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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  Love my Civic! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By barb - December 6 - 9:41 am

  We bought our car new almost 4 years ago and we love the vehicle. Good gas mileage, very reliable (such a pleasure after the horror we previously drove), good looks, no rust, interior is larger than it appears from the outside. My only gripe is that the top of the foot space for the front passenger is very low and this can be uncomfortable, especially if youre a woman wearing higher heels. Apart from that, nothing but praise for the Civic.

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  Happy with the CT - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By B & C - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our first Honda (2009 Accord EX-L w/nav) in 2008. Loved the car but after two years (and getting older) found it hard to get in and out of. Also noticed the road and wind noise. Started looking around for a vehicle that might be easier to get in and out of with a smoother, quieter ride. Test drove the Edge, Equinox, Highlander and Venza. Liked the Venza but decided to try the CR-V. During the test drive the salesman suggested we might want to drive the CT. Had not heard of it but after seeing it (White Diamond Pearl w/black leather,and driving it, knew it was what we had been looking for. Loved the styling, familiar features, ride and love to drive it. Cant wait for long trip.

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  What Happened To Honda? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gliattitd - December 5 - 8:11 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 and it has been very reliable until it hit 100,000 miles. The transmission slips terribly, I took it to a service station and had it flushed thinking that would help but no such luck. The service manager said hes seen several Hondas with bad transmissions lately. My first Honda was good for 180,000 miles, died when I wrapped it around a pole.Thats why I bought another one. But this ones transmission started acting up as soon as it hit 100,000 miles. What happened to you, Honda?

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  Never another Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By John Grogard - December 5 - 7:44 pm

  Gas mileage much lower than what I was originally told, too frequent on the fill ups. Acceleration weak but tolerable, car runs smooth. Speakers make a buzzing sound. Car jack difficult to crank, panel that holds jack regularly opens and jack slides out. At 62,000 miles radiator, engine heads and all radiator hoses all broke at once just months after the full 60,000 mile service overhaul.

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  Is it a Honda or a Land Rover? - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Hessam - December 5 - 6:23 pm

  With three little boys under the age of 6 I finally decided to get a practical, safe and reliable minivan. I owned an accord in the mid 90s so I knew they were reliable. Well, come to find out things have changed. Since day 2 the check engine engine light has been on and my Honda has seen more of the mechanic in three weeks than my 9 year old Land Rover has in the past year!! Its a shame because the primary reason one purchases a Honda is for its reliability.

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  Practical, bulletproof - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - December 5 - 5:19 pm

  A very practical family car if you dont need to carry more than 4. Lots of cargo capacity, though long items require some creativity. All maintenance has been preventative and at reasonable cost - its never left me stranded. No problems at all in snow - Ive driven in 6-8" depths without an issue. Performance is nearly nonexistent with just the driver and decreases rapidly with payload. High-speed cornering fraught with uncertainty as one might expect with skinny tires and a high center of gravity. I get a very consistent 25 mpg with a 70% highway/30% city mix at 127K miles.

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  honda - 2017 Honda Accord
  By tom malone - December 5 - 1:59 pm

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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Labguy2 - December 5 - 12:34 pm

  We are 6 months into our Fit and it has been great! Nearly 40 mpg on trips and well over 30 around town. A bonus in that it is fun to drive, and proudly parks next to our CR-V. Sound system is great, headlights brilliant, seats are comfy (I am 65"), interior space and design of seat optional positions are ingenious. I could only ask for a map light and a little more space between the ground and the front end sport trim. It is a jewel!

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  Great looks & Performance - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Jim Fisk - December 5 - 7:19 am

  Acceleration is great but engine is a bit noisy. Mileage is excellent. No maintenance problems whatsoever. Basque Pearl Red is a great color...many nice comments about how the car looks.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By amanda - December 5 - 6:30 am

  Purchased this vehicle brand new. Wish it had a little more room in back seat. No major problems so far. Only problems experienced are door actuator on drivers door quit working and now key does not want to fit in door sometimes. Also, sometimes wont start, have to remove key and put in opposite way? Gets GREAT gas mileage though. So far, very dependable.