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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  Great little car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jdi - September 27 - 1:50 am

  The Honda Civic LX 4dr Sedan seems to be the perfect car for my small family or young adult on the move. My fuel mileage is 39.5 mph which is a little higher than the 38 mpg on the sticker and Hondas reputation for quality and reliability speaks for itself

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  Disappointment in mileage - 2006 Honda Accord
  By B. Bell - September 27 - 12:13 am

  I do love my car but the wool was pulled over our eyes about the mileage. I adverage about 26-28 miles per gallon far less than the sticker said. The was not able to deduct the car being a Hybrid on taxes as told by salesperson.

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  i love my honda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By gigi48 - September 26 - 8:04 pm

  My 94 Honda Civic has taken me across the country and back without fail. This is a great car that has been extremely reliable. I have owned the car since 98 and have had no major mechanical problems. At 130k, I had to replace the ignition switch. The part was $40 and it was easy enough that I did the work myself. Great car!

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  Honda Civic lx - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Polk Olk - September 26 - 6:23 pm

  Overall good car

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  Probably Not Again - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - September 26 - 1:34 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in Nov. 2003. I now have 98,000 miles on the car. At 97,000 miles the entire A/C compressor, clutch and coils blew. After fighting with Honda they ended up paying $600 or the $1500 price tag to replace the A/C. The cars fit and finish are sub par for a Japanese car. Squeak and rattles abound. The exterior paint is easily scratched. Honda has known about the faulty A/C problems with the CR-V but refuses to extend the warranty on them. I owned 2 Subarus before this car and will go back to Subaru once this car dies for good. Honda gets high marks in most of these postings but most of the postings are from people who just bought their cars.

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  What a mistake - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Susan - September 26 - 12:26 pm

  Dont get me wrong,I do enjoy my vehicle. But, the cost of maintaining it is outrageous! The tires are awful, uncomfortable ride. The maintenance cost every 6 months is a rip-off. Each time is $50 dollars more. Im now up to $325 for a "B3"and of coarse they tell me my brakes look like they need replacing (not covered under warranty). I just serviced it 5 months ago for "A something" which cost $249. What next, a "C something". Unfortunately I was told that if I dont keep up required service & specific tires - "void purchased extended warranty". What a crock. Never again. Ready to take a loss and go to TOYOTA. Ill save money in the long run.

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  Accordingly - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Accordingly - September 26 - 9:33 am

  Ive had my Accord for almost 5 months. I must say that I like the car a lot. It does everything well, but nothing extraordinary. Its peppy, has great looks (inside and out); is comfortable; reliable; great value; but a boring driving experience. Its a perfect car to get you to/from in style, knowing the end result will be a car with great resale value; low insurance costs; good safety record; and very good gas mileage. Its a buy.

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  My Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By crystal walker - September 26 - 2:26 am

  Its not too big, and not too small. It handles like a dream. I love the ease of the back seats...no seat removal necessary. Need more room? just put the seats down. They nearly flatten out completely. Honda has put a lot of thought and design into this vehicle.

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  6 speed needed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mac - September 25 - 10:32 pm

  Manual wakes this 6 up. Quick when pushed but I average 28 mpg mixed. Tires not wide enough for its guts, can spin the wheels through first 3 gears. Some road noise but tolerable. Not a quiet floater, good compromise for family car and fun. Disappointed they dropped the V6 6 speed sedan for new body style. There are a few of us with kids who like to play a little.

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  Go Turbo! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By jayspreewell - September 25 - 9:47 pm

  This is my first car and its still alive and running like a champ although its no ordinary Honda, i use to complain everyone has one but i now see why they are super reliable and not only that the customizations you can do are endless. I recently sold my old motor with 180k+ miles and still got a lot for it, i decided to replace the old one for added performance along i bought a turbo kit with all the goodies, custom paint job, rims and tires, hid lights/chrome headlights and tail lights, exhaust, short shifter, bodykit, coil overs, carbon fiber hood, and much more its show ready!