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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  Like a car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ki - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Powerful drive train and great responsiveness. Quick and very easy to drive around but ride is not comfortable due to sensitive steering wheel.

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  Our First Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Chadious - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. I have always bought american, and was hesitant on going forign. I am very pleased with this car. I would recommend it to anoyne. I drive about 125 miles per day, and I am certain that this car will perform great, well over 150k miles.

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  Love my 03 Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By HoosierTom - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 5 Honda products since 1989 - 3 Accords and 2 TLs, and this one is pretty incredible. Less expensive, faster and quieter than my 99 TL, but much better equipped than any Accord Ive ever owned. But the best part is the way it performs on the snow (I live in the midwest). It goes better than the wifes Olds 88, and thats saying something.

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  Good Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Terry Wilkinson - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had the honda for about a year now and I love it. Have had an accord before and various american cars. Quality of Japanese cars is so much better. If you have only had american cars look at consumer reports on japanese cars. They are bullet proof! I had my other accord for 10 years with only maintence done on it. Never had problems with it like my american cars.

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  Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By julie standifer - March 4 - 9:25 pm

  Very nice

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  Dependable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Sr. - March 4 - 6:19 pm

  We love our Ridgeline except suggested improvements see below). Have over 50K and still runs quiet like new. We pull a boat about 4,000 lbs and it is fine but not real good mileage. It has no rattles inside is quiet and my dog and kids cant hurt the interior.

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  Average - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JTLS - March 4 - 11:08 am

  Bought after totaling 02 Grand Caravan. Has awesome power, looks great. Climate control poor, only can control temp of rear cabin and not fan speed or mode from the front. Interior is extremely uncomfortable and hard. Dome lights will not go off automatically (What?). I drive mostly highway @ 80MPH and get about 18MPG. Caravan was 22MPG. Kinda confusing about maint schedule. There is no set time, you have to rely on the comp to tell you when to take it in. Might be 7500 miles or 3000. Stereo controls are too far away from driver to be comfortable. Hopefully the reliability and longevity will compensate for the shortfalls. Wish I had my Dodge back but playing the cards Im dealt.

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  Bad Experience - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Toolman - March 4 - 10:52 am

  I will never buy another Honda product. I have had to have the transmission rebuilt twice in this vehicle. Once at 77,00 miles, and again at 103,00. American Honda offered no assistance when I contacted them. Search the internet and youll find numerous complains about problems with failed transmission on this model. Im going back to Toyota for my next car purchase.

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  not alot of luck - 1995 Honda Civic
  By richlev - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We did not have a good experience with this one. It sits too low in front and was forever coming apart because it got stuck on those cement parking lot stoppers. It was always needing new tires because the tires are so small. It was totaled in a little accident because the front end is so low. I just slightly banged into the Honda Accord in front of me and it was crushed quite a bit. It is now junk! Never again. No more Honda Civics for us.

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  Love my Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Stikman - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Excellent driver, loves to be driven at the limit and handles well. Not a long- drive car (a little noisy, needs better insulation). Absolutely trouble-free!