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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  Third Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Nookie4me - May 24 - 9:13 am

  I really enjoy my third civic, bought the 2004 ex sedan w/ manual and love it. Not the fastest, sportiest, or nicest car on the streets, however it es everything I could ask for. Great gas mileage, interior space, build quality(minus the paint), and low cost to operate the vehicle. I could have bought a $30000.00 vehicle, but for vacations, backa dn forth to work and running around town with friends. I would rather have my money in my bank account than depreciating in my garage!!! Compound interest is the worlds best invention.

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  First Honda... - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Gerald M - May 24 - 1:49 am

  It is definitely worth the extra money over a Nissan, Toyota, or Hyundai.

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  Not the best for a tall guy. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By bartanion - May 24 - 12:00 am

  Over all a nice sporty car with good interior functions. Fair gas mileage. Fun to drive. Lots of storage for such a small car.

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  Sensible compact SUV choice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By aerojack - May 23 - 8:06 pm

  As best as I can remember, one editor from the Car & Driver once wrote about the 03 (or 04?) Honda Accord: "...the richness in quality and in contents embrace its owners so much that they dont care if the prestigious cars are parking next to them..." This phrase also applies to CR-V SE. Parking next to my brothers 03 Lexus RX300 and I dont care if people want to make a comparison. That is because I own 05 CR-V SE.

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  My Accord Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By James - May 23 - 1:07 pm

  Ive had my accord coupe for over four and a half years and Im am happy with it so far. Other than a few rattles from the interior and my stereo needing to be replaced (which was covered by my extended warranty) its working out great.

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  Not what I expected from Honda :( - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Lyopa - May 23 - 12:23 pm

  After only one months of ownership, about 1300 miles driven, the car broke down. The following warning lights came on: "check engine", "VSA", "4 wheel drive" and "!" The car was barely moving and I called the dealership for a tow. It took 3 days to figure out what was wrong with the Pilot. Apparently some pin came out around the fuse box. Nothing major but what an aggravation! This is not my first new car purchase but my first Honda. I never expected the car to go down in 1 month. Never happened with any of my other cars. Actually, in 20 years of driving, I never had to call a tow. Now I am not sure if the car is less reliable in general than I expected or if it just had this one thing.

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  reliable but noisy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By reliable but noisy - May 23 - 10:47 am

  I have owned this vehicle for five years now and the mileage is 152,000 miles and still no major problems. I used this to work and I commute more than 3,000 miles mostly highway a month. I changed oil every 5,000 miles and have the tires rotated every 5,000 miles too. I bought my tires at Costco, Michelin Hydroedge and tire mileage is 90,000 miles and still not worn out. Just maintain this car on schedule and you will be trouble free. I never had any transmission problem.

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  09 Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dere - May 23 - 8:23 am

  I initially had every intention of buying an 09 Civic. I test drove the Accord and fell in love with it. For three thousand more than the Civic it is a no brainer. I love it.

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  Its a Honda!!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ToughStar - May 22 - 10:45 pm

  I have had this car 8 months now. I commute about 100 miles a day & this thing cannot be beat. Fast, fun sporty. I still average 32 mpg, important especially now with gas at $4 a gallon. I have put 16K on in 10 months. I expect it to last me to 250K miles, as long as you perform proper maintenance. I have done a few small upgrades & am seeing even better mpg sometimes, no need to buy a new Honda. But will buy another again. Thanks Honda for doing what you do best, building some of the best cars in the world.

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  Dissapointed - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Scott - May 22 - 9:38 pm

  Got my 08 pilot and thought I was going to love it like all of the other Honda products I bought in past years. But it turns out, I was pretty disappointed. The suspension is too mushy to tackle anything off-road, I dont know why everyone raves about Hondas interior fit & finish, because the Pilots is horrible. Also, there is a lot of tire noise and a horrible rattle in the passenger side door.