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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  Caution: Cheap Leather - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Honda Family - December 15 - 6:06 pm

  Honda - Like death and taxes has been a great product over the years. But, in just over 2 years, with good care, leather is showing signs of cracking. Dealership has informed me they get multiple complaints each week. American Honda will not replace even with the warranty still in effect. Let the buyer beware!

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  The Accord Coupe V6 is an AWESOME daily driver! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By R Nelson - December 15 - 3:57 pm

  GREAT car. Love the Sports mode. Love the handling. Just make sure you dont need to get people in and out of the back seat a lot. FUN TO DRIVE and get GREAT gas mileage for a V6.

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  The Accord Coupe V6 is an AWESOME daily driver! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By R Nelson - December 15 - 3:57 pm

  GREAT car. Love the Sports mode. Love the handling. Just make sure you dont need to get people in and out of the back seat a lot. FUN TO DRIVE and get GREAT gas mileage for a V6.

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  My lil Blurp - 2006 Honda Civic
  By travis77 - December 15 - 11:10 am

  the car looks like a lil blurp,like i blew up a baloon and poof there it is,,lol. It is a very nice car though,, considering i just switched from a 04 gmc sierra (will never buy another GM vehicle again).

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  Good in most respects but I sold mine - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kkuhns - December 14 - 10:40 pm

  This was my first Honda and I later found out that it is not uncommon for people to say that the seat seems hard and the ride a bit stiffer and harder than some other cars. I wanted a comfortable car that is economical and fun to drive. This is a great car, that is fun to drive, and it has good electronics, but it isnt comfortable (to me) and the road and wind noise were more than I thought was acceptable for such a nice, new car. So after five months and 8900 miles, I sold it and bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid, which I really like a lot more.

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  Solid car, but doesnt live up to rep. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bruce Steffel - December 13 - 8:20 am

  Great looking car inside and out.My gas mileage is very poor.Started out averaging 24-25 in city, now getting only 21-22 at 2000 miles on odometer.I hope there is something wrong to explain this. Where is remote key fob trunk release on LX model? Guess Honda cheaped out.Stupid power window lock on driver control. Besides locking passengers from operating windows, the driver is locked out from operating all except his window.So many small features left out that are on cheaper Chevys and Saturns.I am rather disappointed in this car for the price.Glad they have a history of good resale, hope this model doesnt ruin that.A/C Fizzles out when step on gas and even fizzles when at idle.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DaveA - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car last year for my newborn. Very reliable and comfy. I look forward to keeping it for a while. In typical Honda/Acura fashion, it has given me ZERO problems.

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  unreliable with poor service! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By george39 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Owned car for 3 weeks/600 miles. Taken to shop twice for a/c problems. The SECOND visit found a leak in the system and parts are on nationwide backorder. Will not have car for weeks. Dealer refusing to provide loaner or rental. Purchased at Sierra Honda of Monrovia, and also taken there for first repair (which was inadequate). Now sitting at Honda of Santa Monica.

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  Get it if you want it - 2005 Honda Civic
  By j - December 11 - 12:46 am

  The interior needs to be updated. The radio/cd area is boring and lacks a fun design. The clear coat comes off easy, I already have a chip on my hood. Fun to drive, easy to customize. Needs a rear wing, and tinted windows. Low noise in the interior, good control, great on gas on the highway. No so much in the city.

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  Dissappointing - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Webb - December 10 - 1:13 pm

  This is our second time purchasing a Honda odyssey and I must say this will be our last. We have had nothing but constant problems. At 24,000 miles, Honda has replaced the breaks & had to turn the rotors twice to fix a grinding noise. Wind noise from the front windshield has resulted in 4 attempts from the dealership to resolve the problem. They finally got it right by replacing the windshield. This vehicle destroys tires! Our first set of Michelins only lasted 18,000 miles. Honda would not help us out even though we rotated and balance the tires every 3,000 miles.Our GPS went out at 12,000 miles and had to be replaced. There have been so many recalls on this vehicle it is comical.