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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  Incredible car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Drew Hyatt - November 15 - 12:32 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and it currently has over 185k on it. Six mo. after getting it my brother got the tail end hit by a truck and bent the frame but I didnt know until 2 mo. later when I was working on the dent. It still handled great and I found it had been in at least 2 more unreported accidents but you couldnt tell from driving. I even put it in a ditch and a 4 wheel alignment later it drove just like before. I had a minor electrical issue that no one but the Honda people could find, but other than that no problems(it will drive 100mi w/o alternator w/ 5spd, nothing on, and starting twice). Amazing car and I will be sorry to see it go to get a lower mileage one.

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  Still new - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By maine - November 14 - 10:53 pm

  We have only owned the Crosstour for 2 week but so far everything is working the way the dealership said it would. Being 610" tall I find it a little hard getting in and out, but once inside the leg and head room are adequate. My wife is 53" and fits just fine. We like the auto. adjusting sets. Open the door with Key 1 and the seat and mirrors set up for me; or use Key 2 and it set up for her to get into. The audio is awesome.

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  Civic is best among all Sedans - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Harsha - November 14 - 12:32 pm

  I have owned Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic. Civic is the best in terms of reliability, maintenance, gas mileage etc. I get 36 miles per gallon in city and 40 miles per gallon on highways. Very happy to own Civic in this high gas prices era. My next car would be Honda Civic Hybrid. Period

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  Honda CRV rolls on - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Don h - November 14 - 10:54 am

  No 8 off the production line for year 2000. Got it in Dec 1999. We had our first repair at 145,000, the hydraulic shifter, its a stick shift. Runs great and we are at 155,000+ now. Seat fits my wife fine but a little small for me though we both can drive despite the difference in height. It is noisy, but the best vehicle We have ever had. The all wheel drive is a big plus. typically get 24-25 miles to the gallon.

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  My 6th Accord - Best Yet - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nealb0853 - November 14 - 7:40 am

  This is my 6th Accord. The difference between the 08 and the 05 that I had was the biggest improvement yet. The 4 banger is quieter and delivers more horses then before. I could not see spending $2k more on the 6. I sell Acuras for a living. No way can I justify the Acura is worth the $9K difference.

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  Love It - 1996 Honda Accord
  By LR - November 13 - 11:18 pm

  I bought this car new, and have had it for 11 years and 147000 miles. Weve never had a day of trouble. Its required just basic maintenance. It still drives great and I dont worry about commuting in it.

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  It Fits - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Paul McCandless - November 13 - 10:24 pm

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  One of the worlds most reliable cars - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - November 13 - 3:48 pm

  1999 4i 5MT Accord LX manufactured in Japan (Saitama, IIRC). The only thing thats broken in 9 years is the windshield. Its for all intents as- new, and gets 32ish mpg in mixed driving, which makes it tough to trade in for something "better". As a used vehicle, a well-maintained Accord is about as good as it gets.

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  Love This Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Rebecca - November 12 - 1:52 pm

  I love this vehicle. It is everything I could have asked for in a suv. I love the fact that it seats eight. I dont know how comfortable it would be for an adult to sit in the third row but kids would be just fine back there. My husband bought this vehicle for me for my 30th birthday and I am ecstatic!

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  Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Brian Crow - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is flat out fun to drive. What an engine! The handling is terrific.