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:

• 

  What a Car!!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Barry - July 19 - 11:58 am

  I purchased this car used, but I plan to buy a new Honda if and when this car gives it up. But it shows no signs of doing anything of the sort. I get 40+ mpg (OK, maybe I am a bit of a hypermiler). It helps that it was well-maintained by the previous owner, and I am also keeping it fine-tuned, well-oiled and clean. It is extremely reliable, stylish, and economical... everything I want in an auto. Interior is a tad small, but I do not really care since the pluses completely outweigh this one concern. The trunk is very roomy. The ride is smooth, the pep is just fine, and it is significantly more quiet than I expected. I give this car a TEN - absolutely!

• 

  Review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Display - July 19 - 11:50 am

  For the price Ive paid for this vehicle it is very comfortable, very reliable, the gas mileage is excellent and it has a ton of standard features. I use it as a commuter car, Ive already put 38,000 miles on it in 18 months and it is still working like a swiss clock. Ive only had one minor problem with the air conditioning not operating at the driver side which was due to a leak. That was fixed under warranty.

• 

  Honda Number 10 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 10 Hondas - July 19 - 8:23 am

  As you can see Ive owned many Hondas over the years. I also dont put much stock in a review of a car after just 2 days of ownership! Ive had this car for 10 months and it is absolutely great. Boring looks, but a sweet ride. The V6 has plenty of power for flat Ohio and the roads here are the biggest reason to ever complain about ride and handling, not the car itself. Its significantly bigger than a Civic (Honda # 9) and while I can live with the bland look, itd be nice to get Civic-like gas mileage. On the other hand, I feel much more safe and secure in inclement weather driving the Accord. Room for 5 easily and quieter than the Civic too. This is really just about the perfect car.

• 

  i love to drive now - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jenny - July 19 - 7:16 am

  My husband and I own 3 hondas and for me this is the best car I have ever owned.I get so many great comments on it so I always refer the people to my salesman( great guy too)I love the dash color and I find it easy to see.It has a very nice smooth ride.I highly recommend this one.

• 

  Good car with few kinks - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By DJ - July 19 - 7:16 am

  Really like the Odyssey, it drive more like a car than a minivan. Only complaint is that the Climate Control cannot be in Auto mode while Recirculate is on. As a result have to choose between climate control and recirculate. If I choose the former, exhaust fumes enter the cabin, if I choose the latter, the glass fogs up. Also, the USB Audio can only read drives upto 16GB! Other than that, been happy with the vehicle.

• 

  Intially Very Impressed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By shaymasdaddy - July 18 - 8:43 pm

  Got tired of paying BMW maintenance and traded in my 01 525i for a white EX-L sedan this past weekend. I am very impressed with the build quality and the handling. The leather interior interior has a high quality feel and should last a long time. The stock stereo has a nice full sound. I did compare it to the Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Sedan and despite what the specs say, the Civic EX-L feels larger inside from a front and rear leg room perspective. I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend it over the Mazda 3 and the Corolla.

• 

  The car is unbelievable - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By NETZ - July 18 - 5:53 pm

  Traded in my Â’07 Accord EX-L for Crosstour EX.. The car is unbelievable. I was originally concerned with giving up the EX-L trim, but with the std feats on the EX it was still an upgrade from the Â’07 Accord. The car is very responsive to the road and has great handling. Plenty of power to get you up and moving. The interior is well laid out and has plenty of upgrade features. There is a ton of room both in the front and rear. I love the styling. It turns heads where ever I go. Blind spots do take some getting used to. A perfect blend of the Pilot and Accord. I believe Honda is trying to get some momentum on this vehicle and I was able to negotiate pretty heavily.

• 

  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By JudoFab - July 18 - 5:46 pm

  Just got an 07 Pilot EX-L RES. It feels very safe, the handling is very impressive. Having owned a couple of big and small SUVs, I was amazed by the fact this car does not feel like a "flipper", with the pilot I dont get those butterflies in your stomach when you take a turn or going over the bridge and its windy. The interior is very stylish, the XM rocks (one of the things I thought I didnt need untill I had it). Already got a chance to drive it on the snow handled very well. Lots of space, easy to fold third row seat. Lots of cup holders, cargo space, and lots of space in the front to put those items you always seem to have lying around in the car, sunglasses, tissues, maps, etc.

• 

  Fuel Eco not as advertised - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - July 18 - 5:24 pm

  Bought the Pilot a few months ago. Have been pleased with the comfort and standard reliability of the Honda. I know it is an SUV but the fuel economy is horrible. Averaging about 13 in the city. Might as well have a Hummer. Also, rear door does not shut without some force.

• 

  Best in class - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By David B - July 18 - 2:50 pm

  Just purchased 2007 Pilot EX-L w/ Nav. The perfect family vehicle w/o sacrificing style and practicality. Gas mileage is acceptable for its class and size, this comming from a previous Civic owner. Overall best value for space and comfort. Decision was based between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Sienna.