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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  More style than a Camry - 1997 Honda Accord
  By shamarcus - July 6 - 11:25 am

  This car has more style than a Camry but comes up short in the gotta-have department. I have owned a Jetta and a Maxima. The Accord would be my 3rd choice for the gotta-have-it factor. In my opinion, the car has been very reliable with low cost on the wear and tear parts such as brakes and belts. They actually last a long time. There are lot of aftermarket parts to personalize your Honda.

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  The Hybrid With Style! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dochollywood - July 5 - 11:26 pm

  I have about 5000 miles on my Civic hybrid already and I am averaging 55MPG according to my calculations, and 53MPG according to the on board computer. I drive mainly highway miles with a little city. Car is grear, fun to drive, and handles great, and being able to drive 600 miles on one tank is awesome. Much better handling than the Prius, although I think it has a little better pick-up.

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  Great car, Great price - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nerfkey - July 5 - 3:10 am

  I purchased this car 4 days ago and really love it. It has a sporty look and feel to it. Car handles well. Note: I did get Goodyear tires on mine. Depending on the location where you buy, you might get Bridgestone. Dont know if this makes a difference, but someone else was complaining about the Bridgestone tires. I drive 100 miles per day. This car gets more and more comfortable the more you drive it once you find your spot.

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  Love my S2K - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Pointblank - July 5 - 2:43 am

  Ive taken my Honda S2000 to Laguna Seca twice already, and the car begs to be driven hard. I havent had one problem with the car, just simple fluid changes here and there and its good to go. The car handles like a go-kart, and the engine is a gem. For the money, I dont believe I could have purchased a better car in terms of fun factor. The ride can get a bit on the harsh side, but thats mostly on pretty beat up roads. With a good driver, you can pass up plenty of cars on the racetrack that costs much more, or has more power due to its good handling and balance. Putting the top down on a whim is always fun. And last but not least, the gearbox is plain perfection, very crisp throws.

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  One of the best midsize SUV out there - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By MG - July 5 - 12:30 am

  Ive been reading about the Pilot for the past three years and I finally made my decision. Test drove an LX, but I encountered the dreaded Active Noise Cancellation noise and didnt buy that one. I test drove another one, no noise, bought it on the spot. First gas tank gave me 17 MPG, which I think is decent for being one week old. The car is extremely smooth at all speeds, cant hear, or feel the VCM working... only the green light on the dash lets me know its working. Very high built quality, no noises to complain about.

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  2001 Honda Civic 4dr EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Hamp - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 5th Honda product (including 1 lawn mower) back in 2001. We really enjoy the room that this car has and the gas mileage is incredible (35-42 MPG). Front end suspension is very noisy and loose feeling. The interior needs a little more attention to detail and the radio needs more power.

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  New Owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mah20187 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Good fuel economy, nice design and standard features. Best of all, Honda quality!

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  2004 Accord EX V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Another Honda Owner - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Hondas over the years. The 2004 Accord EX V6, is really nice. They have upgraded the interior and interior features. This car has all of the features of the lower end luxury cars, at thousands less in price. The XM radio is a great plus. The ride and road noise is much better than Hondas of the past. The V6 gets up and goes. The speedometer is huge and has new lighting. There is plenty of trunk space.

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  Love the new Civic Sport Touring Hatchback!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Ken S - July 4 - 1:18 am

  The 540 watt stereo is awesome!! My old Civic Coupe (2009) had a very good premium stereo but this is waaaaay better! The turbo makes this car very quick. Imagine my surprise to find out this was on a tank of regular unleaded gas. Premium gives the car another 2-3 HP. Not sure I need that but it will be fun to try it out! I had my doubts about the CVT transmission but its quite smooth and enjoyable. Purists will tell you they have to have a manual transmission to get the best performance. Pish posh! This car is fantastic without it. Had to wait to get the first blue one in Oregon but well worth the wait. The heated leather seats are great when its cold and should eliminate the problem of getting dog hair off the seats that I have with my old Civic. I will take me a while to get all of it off so I can put it on the market.

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  The Best Car I Ever Had - 2006 Honda Element
  By Aim - July 4 - 12:03 am

  I love this car. It is a great mom car since the inside can be wiped down. It also has enough room for me to get into the car while putting my daughter into her seat. The leg room in the back is wonderful.