 - 10:45 pm

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  THE BEST - 2002 Honda Accord
  By drewali - July 13 - 6:50 pm

  I OWN A 1998 AND LOVE IT SO MUCH THAT I CANNOT THINK OF ANY MAKE 2002 TO BUY THAT IS BETTER.THE VALUE,RESALE VALUE,QUALITY,RIDE,ERGONOMICS, GAS MILEAGE,HANDLING,COMFORT ARE SIMPLY PERFECT.IF YOU BUY THIS CAR YOU WILL LOVE IT AND NEVER BUY DOMESTIC AGAIN GUARANTEED!THIS CAR CAN GIVE ANY CAR IN ANY CLASS A MAJOR RUN FOR THE MONEY.THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ACCORD AND AMERICAN PRODUCTS IS NIGHT AND DAY.THE FEW DOLLARS PAID UP FRONT EQUATES TO LESS HEADACHES AND LESS OVERALL COST IN THE LONG RUN.

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  I miss my 96 Accord - 2006 Honda Civic
  By grace2007 - July 13 - 5:02 pm

  I bought the Civic because it was close in size to my 96 Accord and the price was right. I didnt realize that squirrels find my wiring harness so tasty and Ive had to spend over $500 repairing. I asked if there is anything that can be done to protect the wiring harness. Nope. Evidently they like the foam that surrounds it. At 34k I need a real ABS sensor and was told it was covered under warranty. Went to pickup the car and had to pay for it in order to get my car back. I have loved Hondas but they need to get a 10yr 100000k warranty. Next time I will look at a Hyundai. One more thing...the dash and glove box rattles terrible. No fix for that either.