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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  Pros and Cons - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JackRileySD - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is an excellent small car, with the emphasis on small. If you are over 6 ft. tall you cannot sit in the back of this car without hitting your head on the roof. Also, the sunroof cuts off another couple of inches in the front, so once again 6 ft. + is very tight, but you can get another inch or so if you lower the seet all the way. Apparently, the 2003 have a rougher idle than the 2002s or at least that is what the dealership is telling me. I have not had it in yet, but the idle is annoying.

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  ITS A GOOD CAR, BUT NOT A GREAT CAR - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ALYN - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage, decent sound system, relatively comfortable interior.A bit noisy on the interstate.OUR DARK BLUE PAINT HAS A NUMBER OF DEFECTS OR MISSES. Buy silver.One week out of the showroom, replaced powersteering pump. At 4000 miles winshield scarred by faulty wipers, no recourse at agency, 13000 miles, engine tappets chattering loudly.

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  Reliability.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HONDA ACCORD? - February 7 - 1:13 am

  This is my 2nd Accord that I have purchased. My first was a 94 Accord, I put 275 thousand miles within 8-10 years. So I figured that Hondas must really be some good cars, b/c I had NO PROBLEMS at all out of it, I just got rid of it due to high mileage. So I traded it in and got an 04 Accord Coupe, ex V6, got around 53,000 miles, and so far, my moonroof has had to be replaced, brakes went out, and so did my transmission, while in traffic, as soon as I picked it up from the Honda dealer, realized that my motor mounts was bad and they had to get replaced as well. Just hate that everyone in my family drives Hondas and this particular one that I have has caused me soo much trouble.

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  Really love this car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By 2006Honda Civic - February 6 - 10:00 pm

  Had a huge van before. This car is so easy to drive, park & most of all see out of! Love seeing my speed in big letters! Also, cant miss the gas guage. The gas lasts really long too! It is beautiful, inside & out. Totally happy with it all!

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  99 Civic Lx - 1999 Honda Civic
  By CarGUy - February 6 - 9:05 pm

  Great car so far, no problems what so ever. Added some upgrades and have turned this blah looking car into something real cool to look at and drive, really a chick car but worth the money for a reliable small car.

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  Not happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Enza - February 6 - 2:30 pm

  We purchased the Honda Civic Hybrid four weeks ago. We have 860 miles on it and are frustrated and very unhappy with the performance of the car. The average mpg we are getting is 31.5 which is totally unsatisfactory. We are so upset I have complained to Honda of Superstition Springs and was told to contact American Honda Motor Co. needless to say they have not helped. Is there no one in this world that has any integrity left ?

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  Bad Apple from the Honda Tree - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dante - February 6 - 12:47 pm

  The day we drove off the lot and started driving our shiny new EX on the highway I tested the cruise control. It wasnt working. Had to leave the car with the dealer for 2 days to fix. Then within 8 months had 3 recalls on this . At 18000 had to get new brakes and at 26000 new tires. At 78,000 2 of my engine mounts broke which affected the axles. So for $750 got that fixed (by my mechanic), the dealer told me that it will cost me $1,600. Now I have to replace the bushings. Its been not a good experience owning this vehicle. By the way most of the driving is highway and local. I wouldnt dream of taking this offroad. Never recommending a Honda product to my worst enemies (or friends).

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  WHY!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By CC - February 6 - 12:23 pm

  WHY??? Why, Honda, did you not give us a locking tailgate?

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  Update on earlier review - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Phred - February 6 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this car 6 months ago and the more I see of it the more I think I made the wrong choice. Got stuck in a snow bank and of course there are no hooks under the car to attach a chain to pull it out - dig, dig, dig!!! Two months ago the side sliding door jumped off the track and had to be repaired -- two days in the shop!! On real cold days, before driving, the tire pressure alert show low tire pressure. I think Honda needs some better engineering!!

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  Keeps going and going and going - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Joy - February 6 - 11:12 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for 13 years and 237,000 miles. Only had to have minor repairs done, such as replacing the heater switch. No major problems with the engine. The automatic door locks quit working, but it still locks manually, so didnt get that fixed. Still has plenty of pep for getting onto the interstate, going up steep hills. Most comfortable vehicle weve ever owned, and there seems to be a place for everything. Back row seats fold down into floor, middle row folds forward for lots of cargo space. As easy to park and make U-turns as a mid- sized car. Good rear view for backing up. Easy to get in and out of, including back seats, with regular car doors, not sliding. Seats 7 people.