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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  I waited so long! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Nathan - September 3 - 12:51 am

  I decided in November of 2006 that I wanted a Prelude Si. I looked for over 8 months for one with low miles that I could afford. I finally found one, drove over 200 miles just to look at it, then bought it and drove it straight home. The car has given me no drivability problems whatsoever! The condenser fan was replaced, and all fluids changed as soon as we got home. I love how this car drives. Even the 4spd auto makes great high RPM shifts and knows just how to handle the amazing power put out by this fuel efficient 4cyl. (On the hwy that is.) The interior styling is extremely driver freindly and the exterior is timeless as this 11 year old car looks better than most 2008s! I love it

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  Mediocre at best - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Car Fan - September 2 - 11:49 pm

  It does everything, but not great. To start, the third row is completely unsuitable for three people, even if they are younger kids. Two at best. Interior material is cheap - to the touch as well as sight. It will scratch VERY easily. The Garmin GPS system absolutely sucks! Most of the time, for the first two-three minutes, it has no clue where the car is. This happens to be the most critical period of driving if you are away from home and dont know your surroundings. Audio controls are the most confusing I have ever seen in a Honda! The engine seems to be confused on which gear to pick, and the amount of thrust to apply. Very hesitant. In the first two three months, it worked fine, but then started having a lag - very noticeable - in acceleration. Overall, very disappointed with our decision to buy the new Pilot. Ended up trading it in for a different vehicle after 8 months of ownership.

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  unbeatable value at certain price - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stan - September 2 - 8:16 pm

  We bought our manual VP for $16,300 after the labor day weekend . At this price this car is a great value with all the neat features--front, side and curtian airbags, ABS, power everything even the trunk release on key fob, AC, fold down rear seat(although no split). Dont care about the extras the next up trim LX has (more speakers, power mirrors, etc) which cost nearly $2K more. It handles great and rides comfortably and is extremely quiet. If youre just looking for cheap and reliable basic transportaiton, the Accord cant be beat AT THIS PRICE. However our new car had a problem with the rear seat fold down mechanism but corrected itself somehow when I brought it in.

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  Good Vehicle for Moms - 2003 Honda Element
  By MichelleR - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Great for moms of not more than 2 kids. Decide right away how you want things organized because theres no hiding places. If you leave things on the floor, theyll roll around. Just keep them handy in organizer bags hanging from the headrests, purchase a large heavy duty bin (black or grey to color coordinate to your interior) fitted to back cargo area for groceries, small bin for floor in backseat (but not directly behind front seats because the air vents are underneath the front seats); decent pickup (o/d off) to get into traffic on interstate. It looks like a gangster car/Brinks truck/looks like its from the Outback safari.

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  Dream come true! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Maddie - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Only has 300 miles on it, but very happy Planned on buying a Sienna for several years, so delighted that I got the Honda Odyssey-- test drive did it-- Plenty of power, tight turn radius, smooth ride, excellent visibility, added leather and security system, price below msrp, sound system fine (not JBL) but good, huge storage and seating capabilities, look forward to traveling, ac more than sufficient

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  greatest car ever - 2000 Honda Accord
  By pinch - September 2 - 10:00 am

  this car kicks ass 6 ways to sunday

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  good car, not great - 2001 Honda Civic
  By thegreek - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Civic EX 5speed for 2 years on this month. Over all its been a good car, pretty relaible. My problems have been my SRS light came on and they had to reset it same with the side air bag light. My battery just went after the first 18 months but they warrentied it for free. It drives well and I like the car alot, I never feel concerned about it starting or breaking down. The clutch is a little diferent than some other cars but works very smoothly once your used to it.

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  Nice car, However... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Schlotter - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Like all Hondas, this one is bullet proof. However, the ride is very rough. You will feel every bump. Hitting bumps send shock waves through the car. After driving this car for two years, I have figured out where all the bumps are on my way to work. My 1995 Civic had a much better ride. So I plan to trade it in for a different Honda (Pilot). Too bad, because this car has a lot going for it.

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  Accord Sedan LX-V6 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ISU - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have own this Accord for almost 3 years. Nothing went wrong only regular oil change. Just like other Accords with strong build quality and reliability (I owned 94 Accord). In my opinion, this generation V6 accord has unresponsive transmission. This may be the trade off to its mpg. However, it still make 1 of the fastest acceleration in 3.0L V6 engine class. What can I say ?

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  Honda Civic EX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ace_canadian - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable car that handles the commute very well. Gas milage was a big reason I bought it and it has lived up to my expectations. The 5-speed is fun to drive with short tight shifts.