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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  Loved this car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Christina Charlot - April 6 - 3:18 pm

  I got this car brand new with 2 miles on it in April 2003. I traded it in last night after 13.5 years and 196k miles. Awesome car! Only issue was temp gauge that no matter what was replaced, kept acting up. Thats reason why I got a new car. But other than that it was an amazing car, reliable.

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  Windshield defrosting. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jeff Clagg - April 6 - 12:21 pm

  Poor design in windshield defrosting system. Blower needs to be set at 3 or higher to clear inside windshield of fog buildup. Upper corners and door glass on all doors stay foggy. And this is with outdoor temperatures above 32 degrees.

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  best car ever - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Iggy - April 6 - 9:53 am

  I had civic before this accord and this is the best car ever. Its fun to drive, fast, comfortable, looks very luxury.

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  Nice 08 Accord - One glitch noticed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SR45 - April 6 - 5:36 am

  Very nice looking car inside and out. Nav system top rated by me and the console is very well laid out. One major glitch on this new car is the new constant rattle noise noticed towards the right rear passager area during cooler weather only (possible weld issue in the strut tower). Very noticeable and giving me a real pain. Dealership noticed rattle as well, but unable to try a fix until some clips are ordered first to replace those that are removed from the trunk area. Seems this car is too new to have these clips on hand for the trunk liner. Ride is good, smooth, and the gas mileage is around 33 mpg highway, but very low around 18 city.

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  Ive owned Touring for almost a week - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By yatesd - April 5 - 7:33 pm

  I really like the concept behind VCM and the gas mileage/horsepower that can be achieved on regular fuel. The Toyota Sienna recommends premium fuel. I also like the automatic climate control for the rear passenger compartment. My dogs like it set about 10 degrees cooler than I do. It is nice to have all of the safety features available at any trim level.

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  Simply Superb - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ankith - April 5 - 1:26 pm

  This is my third Honda and its just superb. With a V6 and nearly 270hp on the engine, its ready to race with any other on the road. VCM works out nice for better mileage. Awesome interior with great comfort.great accelaration. Great interior features. It puts out power no sooner you stomp on the accelerator unlike a few other other cars which think for a while before responding. No regret in buying this beautiful car.

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  Is this really a Civic? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chill5466 - April 5 - 10:30 am

  Wow! What a car!! Has the feel and look of a sports car and the price tag of an economy car. I am 63 and have plenty of room (head and leg) and could not fit in the Mazda 3. The car handles well and has plenty of pick up for its size. Navigation and XM are great. Fuel economy speaks for itself. This car is a blast to drive. I tested many and still cant believe this is a Civic!! This car turns heads with its new styling and people have commented that it doesnt look like a Honda. I dumped a Nissan Pathfinder for this and have no regrets.

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  So far so good - 2002 Honda Civic
  By wayno007 - April 5 - 5:35 am

  It is noisy,and the interior could be upgraded. However I like driving it, get a lot of compliments on it, and havent had to make any repairs except oil change and two new tires. I added new stereo, alarm, remote start and tinted windows which adds nice extras. I plan on getting chrome exhaust, wider high performance tires and maybe stiffer suspension down the road. If you add what you want to this car and the reliability is there what more could you ask

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  Dream Mobile - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pegasus - April 4 - 8:06 pm

  Our Pilot has been a dream machine. It drives more like a car than SUV, corners beautifully and drives smoothly. It is incredible in slush, rain and snow, firmly gripping the road. Its very roomy inside and because the floor is flat, the dog no longer insists on lying on the seats, and stays comfortably on the floor, affording us even more space. The only drawback is the gearshift midway back on the steering column. Nothings perfect, but this comes close!

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  2008 Accord headlight Issue - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gerry - April 4 - 10:56 am

  The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan EXL Navi is a great daytime driving car. You can relax and drive for hours and still feel refreshed at the end of the trip. Night driving can be dangerous though. The headlights flicker every 16 seconds, making the drive stressful and tiresome. This flickering makes it harder to focus on the obstacle head. Its important to note that this problem is common on all 2008 Honda Accords. The instrumentation is not user friendly at first but once you learn how to use the basic voice commands it becomes acceptable. Its also a good conversation subject. The Accords interior look and feel great. Lots of room and very comfortable.