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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  This Hybrid is a Winner - 2005 Honda Civic
  By tnaber - July 24 - 11:40 am

  After driving a 17 year old Honda Civic without any major mechanical break downs, we needed a Honda that would be fuel efficient and safe. We settled on a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. This Car is a Winner! Fit and Finish is Excellent, Gas Mileage is consistently above 45mpg and it rides quietly on the open road. You hardly know its a Hybrid except when you see the "Engine Off" light blinking when the Hybrid is running off its battery. Do yourself a favor and purchase Honda, it beats the Toyota Prius hands down. Dont ever worry about the motor stalling out like the Toyotas have been plagued with.

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  how it drives - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ali - July 24 - 7:30 am

  this car was amazing. not only was it a good car, and good on gas but i completely totaled my car and had 4 kids in there with me and no-one was hurt. the airbags came out and not even a scratch was put on any of us. this car is amazing and i would tell anyone who is looking for a new car and wanted something small and cute to go for an 06 civic because they are amazing!

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  Great Quality - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By shmoozy - July 24 - 7:06 am

  The Pilot was delivered in perfect cosmetic and mechanical condition. No reason to take it back to the dealers service dept! Traded in a Ford Explorer which I liked, but the Honda is much more carlike in its ride and handling. Roomy like a minivan, resposive AWD, powerful engine, absorbs bumps nicely.

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  Nice Car. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Teddy P - July 24 - 12:49 am

  Nice affordable vehicle.

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  Not as sturdy - 1995 Honda Accord
  By nancyg - July 23 - 10:07 pm

  I had very high expectations of this car and, unfortunately, the car fell short. Although the car was in a garage during the winter, the body started to rust at both back fenders after about 5 years. This car also had more mechanical problems than I expected, especially given the low mileage. Among the most surprising problem was a total blow out of the radiator and cooling system. It seeemed that, once the car hit about 75,000 miles, everytime I would take it in for routine maintanence, it would need close to $1000 of work. Most people I know say they run their Hondas to about 250,000 miles and that is what I expected from this one. I am disappointed.

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  Excellent Choice - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Nancy - July 23 - 7:41 pm

  I purchased this car new and now have about 140,000 miles on it. I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off, which may take quite a while. It still runs and looks great! This car has more room in the back seat than some full size cars. I get at least 27 mpg hwy, sometimes more. SRS light was on for about a year and then Honda recognized that this was a basic safety feature and offered a recall, full replacement of defective sensor. I often travel on my job and can always rely on my car to get me there without any problems.

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  Odyssey 2004 EX - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By miatamama - July 23 - 6:36 pm

  Leased the vehicle from local dealer. Excellent performance, reliability, build quality. Wished I had waited 6 mos. for the new improved redesign.

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  CR-Vs are tops - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JB - July 23 - 6:10 pm

  Weve had a 97, 01, & now a new 2005 CR-V EX AWD. We think the CR-V is one of the best cars anywhere for the money. The 2005 has more power, is safer (side air bags, stability assist in addition to 4WD), and is an all- around excellent vehicle for urban use & occasional trips. The cargo capacity is huge, mileage is great, no scheduled tune-ups for 100K miles, the engine is a marvel. When American companies start making vehicles of this quality, well buy an American car again.

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  Rock-Solid Performer - 2006 Honda Accord
  By David - July 23 - 5:01 pm

  This car is what I have come to expect , continues my confidence, and loyalty to Honda Accord.

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  Looks good AND... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By KC - July 23 - 4:46 pm

  I drive it to work mostly, and it turns heads, being very exotic and unique without many Accord Coupes on the road. I dont mind the seats at all, as I dont plan on falling asleep in my car. Very roomy interior, the control is no comparison to my old vehicle. Only downside is the vehicle is quite heavy in bulk, and it does take some power to go up hills. But that has always been an issue with fuel economic cars. Power vs. fuel consumption. The car just looks really nice, and its drivable for someone young and car loving like me.