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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  The perfect commuter car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Awry13 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1998 and it had 31,000 miles on it. It has 239,000 now. Right after I bought it the distributor had to be replaced, then the alternator at about 120,000 miles. Other than that, normal maintenance. Still averages about 28 mpg between city and highway driving. It has a manual transmission and I have never replaced the clutch. In the next month I will be getting my second set of half shafts (driveshafts) put in. Then I will be selling it in favor of a newer Accord. By all accounts the newer models have only gotten better.

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  Honda S2000 - A Great car all around - 2003 Honda S2000
  By monkey dude - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The handling is incredible. This car never gets old. Every time I get into it, it seems its like the first time i ever drove it. Just incredible car all the way around.

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  2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - November 4 - 12:10 am

  Perhaps a little expensive for a Civic, but once you drive it, you completely forget. Its a super fun to drive pocket rocket that looks awesome and works great as a daily driver.

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  Love that Honda is concerned with safety! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Ohio Momma - November 3 - 3:57 pm

  We love our Pilot! It is sporty and stylish. If comparing it to our 2012 Honda Odyssey, it has less leg room in each row and less cargo room in the back. I am short and can easily climb into the back of the Odyssey to get an item that has rolled (b/c our 3rd row is folded) to right behind the 2nd row. With the Pilot, I have to get a running start and jump into the back of it b/c it sits so much higher. Compared to other SUVs on the market (in its class) there is no comparison. The Pilot is the best! We also considered a GMC Terrian or Acadia, but the safety features on the Pilot (with Honda Sensing) pulled us away from those options. The Acadia wasnt even "small overlap" crash tested!... This momma isnt going there... if you arent crash testing, I am not buying! The Toyota Highlander looks nice also as well as the Nissian options, but we felt the Pilot was for us! We love our Honda Odyssey, so that probably aided in our decision. Pros- -Roomy front seats -lots of small areas for storage and cup holders -love the body style -Love the Touring details... like that the car knows where I want my seat. I am 5 ft tall and my hubby is 61", so we are constantly trying to find that sweet spot, where the seat is in just the right place, so I love that with my key the car knows its me and puts the seat right back where I like it!! Cons- -One of my biggest complaints would be that compared to our Honda Odyssey, there are very few air vents in the 2nd and 3rd rows. On a hot summer day those little, sweaty peeps back there want some air pouring on them! My poor baby, who is rear facing, gets no air vents pointed in his direction due to where they are located. -When "Eco" is on the pick-up from stopped to going is SOOOO slow! Dont pull out unless you have a lot of time to get moving. BUT, if you turn "Eco" off the pick-up is GREAT!

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  I Bought One - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By IOWNIT - November 3 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this Crosstour for a month now and have no huge complaints. Smooth ride, quiet, slick, looks great, plenty of room, back seats great, good factory tires, great headlights for night driving, molding and seams fit very well, and love the hatchback. Kinda funny how many folks have not liked the pictures and I have to agree it looks much better in my garage! Dont waste your money on AWD if you live a warmer climate due to less fuel mileage. So far, I would buy this car again.

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  Great Value - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By hondasrgreat - November 3 - 2:00 am

  We needed a larger vehicle for our 2 small children when commuting and for vacations and the CR-V fits perfectly. Great ergonomics (except for window switches), gas milage, and storage capacity.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - November 2 - 9:30 pm

  This SUV has it all! Great gas mileage (24 city/30 hwy MPG), sleek and roomy interior, and classy yet sporty exterior. Materials are of high quality. Safety comes standard with dual front airbags and side and curtain airbags throughout, along with 4 wheel ABS. All at a reasonable price for a car known to maintain more of its value over other manufacturers. You wont regret it!

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  2008 SI 4dr - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Curt - November 2 - 6:30 pm

  The SI is all that I hoped for. Its fun, its practical, and best of all, it sounds orgasmic when you fondle the accelerator in any gear. Even cruising around town you hear the moan of the Farrier sounding exhaust. Some may ask if its worth the extra cost than the EX, the answer is yes. You do have to rev it to get all the HP out of it, but the car sounds like it has no problem going to 8000rpm. Even in the low rpms its peppy and pleasing. Its roomy enough to fit my 65" frame. You will not find a better value in this class than the SI.

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  Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jo - November 2 - 4:23 pm

  This is absolutely the best car. The car not only looks great, but it is very comfortable to ride and drive. It has so many nice features inside the vehicle. If you are still not sure if you want to buy a civic, think no more, go for it, you will not regret it.

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  Honda Prelude SI - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By JJcatchem - November 2 - 2:00 am

  The best cornering car ever with the 4 wheel steering. Amazing car to drive, great power and response.