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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  To pricey for what you get - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By brian blackburn - June 6 - 3:10 am

  Good overall but a lot of others out there.

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  21st Century luxury - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Sandy R - June 6 - 12:49 am

  I wanted to drive my HR for a while before I wrote a review. Lets start with my needs. To begin with, the last time I bought a car was 1998 so things have changed a lot - USB ports, backup cameras, push button start, heated seats. I love it all. I was looking for a car that would fit in my garage so it had to be less than 175 inches long. I wanted AWD because I will be moving to Denver in a few years when I retire. I also wanted cargo space for trips to Home Depot. I wanted leather seats. They last longer and its easier to get in & out of the car. I promised my son I would get 4 doors this time because it was difficult to get my grandsons car seat in and out of my old car. The HR met all my needs and then some. The only problem I had was with the drivers seat. Im short and my specific back issue needs the seat straight up, not tilted back. That caused the headrest to tilt too far forward. I took the head rest completely off, but that didnt give my neck any support. I finally put the headrest back on, but backwards. Now its perfect. (short people problems!) Sometimes I think this car is so automatic, I could take a nap on my way to work. The headlights are set to automatic, the temperature is set to stay the same all year round. The audio plays my MP3 player, and my Android phone is synced up. In short Im very satisfied with my choice. It truly is 21st century luxury.

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  A Gas-Sipping Treasure - 2005 Honda Civic
  By danho76 - June 6 - 12:26 am

  I bought a Certified 05 Civic EX SE A/T with 9,000 miles via Ebay. I drove it 650 miles back home and it was a pleasure. The ergonomics of the controls are stellar the comfort of the seats superb, and the driving experience a pleasure. I averaged well over 40 MPG on the freeways I am averaging well over 30 MPG around town. I love the sound system and head unit on the SE I also like the leather-wrapped steering wheel & the spoiler. All the controls are intuitive & easy to use. The ride is supple yet the car is eager and willing through corners. Fit & finish are impeccable both inside the car and outside. Even with the automatic transmission, the car is peppy.

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  Great car, just get seat locks! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By BRIJAN81 - June 5 - 11:40 am

  Had this car for 2 months loved it, its a true roadster convertible. A real Honda enthusiasts car. I miss it. See, some thugs ripped my top and stole the seats out of my car. Took 3 weeks to order them from Japan (they come in pieces) and couldnt drive it for 3 weeks! Worst of all it happened in front of my house. So I had to get rid of it. I regret it. But couldnt deal with the stress of getting up every day and possibly dealing with this happen again. If you get one. Please get seat locks, and a really good factory alarm, it will save you a huge head ache like I wish I had avoided.

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  Amazing Car!! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By DguyGp - June 5 - 11:21 am

  I received this car in early 08 and am extremely happy with it. Have added multiple after market performance parts to it recently. But even before that it ran incredibly for having 133,000+ miles on it. Excellent suspension and reliability! Gas never an issue, but i have dropped it with the addition of vtec motor. Clutch was first thing to go, but not a problem for a car of this age. Super clean and excellent body work. Over all, this was a great choice in car. Easily modified, a car to be proud of!

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  Purchased @ 205k miles and still going! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Brandon - June 4 - 11:15 pm

  I purchased my 1990 Honda Accord ex as the 3rd owner. Before driving I installed a new timing belt as sort of insurance for the motor and fixed the power locks for a little over $300. All in all car cost $2100 and love my car! The ex comes equipped with an electronic sport transmission ( shifts at higher rpm) and when you turn that baby on this car really moves! Even without it itll shift at five grand steadily so you have plenty of pick up (limiter is 6100). This car is very reliable and has pin point handling. The car comes with wider tires than most imports which greatly improves traction on the corners when you really feel like testing her. Maintenance is simple and easily accessed.

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  My beater - 1990 Honda Civic
  By knemt - June 4 - 9:48 pm

  I have had this car for 6 yrs now. Still running strong. I have replaced many part on it my self. The clutch was the hardest thing to do. Other then that afew things here and there and mostly for under $100. I have stripped the car inside and out many times. I love this car. I get around 32-38 mpg but thats after taking the ac and dash out. Next will be turning it in to a mini truck. Hope to get even better mpg. All in all a great little car. Easy to work on.

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  First Honda... Impressed! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By NJHondadude - June 4 - 7:26 pm

  First let me say that this is my first Honda and I am very, very impressed! After narrowing a search down to the Accord and the Camry, this by far was the best choice. The interior design and the performance of the V6 are the highlights. The interior room is plentiful... this coming from someone who went down in size from a Pacifica to a sedan. The navigation system is the best Ive ever seen in a car. Almost the entire interior of the car can be controlled by voice commands such as temp., radio volume, navigation, etc. All in all a home run hit by Honda in my book.

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  My Toaster - 2008 Honda Element
  By Sue Keller - June 4 - 3:03 pm

  My sweet toaster is the best car I have ever owned and believe me I have owned a lot of cars (i.e. Acura, Toyota, Chevrolet). I have elderly parents that I have never been able to haul around but with the Element it is very easy for them to get in and out of, even in the back with a little step stool. During the winter months is is basically the rolling dog house with my two dogs who totally love riding in it as they can see out of all the windows with the two back seats down. They feel they are special as they are the ones with the sunroof.

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  First SUV, recommended - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By midkid72 - June 4 - 1:37 pm

  My husband & I were looking for an SUV that wasnt to expensive because I just paid off my Honda Civic, & needed something bigger. We found this CR-V @ Salsbury Dodge Used Cars, (my husband works for them), & we decided to go look @ it on the lot & feel in love with it, so we traded in the civic & bought the CR-V. Ive had a few problems with it -radiator & tires. But where I work, @ a building supply store, there are nails or screws that I get in the tires. I wish I could find some tires that dont go flat - lol!!