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:

• 

  Just saying. for the value. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Fred Nolasco - December 29 - 7:40 pm

  Im leasing for my mother she absolutely loves it. And i find it fun to drive handles like a smooth sports car. Tight like honda knows how to build cars. You wont regret it. Greiko Honda In RI. I cant wait to upgrade.

• 

  rattle & clunk - 2000 Honda Civic
  By frogalini - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Been shopping for a replacement, since I bought it. 3 months after purchase, driver side window starts making noise. Replaced. 2 months later, samething. Repaired. 4 months later the passenger window joined in the fun, you get the picture. I now drive with the windows all the way up or all the way down so I dont feel my blood boil. Clunks whenever the windows are only part way open. Unreliable acceleration, seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it will take off like a bullet most often it struggles to shift into gear and take off. Our 96 nissan sentra (major accident and 180,000 miles) has more pick up then civic ever had.

• 

  Braking Issues - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Daddy - December 28 - 11:10 am

  Love the Odyssey except for a few problems. Gas guzzler for one thing, but a guess a vehicle this size it is expected. I have been having some brake issues. If traveling at a high rate of speed and then brake quickly. The next few miles of slow braking causes the brakes to make a grinding sensation. Wonder if it is a caliper problem. Also, starting out of driveway in the A.M, I am getting a little hesitation and noise when putting the vehicle in drive. Overall, satisfied with this van.

• 

  These are the best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gina coleman - December 28 - 5:46 am

  I love these cars just want to change style thats all great dependable vehicle

• 

  Nice SUV but could be better! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By R Hutch - December 24 - 6:25 am

  Fun to drive. Comfortable. Road noise at highway speed annoying. Materials could be higher quality. Door slam feels cheap. Speaker quality awful. Great 2nd car for young drivers. Safe.

• 

  Some pluses, some minuses - 2007 Honda Civic
  By perlster - December 24 - 2:56 am

  I think its the best looking car out there. The ride is smooth and comfortable. It has enough get up and go for my needs. Im disappointed that Ive never gotten anywhere near 40 MPG. The door panels are prone to scratches. The drivers side window failed after about six months. Otherwise, no mechanical problems. Incredibly, the owners manual has no information on the location of or procedure to change the "air cleaner element" (filter).

• 

  Pickup for part-time needs - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By OLDSE - December 23 - 5:50 pm

  This is the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. The bed is just what I need for occasional use and the ability to lay a sheet of plywood down in the bed was a big factor in my purchase decision. I play a lot of golf and the in bed truck works well for clubs and a pull cart. The cab hauls four of us to the golf course and back with ease and comfort. You can also hold a normal conversation with people in the front seat or back. All the friends who have driven it love the handling qualities and are satified with the power although I think it needs a little more. I would recommend it to anyone needing a light to moderate duty pickup. It is NOT an off-road vehicle.

• 

  consumer review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By consumer review - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car based on Hondas reputation for quality and reliability. The Civic runs well and performs as expected. However the car has more rattles, squeaks and noises than I ever imagined. The integrity is very poor. The dash rattles match the domestics and is far worse than past Hondas I have known. The ride is rough and the driver/passenger feel every road imperfection. Road noise is considerable for this car. Aside from the noise and rattles, the quality seems to be good. I have 40,000 miles on it now and plan to trade it because I am dissatisfied with the overall build quality. I believe I will look at alternative vehicles.

• 

  So Far, So Good - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Oliver Brooks - December 22 - 2:42 am

  We have been very happy with this car so far in almost all regards. The older entertainment system is a little finicky with my iPhone, but all in all, thats a pretty small complaint. We have put a lot of miles on it since we got it and its been outstanding. So happy we got it.

• 

  Better than older Accords but worse also. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ron Gaskin - December 19 - 11:54 pm

  Not the same as a late 1990s Honda Accord. I do not think this cat will get to 200000 as easily or cheaply as my 1997 Honda Accord sedan 4 cyl/ manual trans car,