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 Civic beats Prius and cheaper too - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TimBar - April 14 - 4:53 pm

  Bought Honda Civic because liked design (wife liked the blue gauges especially). Friends say it seems like a regular size car unlike past Civics. Im not an aggressive driver but car has all the acceleration I need. Its got good space and easy access

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  Disappointing - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - April 14 - 3:52 pm

  We purchased our vehicle used with approximately 40k miles on the van. We have had to replace the transmission three times. I was always led to believe that Honda made quality vehicles I have been extremely disappointed. I have a 1995 Ford Explorer that has not given me a quarter of the problems the Honda Odyssey has and the Explorer has over 240k miles on it. The Odyssey is fun to drive however the I have been less than impressed with the required maintenance needed on the vehicle. I would strongly suggest someone buying this vehicle used request an extended warranty because you may need it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ken zimmerman - April 14 - 2:52 pm

  I was specific in what I wanted in 2003 with the Honda Coupe six cy. manual. I am glad that I did. It has been a truly exceptional car to own - a real joy to drive. Until the 2008 remodel, there was no real reason to consider trading because the 2003 has been essentially the same as the 2007. But the 2008 is a looker.

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  Best buy ever! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jenmarc221 - April 14 - 1:49 pm

  i just bought a used civic cx hatch i was amazed how fast it went on the highway! i was going 140 km and didnt even notice, it just flies! and it is so EASY to shift gears in a civic?! I love it! and it has good gas mileage! and they are a great size for finding parking and the hatch has more space than i thought. i like too that i is nice and basic, doesnt have unnecessary gadgets. Excellent car!

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  Fun Big Little Car - 2008 Honda Element
  By Ted - April 14 - 1:00 pm

  Fun and versatile - Mileage 25 trip, 20 around town - Plenty of room for my 64, 285 lb frame :-) Looks like a toaster but is fun to drive.

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  Goodby Cadillac! Hello Honda Pilot! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ed Karlander - April 14 - 12:45 pm

  I read plenty of reviews. So I will talk about the three negatives I read the most. Radio flat screen. I found easy to get use too operating. I have and android phone. So didnt take long to get used to using. Fingers prints I hate, so I will need cloth and light spray every few days. 2nd was power , Im not a bunch the gas and go sort of driver so I found the smooth acceralaration just great. Plus I keep on econo button. Looks like 20miles per gallon around town. Only owned a week. 3Rd is the arm rest. It is not bad. Does get in the way slightly when doing sharp turns. Im 6 3". Gets my elbow. Otherwise Im getting used to arm rest. The sensing feature seems good. Im too new to have an opinion one way or another about lane assist, automatic braking system and the cruise control feature. I did add back up sensors to vehicle. I wanted to hear as well as having a camera in case I came to close to an object. So far extremely pleased with vehicle and like sitting up high. Leather seats are great and. of space.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Amber - April 14 - 5:36 am

  Overall, this is a great car. Drives very nicely & is comfortable. Two things I wish it had though are automatic one touch sunroof control, it would be nice. Also, the road noise is a little loud when traveling on the highway. Other than that, it is a great car for the price.

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  Honda Civic DX Hatchback - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mjlong30 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve put 73,000 miles on it. No major problems. Havent even had to change brake pads yet. Weve pretty much changed the oil every 4 or 5,000 miles, and recently did a coolant and trans flush. Minor problems are that it seems to get small dings in the body easily (we have three), either that or we have especially vicious people in our parking lots. Windshield wipers are poor design. They have never worked well. We may try replacing the whole wiper arms (front and back) It also sometimes takes a couple seconds to turn over, but it has never not started.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By eborges - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car for getting around. Reliable and is like the energizer battery.

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By is95aus - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Love it! This is honestly the first vehicle that both my wife and I can agree upon! She likes it so much she wants me to get her one when my other car comes off its lease. Imagine that, matching his and her Pilots! Anyways I would highly recommend this vehicle.