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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  Really Uncomfortable Driver Seat!!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kim A. - March 23 - 12:27 pm

  The car itself is great. What you will realize after driving for a while is that the seat will cause back pain. It is because the seat tips backward a bit. No matter how you adjust it, it will be uncomfortable. If you like sitting up straight - dont buy this car.

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  Review - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Tom DiLeo - March 23 - 12:04 pm

  Love the CR-V

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  Disappointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By King - March 23 - 9:03 am

  We just returned from a 2,300 mile trip. We got 30.25 mpg which is what the sticker says. I also have a 2007 Chevrolet Impala with a 3.9L that gets 29.0 plus driving 27 miles each way to work. Not satisfied with the car. Lots of road noise, not a comfortable ride and less than expected gas mileage. I was told I should expect mileage in the mid 30s. Very disappointed after reading all of the Honda hype prior to purchase. Unless something changes, this will be my first and last Honda Accord.

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  V6 Power; V4 MPG - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JLAnderson - March 23 - 1:53 am

  This was an impulse buy -- was getting my 03 Accord LX serviced, saw this car on display, smelled the leather and was sold. Am averaging about 35 mpg -- heres how I do it: When the green "eco" light comes on at the desired speed, I hit "cruise" and stay there. Im trying to get rid of a heavy foot. If you want to drive this like the performance sedan it is, hitting on all 6 cylinders, youre going to see lower mileage. Its that simple. Dont drive like a nut, and youll be rewarded. This is truly a great car; Ive been driving Accords for almost 20 years and this is the best by far. Trust me.

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  Good except the transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Dave - March 22 - 8:25 pm

  The Accord is a fun to drive practical car. The transmission was always a little jumpy, but the longer we have had the car, the more severe the shifts to second (especially downshifting) have become. When the car is cold it is downright scary. I have had the car in to check out the transmission twice and the dealer says that that is normal for a Honda. I am considering a Acura next, but my reservation is the transmission. Love the cars, but Honda should really do something about the transmission. Recall???

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Honda - March 22 - 4:16 pm

  This is my 2nd Accord and it was not a tough decision to come back! Cannot find a better value for all the features you get. Heated seats have been great now that its cold, Navi is great for directions, XM rocks on long trips, and dual air means no more fights over temperature! Great car, solid build!

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  Best Sports Car in the Price Range - 2006 Honda S2000
  By KGood - March 22 - 1:07 pm

  My S2K is a daily driver, and I find it to be the perfect combination of exceptional acceleration/handling, while still returning good fuel mileage. And unlike so many sports cars that have come and gone, it is reliable as a hammer. You will not find another manual shift up to this quality, steering is quick and perfectly weighted, the brakes are faultless, the body structure very rigid. Cautions: if you drive very aggressively, be careful of snap- oversteer. This series is better than the original, but it can still punish the ham-handed. Ride is firm. While having more driveable power/torque band than 1st S2Ks, best performance still requires keeping the engine in the correct rev range.

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  Nice Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - March 22 - 9:47 am

  I am pleased overall. First the bad. This minivan has a lot more windnoise than any previous honda vehicle Ive driven. The factory radio/cd player has poor sound quality. So consider getting an aftermarket unit. It also does not allow enough flexibility in the volume control. Its either way too loud or too soft... My wife and I love the strong engine, power sliding doors, and heated leather seats. It drives like a car, not like a van. Im not sure why people are giving this bad marks for gas mileage. Mileage is very good for a minivan. I am consistently getting over 20 mpg in mixed driving....much better than SUVs..

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  MDX or PILOT - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ULTRA - March 22 - 9:03 am

  I purchased the Honda Pilot really wanting the MDX but after looking at the price tag realized the Pilot was a better option. Vehicle drives nicely and the interior design is comparable to most luxury SUVs. Seats feel great and the ride is similar to that of a car. I bought this vehicle for my growing family and because of the Honda name and reputation, I know this vehicle will last for many years.

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  Pleased With Purchase - 2006 Honda Civic
  By B.Hablutzel - March 22 - 7:33 am

  I took a short test drive and was amazed at the great sound in gears 1-5 (C&D calls it "pseudo Ferrari"). You dont have to rev it high to get that great sound either. Gear 6 is a true overdrive, so that the car quiets right down on the Interstate. This car is very sporty and fun to drive, while having most features of a luxury car. Add-in Honda quality and resale value, and whats not to like?