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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  Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By CJ - September 13 - 2:03 pm

  The car rides well, smooth and quiet. It handles very well and has a good turning radius. The engine has a lot of power. The GPS system is easy to use.

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  Great Ride but Rear Brakes a Problem - 2008 Honda Accord
  By delgado39 - September 13 - 4:13 am

  Over the past 15 years our family has owned 7 Honda Accords. They have all held up well with "routine" maintenance being the primary cost of repair. My 2008 Honda Accord EX is a pleasure to drive. Certainly a lot bigger than my 2004 but still a nice & sporty driving experience. The exterior styling was a winner for me. Overall comfort for me is above average (but I think I have the right body type). Only failing so far is the Rear Brake pads prematurely wearing at 22,000. Did not expect it!! So I got them replaced and called Honda to file a compliant. Thats why my reliability rating is lower.

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  4 years..absolutely no problem - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By josamars - September 12 - 9:38 pm

  Drives like a car, very precise handling for a VAN, just recently replaced original tires with Yokohama AVID. Now is also very quiet. ZERO problems so far..

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  Excellent Quality and Reliability - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Alfredo - September 12 - 8:47 pm

  I bought this car last year with 110,000 miles and now at 125,000 it has never let me stranded, I drive 100 miles per day with an impressive 30 mpg using A/C. I have never visited a repair shop except for changing tires and timing belt and brake pads, which you have to replace in every car due to normal wear. I am a student and let me tell you is the best decision Ive ever made, Hondas are reliable, economical and excellently well built, when I graduate I think Ill keep it as a second car. Forget Bimmers Saabs or Jags, if you want luxury get an Acura which is basically a Honda with the luxury package!

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  Excellent car for the money - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jay - September 12 - 6:31 pm

  I bought this car used with about 65K miles on it and it has been great to me so far. Now with 130+K miles it has not yet had any problems. Fuel economy is not as good as I expected (23-32mpg) but still very good compared to others. I have no regrets buying this car and would gladly buy another.

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  Happy Mom. No minivan needed. - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Melanie McCann - September 12 - 6:26 pm

  Its a great family car with 3rd row seating. Great value for the long term and for safety. One thing they wont tell you is theres no need for the navigation add on if you have an iPhone it has apple car play. It works through the cars display system when you plug in. So nice. Very happy!

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  Made for short Females - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Nate - September 12 - 12:10 pm

  Totally made for a female. Raising the drivers seat up sends the whole seat closer to the front of the vehicle. Not enough leg room. Armrests are super tiny, my elbow is always on the edge of the rest. Other then those items, its great. Drives like a sports car. Plenty of power, good gas mileage.

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  Wow - what a mistake - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Hizo - September 12 - 11:40 am

  After having waited for this car, and paying for the upgrades, i feel like my money went down the drain. Day 1, pick up the car, leave the dealership, and there is a popping noise from the suspension, the cd player was broken. Took the car in found that the suspension needed to be fixed, the front tires had to be replaced and the cd player among other items. A month into ownership, the car starts making all kinds of rattles, and loud noises when coming to a stop. Cat was replaced and many clips and molding in the car. Transmission started popping out of third gear, that is still being worked on. All in all, Honda has done over 9K of warranty work on the car already!

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By sara - September 12 - 6:44 am

  I got my Honda for my 16th birthday. My Dad has bought it brand new, and passed it on to me. Ive put over 100K on it in the past 3 years, and other than needing some minor repairs that you can expect with any 11 year old car with 200,000 miles on it, I havent had any problems with my Honda. Unfortunately, I flipped it last week and its not repairable (at least not for way more than the $3,000 its worth now) - I wish I could afford a new accord, but as a college student I definitely cant. Great car to give a new driver - its sporty, had great mpg, is reliable, and holds up great in a crash - I flipped going 70 on the highway and walked away with nothing more than some bruises. Great car

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  Not all its cracked up to be. - 1995 Honda Accord
  By John - September 11 - 10:15 pm

  I have had this Accord for a while now, and Im really not that impressed. The trans is really jerky, and Honda says its a "normal condition". My previous mid-size car was a 93 Taurus and it was a lot smoother and felt more powerful. A lot more roomy as well. The fold down rear seats are a good idea but there is limited pass-through room compared with other cars Ive had with this feature (99 Saturn in particular). The CV axles were new when I bought it, and theyre going out again. Minor things quit working on this car long before they did on the Taurus (the Taurus was sold with 300,000 miles, this car has less than 200K), such as the rear defogger, all interior lights, etc.