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:

• 

  Refined I4 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jr - February 26 - 3:50 am

  The I4 engine is smooth and quiet and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The interior design is top notch. The cd player is surprisingly good. There is lots of interior storage. The cloth interior is one of the best ones Ive ever seen. The wheels are very nice looking. The EPA gas mileage ratings are pretty low this car is capable of 38 MPG on the highway and upper 20s around town. For the price its a really good value.

• 

  Original owner - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mercer wagon - February 26 - 2:00 am

  After 150,000 miles, still no major service items or irksome small repairs. Standard transmission makes a real difference in reliability and drivability. Still on first clutch, but its time. No squeaks, no runs, no drips, no errors. lucky me?

• 

  1999 Honda Civic EX 2 Door Coupe - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Brad_44647 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Its a very high quality car and well worth paying a pretty penny for.If you like going fast Id suggest you buy one of these cars,and plus you look good even when your just driving it.

• 

  Never looked back - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By luvvit - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Get this as a fun, practical car that would last a long time. It has exceeded expectations, plus holds its value like nobodys business. Engine is just adequate at 150 hp but thats part of the package.

• 

  Wonderful Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DSJR - February 26 - 2:00 am

  After looking at all of the minivans on the market it was obvious Honda did their homework. Excellent quailty, power and comfort. When you consider the amazing resale value, there is no way to go wrong.

• 

  nice suv - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By tomd - February 25 - 4:00 pm

  I have a 2007 Mercedes SL550, and needed a winter vehicle. I bought the Honda Pilot. Enough said.

• 

  I love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Vickita - February 25 - 9:06 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. On a recent long road trip, I got 41 mpg on a tank of gas that I burned entirely in hwy driving. Its amazing how quickly Ive gotten used to consistently having as much acceleration as I need for passing or entering into traffic. Just punch it, and she goes. The Civic is comfortable, fun to drive and stylish. When I leave it with a valet, they always come back wanting to buy it off of me, and the first time I took it for an oil change, my mechanic said, "That sure is a nice little car youve got there." And the trunk is big enough to hold my bags, my friends bags, his guitar case and a drum case. What more could I want?

• 

  Wife only saw car after purchase & she loves it! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Dennis - February 25 - 2:15 am

  We have owned many types of cars over the years from VW, Mazda, Suzuki, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chrysler, Dodge, & Porsche (and two other Hondas) and this 2017 Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid is one of the best. The exterior & interior are stylish and the fit and finish is impressive. The leather seats are comfortable and very easy to adjust and we use the two pre-set positions. While the front seats are roomy the rear seats are quite large for a mid size car. Visibility is excellent all around. The trunk is still large enough even with the battery. The car is well built and handles the road well. Since we keep our car purchases for a long time the hybrid low fuel use was an important point. But, the hybrid engine system still has plenty of power to merge, climb hills and generally moves the car quickly with great acceleration. I have to get used to how quiet the car is while in Electric Vehicle mode and twice I have forgotten to turn it off after parking! When starting the car (especially noticeable in the garage) it makes this cool Star Trek like sound while in the electric mode. The Honda Sensing safety system works well but needs a few technology improvements, which will probably occur as the technology evolves. I already found these features to be a great safety help. The info/entertainment system could be easier to use and I understand the new 2018 model has been improved. The wife loathes car dealers so I do the shopping and test driving. I told her she needed to drive the new car and she said "if you like it them I will". Lol - I brought it home and she loves the car. The folks at Smail Honda in Greensburg, PA were extremely helpful and I got an excellent price at almost $7,000 off sticker. We are two drivers with three cars (the Porsche will go into storage for the winter soon) so we have only put on 600 miles since purchase one month ago but so far its a great car.

• 

  This Cars Awesome - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dustin Ricke - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fun car. It has a great V6 v-tec engine. And the car has a great style. I suggest this car to anyone.

• 

  Good for a family of 6 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By tkolber - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle in terms of reliability, fit, and finish. The mini- van has a great dela of pep for the size vehicle. Has a sporty ride as oppoed to a very soft luxury car ride. Excellent heating and cooling system. Some options such as automatic headlamps and battery rundown protection are a disappointment as they are not avaialable on this mini-van.