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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  Very good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Mila Ustinova - March 29 - 7:56 am

  I own this car 7 years and have no problem at all !!!

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  This car sold me! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Bonnie - March 28 - 9:14 pm

  We bought this car used with 16,000 miles for my husband to commute with. Now has 128,000, runs like the day we purchased. We only replaced the drivers side window motor and NOTHING else! This has been a great car worth every penny. I was driving a 2000 Volvo V70 that was a nightmare. Finally after beaucoup repairs and $$$ we agreed it had to go. My husband was stunned when I said that I wanted a Honda. Mine being the family truckster we purchased an 06 Pilot and Blows that Volvo away. Thank God its gone! Im sure his Accord will probably stay in the family and end up being my daughters first car. We are very, very pleased with both our Accord and Pilot.

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  Best All Around - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Mary Anderson - March 28 - 12:21 pm

  This has been the best used car I have ever purchased. I would like a new car but think I will hold on to this one a while longer. No major problems.

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  Heads Up - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bob t - March 28 - 8:40 am

  At 25,000 miles my Michelin pax tires will need replacement in 5-7000 miles. Cost to replace is $225/tire. Cannot subtitute other rims or tires. Keep this in mind when puchasing the touring model.

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  Small improvements would make it perfect - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jimmy - March 27 - 9:43 pm

  A truck that drives like a luxury sedan. Handles most jobs with ease. Build quality is top notch. I only wish there was a collapsible bulkhead like the Chevy Avalanche.

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  WOW - what a car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By us3 - March 27 - 9:30 pm

  We drove all the competitors and this car stood out above the rest by far. I also have a 2000 Civic, but this car is like a totally different make in comparison. It is very stylish and seems like a luxury European interior. I am completely satisfied at this point and highly recommend taking one for a test drive - you wont be disappointed!

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  Best Car Ever!! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jabuitra - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 4 and a half years ago and put 82,000 miles on it. Nothing ever broke on the car. Just oil, gas, and 15k miles interval service. This is by far the most reliable car in the industry. I installed an aftermarket Typhoon air intake system, which boosted the V6 engines power by at least 10%. Changed original tires at 71,000 miles. Original brake pads (I actually took it to the dealer to have them replaced and the dealer told me they still have another 40,000 miles to go). Nothing breaks in this car!!!

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  Great Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mommmmmy - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this minivan. We were looking into the Ford Windstar as well. Both have great features, but the Odyssey has some extras and great resale value. If listing pros and cons, the Odyssey definitely wins.

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  Best Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By George956 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  It has been a pleasure purchasing this car

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  Happy So Far - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Peter - March 27 - 7:56 am

  Bought this car used and have put a few thousand miles on it so far. Gas mileage is great in and out of town. EX trim is very nice and I get many compliments. Accelerates and handles exceptionally well. Interior is fairly nice, but dials for climate and audio feel cheap. Long trips get a little uncomfortable, but I bought it as a commuter car, so I knew what I was getting. No major problems yet and looking forward to having this car a long time.