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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  Something So Small Yet Wonderful - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JaSamMirzaKoSiTi - May 18 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought a 2004 Honda Civic for my sister..sure its just a plain basic civic but it doesnt perform that way. The car is great,I drove it a few times and its terrific. It takes off fast and stops smoothly. Its a perfect compact car for anyone who is into compact cars.

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  great feeling at the gas pump - 2004 Honda Civic
  By lkernish - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my hybrid, its a great car, I downsized from a larger car and felt insecure at the beginning, but once I drove the car I felt secure in it. I highly recommend this car for its look and for the fuel economy.

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  Great Car... But Room For Improvements - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dave - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall satisfaction is great, just a bit upset about the MPG, getting an average of 26 mpg with normal driving. Car handles very well and the steering is tight and responsive. Engine could use just a bit more power, but still not bad. Cold morning start is a bit rough. Road noise is present, but not too bad. Very reliable car, wish it had a better warranty just for the piece of mind, needs to be 5year/60k bumper to bumper especially for the price.

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  Honda Accord reliable and fun to drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Joe C. - May 15 - 4:27 am

  No major problems over the last 13 years. The only downside is that you do tend to feel the bumps in the road a little more than other cars I have driven in. Other problems are more due to aging of the car: radio display dimmed to practically non-existent in the 11th year (too expensive to replace) and the driver side window occasionally gets stuck in the up position (even after the repair, but not as often), usually works after 5 to 30 seconds (started in about year 10). But it still drives like new.

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  This is a great every-day car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Angela Marchetti - May 14 - 5:59 pm

  everything I wanted - a coupe that rides like a sedan, trunk big enough for 3 golf bags, rear seat folds down to transport longer items, sun roof, seat warmers - love most everything except the paint is BAD - flakes off and chips easily, even in weird places (like around the rear window, inside the jams, etc.) If it werent for the paint just breaking my heart every time I look at it, I would love this car. the factory rep from honda was super nasty to me, and didnt even consider my claim. Not a good experience for my first brand-new car. I wont do it again.

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  Ugly rear - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Himanshu - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The EX V6 with Navigation has everything I look for in a car. It has all the high tech features I need. However, Honda has still left it perhaps intentionally a step behind the Acura TL.

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  Not like the past three new hondas - 2004 Honda Accord
  By A. Wagner - May 13 - 11:46 pm

  Fuel economy way below promised. Vibrates from the gas pedal up through the steering wheel but technicians cannot seem to find the problem. Strong sulfur smell from exhaust when window is open. Vibrates while at a stop in gear.

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  Very noisy vehicle - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Kongable - May 13 - 12:26 am

  This van turned out to be very noisy and hard riding. On the test drive the car performed well , had a good ride and didnt seem noisy. After arriving at home, I checked the tires as is my practice and found that the tires wee inflated at 28 psi although the door sticker says 36 is the recommended pressure. Think the dealer did this on purpose? I keep 32 psi in my tires. We took a 2000 mile trip right after the purchase and found the road and tire noise to be very bad and the rough ride made the trip very unpleasant. Gas mileage is 16-18. My 99 Chrysler T&C got better mileage and had a far more comfortable ride. Its a good looking vehicle but not the superior all-round on that I expected.

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  Love that GPS! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By griffpen - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I love ths van especially the GPS. I thought the GPS would be just a neat toy but now both my wife and I agree we never want another car without one. Im surprised Honda doesnt tout it more. The fold down rear seat is great. But I do have trouble with the rear window wiper - it keeps coming loose and I have to have the dealer tighten it. Ride is a little stiff compared to my Avalon but not bad for a van. The seats are a little short. I could use a little more leg support for long trips. Accelerates nicely. My kids love that they can control the AC in back. Have had zero trouble with the auto sliding doors unlike some other reviews I have seen here.

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  Nice Overall Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Brother - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I like how when you give it some gas it goes without hesitation.