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:

• 

  gas guzzler - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Lyndie Aquila - June 7 - 9:31 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable and has many nice luxury features. One cant go wrong with a Honda. More expensive than other suvs and the inside features are worth it. Gas mileage is very poor. Had I know this, I might had purchased the Toyota 4 Runner. If you want luxury, this is the car for you. If you want to tow or help the environment, steer clear.

• 

  Great Buy - 1999 Honda Civic
  By 1st car - June 7 - 9:09 pm

  Ive had this car since my senior year in High School. Nine years and one son later I still enjoy my silver civic. Paint is still holding up and still looks beautiful under the the California sun. True it has a bit of sentimental value but it also has monetary value. Ive kept up the maintenance with no problems at all great. The cabin does gets a bit noisy during freeway but not a huge issue. You learn to be frugal as a teenage father and college student so this purchase made life a bit easier. When you want reliability turn to good ol Honda.

• 

  Civic Coupe Review - 2004 Honda Civic
  By DJ - June 7 - 7:43 pm

  Im fairly happy with the car. However, the power to gas milage ratio is disappointing... Avg. 25 mpg at freeway speeds with A/C on (rated at 38 mpg).

• 

  Good car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hondaperson - June 7 - 6:07 pm

  Bought new in 04. Nice design, spacious interior, huge trunk capacity, nice look in and out. Decent pick up when merging onto highway. Good sound system, everything conveniently placed for the driver. Never had a problem with it!

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob Edwards - June 7 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this van in July of 07 and it has been a pleasure to drive. We have taken it on two vacations and it was very enjoyable. My wife drives it daily and she tells me this is the best van she has ever had. Wow she is happy, I am happy.

• 

  Diappointing Ride - 2015 Honda Accord
  By SATEESH MAGAL - June 7 - 8:25 am

  After the 1993 Accord and a 2009 Accord, both in the LX Trim, the 2015 Honda Accord is a huge disappointment. The Ride of the Car is Poor. The Rear Suspension emits a Sound as though a Strut has failed. Also the McPherson Strut Suspension is a Step down from the Double Wishbone Suspension. The 2009 Accords ride was similar to a Mercedes E-Class but the 2015 Accord is a downgrade.

• 

  Love my Honda! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Sally Urban - June 7 - 5:05 am

  Quiet, easy ride. Very happy with purchase - miss my Prius mileage but no comparison to comfort and driving experience. Needed an all purpose vehicle with all of the newest safety features available.

• 

  Drive Fast or Slow? Cant Decide... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By DMW - June 6 - 9:56 pm

  Leased for my commute to work, but knew this would be a fantastic weekend car. Whether to tackle everyday tasks or to have a nice Sunday drive to the beach, the smooth shifting 6-Spd is a pleasure to drive. The clutch is quite an upgrade from the DX, LX, and EX trim. Happy about the performance, comfort, looks, reliability, and handling. Interior is eye catching, and the mp3 capability is welcomed. A/C vents need to be moved as they are behind the steering wheel. The black cloth seats with red stitching are extremely comfortable, but impossible to keep clean since every piece of lint or dog hair shows. Leather should have been an option. Need to fix creak on windshield/dash!

• 

  Terrible Suspension and Transmission - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Brian - June 6 - 9:09 pm

  Honda should recall this vehicle. Mine has been in the shop about 40 times and it keeps on having to go back in for suspension issues. Also my transmission was replaced under warranty with only 50,000 miles on it. In my opinion worst Civic made.

• 

  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jcw819 - June 6 - 8:39 am

  I enjoy this car in every way. It is fuel efficient, but has enough power to pass, even at interstate speeds.