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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  First Car Ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bo Leonard - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my EX V6 Coupe about a week ago. I am in love. Absolute love! Although this is my very first car Ive gotten since I am 16, I am sure it is one of the best cars. My parents have owned a Jeep Laredo, M- class Mercedes, 330ci BMW, 745i BMW, X5 BMW, Lexus SUV, and various BMW convertibles. This car is nimbler then all of them. It feels as tight and sporty as all of the BMWs and it is as fun to drive as the convertibles. The smooth ride is above and beyond that of the X5 and 330ci combined. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking to purchase a quality, fun, and perfect vehicle. Young or old, it suits everyone.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By starfisher - February 26 - 11:44 pm

  Our CR-V has been a dream to own. Weve had no problems whatsoever with regular maintenance. We love the layout of the interior and all of the cargo space, not to mention the gas mileage. Id buy this car again and recommend it to friends and family.

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  Best & Most Reliable Car Ever - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Don Watson - February 26 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my 92 Accord Oct 98 with 52.5K miles. I am the 2nd owner. It now has 261K miles. It has been maintained, w/ 3K oil changes, timing belt & water pump at 90K, trans serviced every 25K. Just replaced original muffler at 259.5K miles. Best vehicle I have ever owned and I believe it will run for at least 400K miles as long as I keep it maintained. The car still has great acceleration and will run at 80-85 MPH with no trouble. Cruise is best I have ever seen. Wish I could find another one with low mileage to purchase.

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Joanne Castro - February 26 - 8:54 pm

  I bought it in April 2016. Only 1 to 2 of this model per dealer since the Coupd is so new. I shop around for s nice, tech, fairly economic car... I am 20 yrs old... I had a used car prior to buying this one. I am still in college, live with parents, work part time.... I really love and enjoy my car a lot. Highly recommended.

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  Needs more interior room! - 2008 Honda Element
  By hondagirl - February 26 - 7:45 pm

  Great to drive...very good gas mileage for an SUV!

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  Read before buying 04 Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chambalam - February 26 - 1:48 pm

  I think you are about to see the rating of the 04 Odyssey plunge. We had an accident that resulted in our 04 Odyssey with 70,000 miles being totaled. We were so happy with the van that we went out and bought another 04 just like it, except it had a few more miles on it. 10 days after purchase the D light starts flashing, turns out it is a transmission problem. I do some research on the internet and there are HUNDREDS of posts showing that TRANSMISSION FAILS at 80,000 - 100,000 miles. There was actually a recall on the tranny for some 04 models, but those that were not included in the class action lawsuit or out of luck. Honda has refused to stand behind there faulty transmission!

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  Why dont they still make em? - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Brent - February 26 - 10:02 am

  Why dont they still make cars like this. I have 114k on this car and I am getting 40-42 mpg with a five speed manual trans. I drive conservatively so I get the gas mileage. I thought about buying a new civic but why??? Less mpg and a big dollar price. I hope to drive this for many years to come.

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  Love my truck..... - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - February 26 - 12:50 am

  I love my truck. I purchased it new and put 50,000 miles in the first three years and it was a great commuter over highways and hilly back roads. We both retired in 2016, and it great for picking up garden supplies and transporting our bikes and kayak. Although, I did have to buy a bed extender to hook up to the trailer hitch for the kayak. The only thing two comments is that I am hesitant to take it on the beach with the computer control traction. Ive read about the problems in soft sand. I understand the problem has been solved on the 2017 model. But, its a real beast in the snow. You can take off from a dead stop with traction control and not slip and slid and stopping is no problem at all. The other problem is the radio reception, poor. Oh yes, one last comment. I never encountered this problem, but have always been concerned. What if you have the truck bed loaded up and you get a flat. The spare is in the trunk under the bed. That said, it is a great vehicle. Update - 7/17/17 - Still Loving it.

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  CRV horrible parts availability - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Al D - February 25 - 11:20 pm

  I have had two issue with parts availability which has kept me from my vehicle for over 1.5 months. An alternator failed after 2,000 miles stranding me in a snow storm. It took over two weeks to get an alternator in. An unfortunate accident caused over one month wait for a headlight assembly and Windshield.

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  Greatest small car ever - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sam - February 25 - 10:57 am

  We had to unexpectedly buy a new car when our Chevy Malibu developed fatal issues. The Fit was on my short list of replacements. I found one certified preowned and jumped on it. It is easily the best, most enjoyable car Ive ever owned. The interior room is nothing short of amazing. Im 62", so whether I can fit into a car is a big concern for me. The Fit is a little snug, but not uncomfortable in the least. It literally zips around like a big go-kart the power from such a small engine was a pleasant surprise. Im still on my first tank of gas, but so far it appears to be getting around 40 MPG highway.