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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  Gas - 1998 Honda Accord
  By JoJohn - July 26 - 6:11 pm

  The car runs fantastic! I love it... the best 17th b-day gift Ive recieved! Makes a difference when premium gas is used! That may have also something to do with the EGR clogs Ive read about.

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  I Love It - 2005 Honda Element
  By Melissa - July 26 - 5:36 pm

  After having so many problems with my prior American cars, I chose this Honda. I couldnt be happier. Well worth the money and is a blast to drive.

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  First Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jack - July 26 - 2:30 pm

  This is the first car that I own and I must say Im extremely impressed by it. Very nice interior and roomy as well. Fuel economy is nice as well as the steering. Car looks really nice outside and handles well. Very quiet and picks up speed relatively well.

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  2005 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By McnBcn - July 26 - 12:30 pm

  Very fun to drive. Best handling car Ive owned. Great acceleration and top-down fun! Beware huge blind spots with the top up. Not a long distance hauler. About two hours is the max before you want to get out and stretch your legs. Better fuel economy than expected. Measured over 27 mpg with several short trips & some mixed highway driving. The stereo stinks, but apparently has gotten better than on past models.

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  I like my car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Maria - July 26 - 2:33 am

  Ive been driving this car for 4 years and its already 10 yrs old, with 170K miles. It still drives great and I have not invested much at all in repairs. Its extremely reliable. I highly recommend this car.

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  What a Great Ride! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By LMarsh - July 25 - 9:56 pm

  The Honda Pilot is a reliable SUV that holds up well when other drivers bump and grind into you. The navigation system is very easy to use and gets you to your desired location easily. The interior design is techno-chic and very comfortable. The third row of seats has a great option...use one seat, keep the other down or pull them both up. Third row only fits kids and short adults though. Overall, an excellent car with a smooth ride.

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  Value for Money - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Sam - July 25 - 2:30 pm

  We just traded our 1999 Honda Odyssey and brought the 2007 touring. There are tons of options added in the touring and the ergonomics is perfect on the touring. We resaerched the Sienna but based on the price and features offered on the Touring it was value for the money.

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  50 MPG Urban Assault Tank - 2009 Honda Civic
  By stevenvillatoro - July 25 - 6:33 am

  I had forgotten how superb Honda cars are. The Civic Hybrid w/leather and NAV has all the features that my former Camry Hybrid had... at $10K less, based on actual purchase prices. The Civic is a handsome design in/out. My first tank returned 50 MPG average, and I expect to do better over time. Polished Metal exterior was a great choice. This car is SOLID and a pleasure to drive. It FAR exceeds my expectations.

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  Last of a dying breed - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Lee - July 23 - 2:20 pm

  This year model Accord is much better built than 1998-2002 body styles. I hope the latest rendition of the Accord goes back to their excellent build quality and premium interior materials. I bought this car used with 60,000 miles and have put over 100,000 (now reads 168,000) miles on it. I have used and abused this poor baby and it still treats me right. Its starting to show some wear and tear with using oil regularly, but what could I expect? Not many flaws with this Japanese masterpiece, other than one faulty oil seal leak. I would probably buy a new one if they are still made this good. Trust me: believe the hype! This is a great vehicle.

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  Best Mid Size Pickup - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Wood - July 23 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best mid sized pickup on the market. It drives like a sedan and has superior finish (inside and out) to competitors. I compared to Nissan, Chevy, GMC, Ford (F150), Ram, and Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee. This vehicle outperforms them all and has better features and creature comforts and gas mileage by far. If you are looking for a hardcore work truck consider a full size, but if you want a very upscale vehicle with truck capabilities do yourself a favor and check out the Honda. I even comes with a trunk/cooler and stereo built into the truck bed for tailgating. This truck also has better visibility and a far smoother ride than the others. I got the top of the line Black Edition AWD and love it.