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:

• 

  Legend Coupe 1993 still Excellent 2008 - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Roald Atle Furre - January 28 - 2:49 am

  The car accelerate as a dream. Nice sound of the engine. Low consumption compared to power. Easy to handle in dangerous situations. Reaction is fast as your mind.

• 

  HAH After a Year - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bill Ades - January 27 - 10:20 pm

  I love this car! It provides performance without guilt. Great mileage is available and the car tells you how youre doing so that you can adjust your driving style for max. mileage. At the same time, real power and acceleration is available any time you need it. It is comfortable and responsive. I have owned it for almost a year and have encountered no manufacturing problems and have enjoyed every minute Ive spent driving it. I drive 20 miles each way to work every day, half town miles and half interstate miles and average 30 mpg on those trips. Overall average is consistently 26 to 27 mpg -- 25 per cent better than my 95 Accord Wagon (170,000 miles and still going!).

• 

  Big punch in a little car - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Paul S - January 27 - 9:47 pm

  I spend most of my driving on the freeway going back and forth to work so wanted a small car with good gas mileage but had to have great cargo area - the Fit hit all those areas wonderfully! I was shocked in how much room is in this small car - with the back seats down there is so much space to haul things and then flip the seats up and there is incredible room for tall things. It handles like a dream and I like the fuel economy mode that helps guide me to drive the most efficient way to maximize my MPG. My only real complaint is the lack of detailed instructions on how to use everything and the touch-screen display is not kind of clunky to get around but overall I am very impressed!

• 

  A Good Mid Size SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By DRoe - January 27 - 8:56 pm

  First Honda and switched from Amer. cars due to all the repair problems we experienced with them. We have really enjoyed the car. Very reliable. Good ride (suspension) considering it is a SUV. A few weird electrical quirks, but nothing to repair yet! I have had much worse. Uncomfortable to reach radio controls from seat, not ergonomically friendly. Most interior features very basic considering price range. Gas mileage decent and has great acceleration. Some occasional shifting confusion from trans can make for rough shifting. I had checked and told no prob, just the way it is. At this point, I would consider another and definetly like Honda.

• 

  Honest opinion - 1998 Honda Accord
  By bw - January 27 - 8:09 pm

  Overall a nice car. Value, style, driving experience are nice features. Gas mileage 19- 26 depending on tires and driving style. Throttle body sticks, transmission sometimes shifts poorly, alternator and pwr lock died at 72k.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Karie - January 27 - 7:53 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars from Chevy Tahoes too Pontiac Grand prix. This by far is the best car I have ever owned. The Safety ratings are exceptional. So, being a single mom with 3 small kids, I was sold at that. Its totally sleek design and great gas mileage(34 mpg) are just added bonuses. I have already put 25k on it from driving cross country, have had no mechanical problems. Very comfy too!

• 

  My first Honda.......very impressive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Razormet - January 27 - 5:33 pm

  I was surprised at the price of the vehicle for all the features it has. I thought for a car like this, I was going to pay $30K. Ive always heard about the quality of the car from my friends that own Hondas. I had to go out and buy one for myself to find out. Ive owned it for two weeks and I simply love the car. Driving it is so much fun. Its smooth on the road and quiet. Gas mileage is better than I expected. The interior is roomier than I expected. Overall, this car has exceeded my expectations. Its no wonder there are so many of them out on the road. The resale value is better than most cars out on the market.

• 

  Very Critical - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By klaudelawrence - January 27 - 4:48 pm

  I have had my Pilot for just over a year and have enjoyed it minus a few exceptions. A clip of some type either came off or was not put on (somewhere connected to the transmission) in the first place leaving me unable to move in the middle of traffic. NOT GOOD. I called the dealer from the road and they towed me in, fixed the the ride in about 3 or 4 days. This left me with one vehicle. I wasnt given a good enough explanation of what happened but no problem with that to date. The subwoofer is either popping or rattling the areas next to it. My dealer so far has not been able to fix the problem to my satisfaction.Finally there is a slight pull to the left I will see if the dealer can adjust.

• 

  Good all-around vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Mac - January 27 - 2:31 pm

  Weve had our Honda Pilot for one month and love it! The stereo sounds great from the front seat, but needs the base turned up to sound as good in the back seat. Its very comfortable during long rides, and fun to drive.

• 

  my new 2007 Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By okdoit11 - January 27 - 1:03 pm

  Hoping this was a good cross for road trips AND towing, it good only on road trips. Quiet, comfortable and great ergonomics inside. Typically SUV, bulky to drive/handle. Terrific reliability. In short a great people and stuff hauler It is not a good towing vehicle. I have a 2700# tent trailer (when fully loaded) and the rear end drops considerably and with the severe cut off on the headlights, night driving is hazardous due to oncoming traffic high beam warning flashing. It doesnt have anywhere near a low gear going down grades and is clearly not an off road vehicle. Summary: terrific land cruiser, not good tower, especially at night and on any sigificant decline.