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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  yes - 2000 Honda Accord
  By TMTS - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car.

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  Sweet Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nomad - October 20 - 9:50 am

  The EX 6 has a quiet ride with great response from its powerful engine. Handling is impressive for a large vehicle, not much body lean. Controls in the center console feel cluttered until becoming fimiliar. The audio sound is very dissappointing in the EX. Fit and finish is excellent. Road view front, side, and rear are very good. Braking has been very good but havent tested it on wet pavement. Overall this is a great car.

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  Its just a car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Juan - October 20 - 1:52 am

  The car is just an ok car there is not too much to it. The only benefit is anytime you go over 70mph you get a free body massage cause the vibrates so much we took it to the dealer and it’s something all new CRV do. We mostly get rid of it and get something else.

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  422,000 km and still running - 1990 Honda Civic
  By EF1990Si - October 20 - 1:21 am

  Bought my Civic Si brand new in 1990, added A/C in 92 when the new gen came out and dealer installed unit for half price. I went to Ziebart for rustproofing and undercoating in the first month, the car is only showing small rust spot on the left rear fender. Very reliable and surprisingly roomy

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  Boring and Faithful - 2002 Honda Accord
  By cant keep awake - October 19 - 9:42 pm

  Bought the car new. No problems with anything but brake pads, which it eats like candy. No trans problems because I drain and fill the trans every 15,000 miles. I have 127,000 miles of rush hour freeway driving on it. Unfortunately, this is the most boring car I have ever owned. It has all the personality of a refrigerator. In fact this car is only an appliance.

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  Top Notch - 1992 Honda Accord
  By joc1394 - October 19 - 7:02 pm

  This is the first car that I have actually owned. And over the last year, it has continually impressed me. It has never left me stranded (which cant be said about the much newer American car I drove prior to purchasing this one) and never seems to be grumpy. With regular maintenance, this car just keeps going and going and going. I purchased with 92k miles and currently have 106k miles on her. She leaks a little oil but after I buy $40 in parts from Honda and put them on, that problem will be solved. A fine car for the money, just beware the rust.

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  South Floridian owner :) - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By South Florida - October 19 - 6:46 pm

  I wanted to place a review for my Odyssey a few months after the honeymoon. So, six months later I am still in love with my van. Excellent car-like ride, smooth. For someone intimidated to drive a van, the Odyssey wont be a problem. I drove Ford and Dodge vans & dont come close. Excellent handle with a full load of passangers. Although, I couldnt afford the price tag for leather and DVD, I share the same customer satisfaction with owners of the EX version, except that I got my Odyssey for less $$. For those who cant afford the EX or top of the line, I would recommend trying the LX model. Its worth every penny and were enjoying our van.... sorry guys I got to go, this is South Florida.

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  Even better than Expected! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael - October 19 - 5:59 pm

  My Wife and I bought this because our 2003 Sonoma extended cab proved too small for our needs. After looking at a number of offerings, and both of us DRIVING them, the Ridgeline stood out as the best handling, and it had a trunk! Add the stylish and very comfortable interior, two way tailgate, AWD,and HONDA reliability, it was a no brainer. After 15,000 miles, 3 synthetic oil changes and a K&N filter...19.4 in town, 25.5 highway (spirited driving). Prior to these changes, we got 15.2 in mixed driving. You will use the trunk more than you think. Go give it a look, a drive and with end of year pricing a great deal too.

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  Disappointingly Lame. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By MFHalb - October 19 - 4:46 pm

  Weve had it four, long months. We dont drive for fun, merely to get there. The lame mileage of 27 in town and MAYBE 36 on the highway (minimum of 1,000 miles needed) make this a lousy deal. Unless you drive with an egg under your foot, the car jack-rabbits to 35 miles-per-hour and then slogs along. If you floor it, it does the same thing, only more loudly. Power to pass on the freeway (where else do you need it?) is meager, and non-existent with the air-conditioning on. The electric window switches arent lighted and are hard to locate in the dark. All doors can only be locked and unlocked from the drivers door. Otherwise you have to key them individually.

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  Great vechile - built to last! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By msantiago - October 19 - 12:03 pm

  The Accord LX is definitely one the best cars on the market. The 4-cylinder is fuel efficient and surprisingly smooth and powerful. I have no problem passing and accelerating past faster, V-6 cars on the freeway. The handling is great and other comparable models cant compete (i.e., 08 Malibu, 08 Fusion). This car is reliable and Ive yet to to encounter one problem in over a year and a half. Also, speakers sound incredible.