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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  Poor Radio Reception - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ed martin - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Poor radio reception. Addition of traditional external antenna would improve reception. The passenger seating is too low to the ground.

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  Tough little car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By hatch - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Through years of abuse and neglect it still happily went of 160K mileage. Cant imagine any other vehicle taking the kind of rough riding and neglect and keep on ticking.

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  Concerned - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dave Lane - April 17 - 10:20 pm

  We have less than 800 miles and noticed that the headlights dim each time that the motor cooling fan kicks on. Honda tells me that this is "normal". Does that mean that ALL 4cyl Hondas have this problem. If I would have known this prior to the sale, I would not have bought the car.

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  Very Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By kmw - April 16 - 7:36 am

  I bought this car with such high hopes but so far all I have is buyers regret. The interior has loud vibrating squeaking rattles coming from the glove box. Even while on a perfectly paved road the rattling noise from the glove box is so bad it drowns out the stereo and I have to drive the car with the glove box open to stop the rattle. I returned the car to the dealer and all they did was drive the car around the block and tell me there is no rattle. My guess is they dont have a clue on how to go about fixing it. Also driving over 70 mph produces loud wind noise. Everything else such gas mileage, handling, stereo system is fine but it doesnt make up for the loud rattles and wind noise.

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  Prelude - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By cindy pearson - April 16 - 2:00 am

  rides very smooth,as well as easy to shift,very quiet and comfortable.tires in excellent condition.

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  Good - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Get - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I have own this vehicle from brand new purchase.Had no problems with it.All required maiteneace has been done at dealer,without no further problems.All records kept by dealer and myself.

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  Wish it was a bit better!!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By CoronaL - April 15 - 1:33 am

  This is my 3rd new honda in the past 3yrs for my family. 2 previous were practically flawless, however this one has been somewhat of a PIA. 3rd gear is problematic to shift into at times, and dealer "cannot replicate the problem". Id challenge they havent really tried. Known problem for this transmission in a minority of cars. I dont have time to do other peoples jobs so I suffer through it. Otherwise I really like the car, its very comfortable, handles well, is good in winter etc. Just wish that MPG was a bit better, I have yet to hit the HWY rating even at 65mph on even interstate Im falling 3-4mpg short. 3rd Gear is synchro issue, but dealer wont fix it, making car less fun.

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  Was hoping for better mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By sully - April 14 - 4:26 am

  Car is excellent, however I was really hoping for better gas mileage... roughly around 33.5-34 in mostly highway driving. Bought it when gas hit 3.50/gal for premium - I do like that it takes regular gas. I drive a TON (I expect to put 25K miles/yr on it), so I hope it loosens out some (just bought it 3 weeks ago)... dumped an Audi S4, so its a different car than what Im used to...

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  S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By drsayad - April 14 - 2:00 am

  After the initial 1500 miles the engine gained noticable horsepower every 500 miles. Finally around 3500 miles the engine was free revving and much easier to rev up throughout the gears. The suspension specially the shocks are about 5-10% softer than the inital days. Overall the car is much more competitive than its early days.

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  SNAPPY - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By NAT - April 12 - 10:11 pm

  Great ride. Quiet, confie, roomy. Not fair. This is my third.