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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  Transmission - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Chad - December 24 - 2:27 pm

  We bought our van used, but it only had 43K miles. At 52K miles we noticed that every morning it would hesitate shifting, or shift hard. Once it warmed up, the problem wouldnt appear until the next morning. We took it to the dealership, and they said it needed a new transmission. I am a die hard Honda lover, but am disappointed with this flaw. We buy Honda for their reliability.

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  I love my civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Easy - December 24 - 2:13 pm

  I love my civic. For a long time I have been a Toyota man, but with the concern to civic it won my heart over. It is fun to drive, reliable, and I feel safe in my car. The design if fun and the features are interesting. I love the two tier gauges, although I will say that i had some reservations about the at first.

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  I love my 07 Honda Fit Sport 5-speed Man - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dan J. - December 24 - 10:36 am

  I purchased my Storm Silver Fit Sport 5 speed manual on April 21, 2006. I purchased the car as it was being unloaded from the delivery truck. I have driven 8000 miles in the 5 months I have owned this car. Have had no mechanical problems. The only real "problem" I have had is with the windshield wipers. The wipers have been changed twice by the dealer & both sets "jump" accross the windshield when I use them. I plan on having them changed again. A few things I dont like about the Fit are: 1. The car could use another 15-20 horse power & as much more torque. 2. No center console.3. No sunroof. 4. Configuring seats into "lounge mode" could be easier. 5. Rear seat head rest could be smaller

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  Great Car - Hatchback bring them back - 1993 Honda Civic
  By 1993 Si HB - December 24 - 8:35 am

  I have 1993 Civic Si with 246,000 miles and plan adding another 50,000. Love the hatchback, Honda need to bring it back. Getting 31-34 mpg in winter, 28-31 in summer with AC. Replaced the clutch 205,000 and manual transmission 210,000. Lost the starter coil 215,000. Paint is starting to go and the Honda’s typical wheel well rust starting to show and get bad. Sunroof stopped working 190,000ish. Thought Id let it go and replace the car, but the dang car just keeps going, cant justify replacing it yet. Gas tank is on the smallish side. My major complaint is the missing lights on chime, this has caused me no end of heart burn.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jackleg - December 23 - 2:28 pm

  Great van! We bought the EX-L. My wife vowed never to drive a van, but after taking this one for a test drive she was sold. We test drove the Toyota, but the overall options, handling (doesnt feel like a minivan), and interior design fitted our needs the best (two kids). We replaced the power steering pump after 65k miles, but luckily we bought the extended warranty). Great van to travel in or just around town.

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  Bulletproof - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Hogman - December 23 - 11:13 am

  This is my first truck. I love it. Everyone that rides in it comments on how spacious it is on the inside. I have had zero problems. I drove it half way across the country from California to Texas and got good gas mileage (for a truck). Average was close to 26 MPG. It has plenty of passing power and I experienced no problems passing on steep inclines (plenty of torque). I have a factory tonneau cover which I highly recommend. I spend time sitting atop the tonneau with my girlfriend watching fireworks, sunsets and picnics in the country. Additionally the cover helps to hide contents in the bed of the truck. Honda hit a homerun with this thing!

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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Scottie - December 23 - 9:50 am

  I love my new Honda Civic. It is a big switch from my 97 GMC Jimmy. I love being able to take turns and corners like they are nothing. A lot of critics have said that they dont like the two tiered dash, but I think it adds to the overall style of the interior. I think that this years civics are the best looking design that Honda has ever come up with. Power is as expected for an economy car, not great, but very competent. The car shifts nice and smooth. I do think the shifter could be in a little better spot closer to the driver, but I have long arms, so I can deal with it. Overall it is the best car that I have ever owned... and I have owned 10.

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  WOW what great HWY mileage - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kenny G. - December 23 - 5:11 am

  Drove from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe (450 miles one-way, mostly two lane highway) and got just over 45 MPG each way driving in Economy mode mostly at 72 MPH. When I needed to pass trucks, campers, etc. Id just switch the Econ mode off, make my pass utilizing the oomph of the turbo, and then put the Econ mode back on. Front seats are low but very comfortable. Trunk is cave-like. It took Honda forever to have auto -on headlights - they still lag behind with no universal garage door opener.

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  Transmission Went Out - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dave - December 22 - 8:34 pm

  I knew that the 2000 Accord had a history of transmission problems but since my car had made it to 108,000 miles, I felt it would make it to 200,000. I loved this car. But last week the transmission did go out. I would still recommend this car since most of them do fine. Fortunately I still got a good trade-in, and got a new 2009 Civic, which I love just as much.

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  Not as reliable as previous - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Mark - December 22 - 5:52 pm

  I never had many problems when I owned my 1994 Accord EX and unfortunately this one, 2000 Accord EX v6 Coupe, has not been as reliable. It seems there were a few years where Honda models had issues with carbon build-up in the engine and I was an unfortunate victim. $2400 later and still have some minor issues with though nothing serious. Had all but two valves replaced due to carbon build-up burnt and cracked valves. Also just recently I spent another $1500 due to power steering pump and fluid leak in rack and pinion. Merry Christmas to me. These repair items, though costly, are to be expected for the most part although I would have preferred a little better reliability.