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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  Stayed with the Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - June 8 - 5:35 pm

  No other car in this market comes to the real 40 mpg,but with honda its easy for me,did it already with an 1992,1998,2001,2009 and now the 2012. Finally it has some comfort,noise level in the cabine is acceptable. Have the 5 speed manual and its the same transmission used for the 2001-2005 civic. At 65mph it makes 2700 rpms,in the automatic its 2200 rpms,but this time you dont here it and still you get your 40 mpg,also because of the Econ button in the 5 speed.makes 2-3mpg on a tank of gas.Like to shift again because the automatic is not my thing.That shifting up and down the gears when i dont like it to shift! Everything under control again and i like it!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dee - June 7 - 3:33 pm

  This is my 5th Honda. Noticed with the last Honda that quality isnt what it used to be. I have had my current Honda Civic 08 car in the shop 3 times, and I only have 6000 miles on it right now, and they still cant figure out why the car doesnt start sometimes-same thing happened on the last Honda. Ride is very noisy and theres a tick at times that dealer says in the fuel injection-its too loud and distracting. Seats arent comfortable. Switch to adjust driver side window is poorly placed. Hondas used to be great cars; unfortunately, I think quality and dependability has gone down. Im also disappointed in the fuel economy for a small car.

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  My First Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Karl - June 6 - 8:40 pm

  I like the car, but I have to agree with one other reviewer. The first thing i noticed was the vibration of the steering wheel and kind of loud engine. That kind of caught me off guard that the steering wheel vibrated - that should NOT happen. And my other immediate concern is the discomfort of the seat, mostly the lumbar area of the back - very concerning since i hope to have this car for many years. Other than that it drives just ok, not as quiet and as smooth as my test drive with its competitor. But overall its a nice car. I bought the car because i like it. I think it has attractive styling and was told that it is a work horse and i tend to keep my cars until they cant drive anymore.

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  1st Honda. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By David D. - June 6 - 12:20 am

  sound system below average, noisy brakes, vibration noise from dash and rear speaker deck, 20 MPG in city, 27 MPG highway, driver door handle sticks,good engine and transmission, great a/c. disappointed in the build quality and fit & finish.

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  Please Wait 6 Months Before You Rate - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda? - June 5 - 8:40 pm

  Had great prior experience w/ Honda Accord so purchased vehicle over Toyota, Nissan. Traded in 98 Caravan driven for over 100K miles. Solid ride, standard options, and Honda reputation drove my decision towards the Odyssey. Cylinder deactivation is a plus. Very disappointed in quality though. This is a grocery getter, and not driven hard. After 9K miles, there has been 4 trips to dealer for alignment service, resulting in premature tire wear, 2 trips for steering knock (which by the way is a known serv bulletin issue that requires special lubricant on the steering column), now a rattle in the sliding door. This is a Honda? I actually had less issues w/ Caravan. Now test driving a Sienna.

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  Ditto - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim - June 5 - 3:57 pm

  I have to echo most of the other glowing reviews that drivers of the 17 Ridgeline are saying. Most clever truck on the market by far. Only vehicle Ive ever owned where people in parking lots come up and ask "what kind of truck is that, it looks great" or "I saw you open the trunk in the bed, that is so cool!" Ride is great, seats are comfortable, and gas mileage is impressive. I would have only 2 minor complaints: 1) rear doors dont open wide enough. Theres lots of space in the back with the seats folded up but the doors dont open wide enough to put a single large item in back, even though theres enough room inside. 2) the display is disappointing, hard to navigate and read, especially while driving. Not intuitive at all. Also, the blue tooth voice operation is sketchy and unreliable, not nearly as good as my 08 Camry. But again, these are MINOR compared to the overall greatness of the rest of the truck. Considered Tacoma, Frontier, and Canyon, but waited to buy until the 17 Ridgeline was available. So glad I did and intend to keep it for a long, long time.

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  Gutless and boring - 1997 Honda Accord
  By TooWimpy4me - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I got this car because of its reputation for reliability and economy. I used to have a long commute and it was confortable and economic for that. But now my commute is only 5 miles. The car is very boring and wimpy with not guts and personality of its own, it looks like a Camry or like any other japanese car of the same vintage and class, just another me too car. The A/C smells bad, the auto transmission is rough.

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  rating - 2001 Honda Accord
  By nabil - June 5 - 10:00 am

  it is an enjoyable car, it is reliable. I prefer the V6.

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  I though Honda was good... but... :( - 2006 Honda Civic
  By carlosg - June 5 - 2:33 am

  Beautiful, confortable but not reliable at all... A/C condenser supposedly punctured by a "Road Debris" that didnt even leave a dent??? and therefore not covered by warranty. I feel completely ripped off. For me this is result of poor design and poor materials... how big a pebble has to be to puncture a condensor and not leave a visible dent??? How many times will this happen again? I am done with Honda... first and last..

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  According to Garp - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joe - June 4 - 3:53 pm

  Bought the 2008 Accord in July. Good running car. Good style and quality. Just did a round trip to Fla from MA. Comfortable ride no thanks to the comfort of the drivers seat!! Had to purchase an orthopedic back support for the driver side. It was worth the $100 bucks. Without it I was in pain! I suggest others complaining of same to purchase an orthopedic car back support to correct the problem.