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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  Preferred Choice, no "buts" - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By redirector - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV loves the freeway, the mountains, the back roads, the long trips. Makes driving and carrying a real pleasure. Around town, parking and manueverability is very good. I think some of the long list of "improvements" listed by JLarry, would drive the price to $40k or more, and add weight. Keep it simple, the vehicle is superb and safe and a great value even at MSRP.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By w360 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  We have had our 2003 Odyssey for four months. It lives up to Honda Reliability, Quality and Performance. Great family vehicle, lots of space for strolller, diaper changing and picnics in the back when its cold or raining. Its worth the extra money to go Honda...itll still be worth 50% after 4 years compared to the competition.

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  Amazing Car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By A Happy Man - September 24 - 10:00 am

  While shopping for my first new car, I drove every compact and mid size under the sun and the Civic was the obvious choice. The Civic was my first foriegn car and Im kicking myself for driving all those American pieces of junk for so many years(except American trucks)! The manual EX is exciting to drive with nice acceleration and seats that hug you like a race car! Combine the performance with a moonroof and a 6 spkr sound system and you have a winner.

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  BEST CHOICE IN ITS CLASS ! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Noonan - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about four months. The accord 0ffered more options and a more sporty ride compared to other vehicles in its class (ie Camry & Altima . The resale value on a honda is unmatched for its price range. The stereo and heat/ac controls are relatively easy to operate while driving. The l.e.d spedometer is entertaining and easy to read. The 160mph top speed on the speedometer makes driving slow even slower.

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  Super Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By lushan - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Car..cant beat the relailbility and the drive...engine rocks...very responsive...feel the road!

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  You will not be disappointed! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By mdot - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I never realized how enjoyable this car was until I recently drove a 1997 SH. The 97 was not much of an improvement over my old car and it made me reconsider even purchasing a newer car. My 90 with 100K has gone to the shop about 3 times since 68K and none have been major repairs. This car is very quick when driving locally. It only gets strained when driving a considerable distance on the highway. The handling is amazing for such an old car. Anyone considering an older prelude will not be disappointed.

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  Civic - Fun to Drive; reviews helpful! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drs00 - September 22 - 8:40 pm

  I was looking to get an end of the year deal on an Accord EX; but after I saw, then drove the Civic, it felt more comfortable and I thought it looked bad. I love how it looks everytime I get out of it. There are some drawbacks, and the folks here have hit them on the head. Gas mileage for me is way lower than advertised, both City & Hwy - around 20-24city & 26-31Hwy; XM Ready means little; I got XM Hardware after the sale (Handa.com) for $375+$150 install at AudioExpress; still pricey for XM. E-Brake is annoying, esp if you are taller than 6, rear visibility is not great, but remember, its a coupe (you can always get the sedan). All in all, love the car, good pep (not great)

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  fun to drive - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jason freeman - September 22 - 7:23 am

  I feel its a small car. yet very sporty and fun to drive. I have experienced a very secure feeling on long distance trips, and gas is great, very city friendly for parking.

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  This is an AMAZING car!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Paul Sevick - September 22 - 6:20 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, affordable, sporty compact sedan look no further. The new redesign on the 2016 Civic is absolutely stunning! Hard to believe what options you get for the money, have the EX model and it pretty much has everything you would and then some. Looks way more expensive than it is, drives smooth and handles like a sports car, great acceleration with the 2.0L engine, super comfortable, tons of options, zero complaints on this vehicle.

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  Worth every penny... - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Dallas1 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 94 and it has not let me down in 9 years. The car is the most realiable car I have ever owned. I have taken it in for the regularly scheduled maintanence and it runs just as great as when I first purchased it!