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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  AWESOME LUXO-COUPE!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FlyVTEC - February 25 - 2:00 am

  A Honda with a V6 SOHC VTEC and a 6 Speed is a match made in heaven! My car is a daily driver and Ive driven her 750 miles in my 2 weeks of ownership. So far I have nothing but superlatives to say about this car. It is fun to drive, very comfortable, good power, good looking car, the ride is a little bit on the harsh side but it is not bad at all, the leather seats are great, the standard XM radio sounds great...I am very, very pleased with this car.

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  Cant go wrong with Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 21-in-right - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I shopped Camry, Acura TL,Lexus 330, Maxima. I kept going back to the Accord for price and reputation. 6 cylinders provide plenty of pep. I only have a couple hundred miles at this point. No regrets. I expect to get well over 100,000 miles of good service. If you do your homework and shop around, you can easily beat Edmunds price projections.

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  Solid performer. Distractive, woeful electronics - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By J. Lawrence - February 25 - 12:51 am

  If your a looking for a large, roomy family-orientated SUV that handles well, looks good, is comfortable to travel in and gets surprisingly good mileage for its size, look no further. However, if electronics are your big thing then let me tell you they were designed by people who probably did not have to ever use them- so they let "concept" get ahead of "usefulness" and the result is an electronics package that is distractive to the driver to use, and frankly plain dangerous on the road for that reason. Simply put, you have to look at the large and gorgeous display a few extra seconds (too long) to find anything, taking your eyes off the road for an extra 2-3-4 seconds which is sure to produce some bad accidents. They stuffed everything but the kitchen sink on that display. Too much information crammed in one place. Considering that these geniuses for some ethereal reason put Apple Carplay in their other cheaper vehicles, but not the high end Pilot is beyond bad decision-making, it is just plain dumb. I love the car (ITS A GREAT VEHICLE), I say that having owned it nearly a year, and it replaced my recent model LEXUS RX which was smaller, got worse mileage, had no 3rd row seats, and cost about $12k more, with a front end that looks like it just sucked on a lemon (the Lexus, not the Honda)-- everything about this SUV is GOOD NEWS- except- this distractive and poorly designed entertainment center.

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  wished i would have stayed with ford - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By rr - February 24 - 3:56 pm

  has been in shop 11 times in 14 months, 7 trips re brakes alone, replaced rotors and pads front and rear at 18,000 mi, rear axle hub at 14,500 [warped], cv joint front at 38,000, still has vibration, only new car in 25 yr of marriage and we are disappointed beyond words. hondas "TUDE" is "we dont make mistakes, it must be your driving style"plan on replacing this summer

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  Not just future styling - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Lyon - February 24 - 2:53 pm

  It was about three months ago when i had decided to go and buy the Mazda 3. I had heard about the new civic so i decided to wait, and boy am i glad that i did. I orderd (my local dealership was sold out) a honda civic 4 door 5spd with the nav system. I have never been more happy with a car! Great handling, performance and talk about tech features. ipod, mp3, wma files, 6 disk cd, pc card, xm ready! Yeah!

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  Love this vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim D - February 24 - 1:50 pm

  I have had zero problems with my Honda Pilot EX - I love it. I feel like Im driving a luxury vehicle. This SUV is fast. This SUV is the perfect size for a family with two kids. Many people who ride in it cant believe how smooth and quiet it is. Theres almost no wind noise when driving on the highway. The AWD system works great. Cant say enough good things about this vehicle.

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  love my accord! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By brandy - February 24 - 12:36 pm

  I fell in love with my accord the first time I saw it! It was loaded! It had the fog lights and lip kit and aftermarket rims. Its been a great car and I have had a kit on it for a few years now. It handles well and I havent had problems with my tranny that some have had with this model accord. I love that the seat is fully adjustable cause im a shorty! If you have an opportunity you should buy one of your own!

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  Amazing Driving Experience - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Milton - February 24 - 12:06 pm

  Bought this car moving down from a Ford Escape. Havent missed the larger vehicle because of the feel of space in the Fit. The Sport truly has a sport feel and the fuel economy is wonderful. The car is tight and quiet and gives that feeling of pleasure every time I get behind the wheel.

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  Civic HX Review - 1997 Honda Civic
  By myst - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have been a honda buyer and driver for years. I am really impressed with the 1997 civic and how well it has held up. I still get compliments on it today for such a nice vehicle! A well designed, built and executed car in all areas. The complaints I have about the car are so minor, that they are not even worth mentioning.

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  2002 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dianne - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Like most, I did not want to take the plunge into Minivan life. However, I am very happy we did. It is such a pleasure to drive and we can go anywhere and buy anything without worrying if it will fit. Our daughter loves it because she can see out the window.