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:

• 

  Watch out for the seat comfort! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lablover52 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The seats have changed. Theve added additonal padding in the lower part of the seat before you even engage the lumbar support if you desire to use it so you loose the option of sitting back in a flat seat. Most peoples backs are flat and this seat doesnt start out that way. It forces your lower back into an unnatural forward position without using the lumbar support so after a period of time you begin to feel uncomfortable. Because of this design you cant sit back in the seat comfortably, so while your driving you are constaintly moving the seat to try and get comfortable. You cant feel this on a 10 minute test drive. Hopefully there is a fix for it.

• 

  Great Looking - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By June Cannon - September 22 - 1:01 am

  Great small SUV, I commute 60 miles a day great MPG

• 

  Hondas gone downhill & cheap! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By WhatHappenedToHonda - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After having several previous Hondas, I am very disappointed in my 2001 Civic. It rattles from everywhere (partly because everything is hard plastic now, not cushioned vinyl), the suspension squeeks and pops, the fuel gauge is never accurate, the windows always fog, the doors leak water into the interior, the carpet is thin and already matted flat, and the paint is pealing off the rear bumper. As far as being cheap (keep in mind this is the top of the line Civic) - - all plastic door and rear panels, no lighted glove box, vanity mirrors or courtesy lights in the doors. Are we sure this isnt a Hyundai??

• 

  my 4th honda - 1996 Honda Accord
  By naturalaz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  excellent quality and reliability. Buy the v6 if you can get it. This model needs a little more power. This is my fourth honda, it wont be my last.

• 

  Get the Extended Warranty! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By CentralVirginia - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We like out 01 Oddy very much. We drove 60 miles to Browns Honda in Charlottesville because (a) they let us test drive one and (b) we didnt have to pay over MSRP. Ask for Diane - she was great. I like the Oddy, but it has been in the dealer 4 times so far because of power door malfunctions. The Magic Seat, Traction Control, Climate Control and larger size made this our choice over the Sienna. Its our first Honda after 4 Toyotas and I rate them (as companies) equal.

• 

  Whats not to love? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By DarkVortex - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Civic. It gets great mileage, looks nice and clean, and runs great. Steering is crisp, acceleration is adequate, but could use a little more power, and the inside is just wonderful. Considering the cars price, I feel I got a lot for the money, and that it will last a long time. Very pleased.

• 

  Cute car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By ELAINE CHARVAT - September 18 - 7:43 am

  Not much space in front for purse or other articles. Very difficult to close rear cargo door.

• 

  last car was a caravan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By bindo - September 16 - 2:00 am

  totally reliable, very good mpg on the freeway, even totally loaded with people and stuff

• 

  Rattle Trap - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Will Hobbs - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Accord in the last 4 years. It seems that each one I buy is plagued with problems, from transmissions, to breaks, to the A/C going out, to squeaks, you name it. I think this Accord is the best in the past 4 years, but it rattles, squeaks, and pops constantly, it can be quite annoying. I would have hoped that the finish would have been up better.

• 

  Dodees 1997 Civic EX - 1997 Honda Civic
  By dodee - September 14 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever had (over 40 years of driving). NO problems. LOW maintenance.