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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  Great looking, affordable, - 2002 Honda Accord
  By The Phammer - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Cool looking car, especially in the blue. Ive only had it for 2 weeks & havent heard any rattles & nothing has fallen off (the main problems in the other reviews, they mustve just gotten lemons). Great controls lay-out, esp. the steering mounted audio controls. Shouldve made all seat controls powered, not just height. Also, you have to reach to grab the seatbelt. Moonroof should open more than just 3/4 of the way. I want an ashtray for trash. Also, need memory seat on drivers side to allow access to rear seats. Ride is nice as long as you dont treat the 4-cylinder as if you owned the 6-cylinder. 3 people in the back is not that comfortable.

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  The V6 is built in the US, poor quality. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TLauer - April 21 - 6:00 pm

  Ive owned four accords so far, and theyve always been great. My wife wanted an automatic, and the 4-cylinder was awfully gutless. Test drove the V6, and excitedly bought it. Ive noticed many small quirks with the car since then - rattles, hard starting, squeaks, and an intermittent engine light flashing. All problems Ive never experienced with an accord - let alone one that is 3 months old! Later I come to find out that the V6 cars are built in the USA. I may not have purchased the car had I known this. The 4cyl. cars are still produced in Japan, thankfully. If I had wanted a rattly, hard starting car with intermittent warnings, I could have saved around ten thousand and went with GM.

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  comfortable, roomy, but god, that whine!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By David ONeill - April 20 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Firestone tires that appear to be the cause of a subtle high pitched whine. I love the truck and Im enjoying the ride but beware of the road noise.

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  The brake make noice - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DZ - April 19 - 10:00 am

  When I brake, the rear brakes made loud noices. It happens most of the times after reversing. A couple of dealerships said it is normal. But I have not heard similar complaints from other Odyssey owners. Otherwise, the van is reliable.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Plink - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall its a nice vehicle. Im a little dissappointed in the fit of the panels. It rattles

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  Typical Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By dgoetz - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Accord EX new -- its my third Accord and I continue to be impressed with the quality and reliability of this product. More European than a Camry (tighter suspension and steering) and bit more sporty. The 4 cylinder will not impress you (vs. a V6) but is fine for more driving situations.

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  Nice little car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Joe Popsy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the 2001 Nissan Sentra we traded in, this car is FAR superior. Tightly built, handles well, engine feels spirited across all RPMs, and MUCH more quiet. Plus, the general feel of the Honda controls; its far superior then the clunky feel of its Nissan counterpart. Ill never buy another Nissan again.

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  The best in reliability - 1997 Honda Accord
  By kagodo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall performance. I almost bought a Plymouth Breeze which was one year older and half the price. No regrets.

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  "Just Right - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By lovecraft - April 17 - 10:00 am

  There were wagons out there that were more sporty (Mazda Protege5, Subaru Outback Sport), there were wagons that were cheaper (Hyundai Santa Fe), there were wagons that had fabulous exteriors (PT Cruiser),and others with more plush interiors, but none had so many excellent qualities in as many areas as the CR-V. The CR-V is a wonderfully balanced vehicle in terms of comfort, price, reliability, utility, and features. Its pleasant to drive and more importantly its going to be pleasant to own over the years. Simply said its the perfect vehicle for a small family.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jason - April 16 - 2:46 am

  Well I thought I might try and inform future buyers of this car so that they can better understand what to expect from it. The only bad things about this car I can say is the exterior paint is very easily swirled and scratched and the "entertainment" of the car is very bland. Its a plain Jane car. However you very soon realize just how well built this car is and how reliable a Honda can be. Ive put very little money into this car and when I do its very cheap. I bought it with 83000 miles and we just hit 120000 and it runs as strong as a new accord. I plan to drive this car to the ground and I think it might stop running when it hits 500000 miles. Bottom line you cant go wrong with this car, everything is average or above average and certainly cost of ownership is the best in the biz.