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:

• 

  Just passed 9,000 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By king - July 11 - 3:37 pm

  Very happy with my Pilot. My last SUV was a Saturn Outlook, which I was able to get 200,000 miles on. Pilot, in my opinion, looks great. The ride is outstanding and quiet. I upgraded on the stereo, was a little disappointed that it doesnt really rock when I crank it. I did a lot of research and test drives. If you are a bigger guy (6-2 +) this is a great ride. It feels larger in the hip and shoulder area. Also, it has more headroom. The legroom was a little less than my Outlook. I like to stretch my legs out to ride. I know I am rambling. Just wanted to say that I am very happy with my purchase and would encourage you to test drive.

• 

  Loves Si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By teachermanwSI - July 11 - 9:46 am

  Sheer driving pleasure! I absolutely love this car. The sound system is great, the torque and horsepower are excellent. It will stick you in your seat. This car will rip! I am like a kid, can hardly sleep. I want to move further away from work so i can spend more driving time to and from. So glad i bought this awesome car. (No, its not a Beemer - stop asking.)

• 

  Civic Type R- best so far - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Forrest Bashaw - July 11 - 4:33 am

  Wish it had sunroof,but at least backseats like front and bumper corner panels should be real vent screens. Otherwise perfect hottest hatch. dealers shouldnt be charging so much; just wrong.

• 

  Civic Type R- best so far - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Forrest Bashaw - July 11 - 4:33 am

  Wish it had sunroof,but at least backseats like front and bumper corner panels should be real vent screens. Otherwise perfect hottest hatch. dealers shouldnt be charging so much; just wrong.

• 

  Civic Type R- best so far - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Forrest Bashaw - July 11 - 4:33 am

  Wish it had sunroof,but at least backseats like front and bumper corner panels should be real vent screens. Otherwise perfect hottest hatch. dealers shouldnt be charging so much; just wrong.

• 

  1995 Honda Prelude VTEC-Coupe (Black) - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By VTEC-R - July 11 - 2:00 am

  One of the Best Performance cars I have ever driven!!!

• 

  "My Baby" - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Eccentricity84 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I am a junior in college and my parents bought this car in 2002 as a high school graduation present. I LUV my car! I will drive this car until it wont move and the way it runs at 123,000 miles, that may be a long time from now. It gets regular services and the only thing extra Ive had to do was to replace a CV axle last year. It cost about five hundred dollars and on average, including services, i spend about $600 a year on upkeep. Better than $600/month on a piece of junk. Dont sit there, go buy one now!

• 

  My Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By GDN - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall this has been a reliable yet sporty car. Problems: engine light came on at 60,000 miles, which turned into a faulty chip in the engine (under warranty). Power Windows have stopped working in the past but started again VERY slow. Dashboard light that circles the "D" when in drive has just gone out. No other problems.

• 

  Sporty - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael - July 10 - 9:39 am

• 

  Life saver gift - 2004 Honda Civic
  By John Thatcher - July 10 - 4:49 am