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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  My Ideal Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Linda Keller - February 15 - 1:36 pm

  Hondas are a "family tradition". Over the last 20 years we have owned a dozen Hondas--Accords, Civics and Preludes, most purchased new. Why? Because Hondas are the most reliable vehicles with superior features, style, safety ratings and great mileage, too. My children grew up knowing the quality of the vehicles and chose to purchase their own after finishing school I currently own the 2005 EX 4-door Special Edition and this will quite likely be THE car for me. It is comfortable to drive, has a bit of a sporty look and a very superior sound system. As a "Baby Boomer" getting close to retirement, it is important to have a car that is reliable. And there is no choice better than a Honda.

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  A Very Nice Minivan - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Shawkins22 - February 15 - 8:11 am

  So far, a typical quality vehicle I expect from Honda. After 20 years of Civics, this is my first Honda Minivan and I love it! It is replacing a 1998 Sienna. The Odyssey is feature-rich and has good looks to boot. The rear entertainment system with headphones is a godsend. The dash is a bit intimidating at first, but every day we are learning how to use another feature. I was skeptical of the zone climate controls, but the are effective and work nicely.

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  Solid as a rock! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Emay1965 - February 15 - 6:45 am

  Purchased my 2000 Accord EX V6 back in Nov. 2004 with 68k on the odometer. All I can say is this has been the best car Ive ever owned. I took the vehicle to the dealer at around 75k for an oil change and they indicated that the tranny was going and recommended I get it replaced by Honda. This was a known problem and Honda was handling for free as long as it was done before 80k miles. Outside of that and my alternator being replaced recently, this car has been a dream. Im currently at 161k miles and hope to own at least to 250k. Ill probably replace with another Accord but just afraid the later models wont compare in reliability.

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  Great dependable car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By hondaguy2 - February 15 - 6:43 am

  Just picked up my 2010 Accord lx a couple days ago, its about as expected. I turned in a 2007 Accord se with the v6 engine so going to the 4 cylinder is tough. Im sure I will get used to the lack of power over time. The exterior is nice, and the interior is just ok. I was surprised at the road noise, thats something I didnt have in the 2007. All in all, its a great car. I think you buy a Honda more for the dependability than looks or ride.

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  LOVE MY SE! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By krm - February 15 - 6:30 am

  My sister had leased this car for 3 yrs and I snatched it up the day she went SUV. 135K miles on it now w/numerous 2K mile road trips under her belt. You can not destroy this car! I drive on possibly the worst tires in a winter snow zone without chains or studs and as long as the front bumper isnt pushing snow, I get wherever I need to go. My fuel mileage has drops to about 20-21 MPG with the winter ethanol mix were forced to use, but she runs like a champ! Great car!

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  Great value! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Rice - February 15 - 5:27 am

  Bought a 2008 in 2011 and have been pleased as punch! Now driving Leaf, but still drive cRV on trips!

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  The Future Is Here.... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MikeT - February 15 - 3:10 am

  I purchased an Atomic Blue Civic coupe a week ago, and its been a fantastic ride--very smooth, well equipped for the price, roomy, great mileage, and a pleasure to drive. Some reviews complain about the dash design, but it feels very natural, like a heads-up- display on a fighter. Hopefully this style catches on. Ive gotten nothing but complements on this vehicle. It looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, and Im looking forward to many good years with this vehicle.

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  Im loving it - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Kevin - February 15 - 3:06 am

  Handles like a sedan.

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  Nicest SUV for the money I have ever owned - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Lepisto - February 15 - 1:42 am

  I have had Tahoes (3) Escalades Blazers and traded a 2009 pilot in for the 2016. I cannot believe how much a leap forward the new pilot is. It checks all of my boxes, main thing is the ability to carry up to 8 in comfort (including the rear seats). The ride and road manners are great seems much more spacious than the 2009 and the fuel economy is aces. We average around 30 MPG on the road per the trip computer. A++++++++

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  Side bar door rails saved my life - 2017 Honda Accord
  By George - February 15 - 12:17 am

  Coming through Mississippi an 18 wheeler cut in and hit the left rear panel. This turned the front toward the truck. The truck number hooks left front door at the f fender and the truck pushed us at 60 mph at a 45 degree angle. Because Honda took the time to do it right. My wife and I are still alive and well.