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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  Our Odyssey for a reliable Transmission - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenoz - March 3 - 12:36 pm

  We bought our used 2001 Odyssey after our first child was born in 2003. It was reportedly one of the safest minivans on the market and we felt good about the purchase. Within the first year at about 90k miles, the tranny went out and the dealership replaced it. Two years and 40k later, the replacement tranny went out, this time we had to replace it. After only 21k miles on this tranny, it goes out and the dealership agreed to replace it but we had to pay the labor cost which was about $750.00. We did so and sold the van immediately after. We replaced this unreliable vehicle with a Lexus GS400 and have never looked back. If you are looking for reliability, stay away from this vehicle!

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  great car fun to drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By beverly gortner - March 3 - 11:53 am

  the first time that i saw the honda civic coupe i knew then that is the car for me. coming back from the jersey shore over the labor day weekend i said its time for me to buy a new car. that monday i went to the honda dealer in edison and ordered a 2007 white honda civic coupe. i have never been so happy with this car.

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  Transmissions!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Dick - March 3 - 8:54 am

  I was first caught in the Canada vs. US fight, but finally resolved through Tokyo to correct first transmission failure at 78K mile. Second transmission has now failed after 70K miles and every dealer and transmission shop is familiar with the problem. Honda US will not help because of the gray market status! What a joke. All 2000 Odysseys were built in Canada and I do not believe built in Canada with US use is why the transmissions fail. US Customer Service is useless. Im going to try Tokyo again.

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  Leader of the pack - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Rebmo - March 3 - 7:53 am

  My wife just picked up her Honda Fit Sport with nav this weekend and really loves it. Cant say much about reliability since we just got it, but the last 2 Hondas we had were trouble free. Traded an Element and dont feel short on space. The visibility, comfort and features are really great. Its good to see a manufacturer offering some high end features in a sub-compact. The nav is very nice out ot the 3 navs we have. Visibility is great with all the glass. Im 6-2.5 and fit fine in the car. Ride is very comfortable. Not a powerhouse but didnt expect it to be, and its adequate for normal driving. The exterior is really nice with the sport package in metallic grey.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Nishant - March 2 - 5:01 pm

  I have owned the CR-V for four months, and am extremely satisfied with it. The ride is comfortable and is a good small sized SUV. The only issue is that the computer MPG is almost always slightly higher than my calculated MPG (about 1 mpg error). Other than that, great car...

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  Still Kicking after 175,000 Miles! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By leesuh - March 2 - 8:13 am

  My Honda has been reliable since day 1. Starts every time. Great AWD performance. Very comfy, lower to ground for short people like me. Keep w maintenance schedule and you should have no problems. I have some underbelly rust on exhaust system after 10 years, but I live ON the L.I. Sound, literally. Salt water daily on or near car. Cant be helped. Car is old but excellent performance still. Radiator went at 170K.

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  Give and take - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Vivi Nguyen - March 2 - 5:50 am

  I only driven the twice since I bought the car(1 wk). When I saw the car able to open the trunk from inside the car, I was happy. Right now, I am very disappointed because I found out I couldnt open the trunk with the key! So inconvenient!

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  Give and take - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Vivi Nguyen - March 2 - 5:50 am

  I only driven the twice since I bought the car(1 wk). When I saw the car able to open the trunk from inside the car, I was happy. Right now, I am very disappointed because I found out I couldnt open the trunk with the key! So inconvenient!

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  Give and take - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Vivi Nguyen - March 2 - 5:50 am

  I only driven the twice since I bought the car(1 wk). When I saw the car able to open the trunk from inside the car, I was happy. Right now, I am very disappointed because I found out I couldnt open the trunk with the key! So inconvenient!

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kensa36 - March 2 - 12:23 am

  My wife wanted to get this car. Excellent choice. It rides good, excellent on gas - shes getting over 40 on the highway. Lots of room for the class of car.