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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  My new ride - Its a Honda Civic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bcgoad - March 12 - 9:23 pm

  Ive always heard that Honda Civics were really good reliable & economical vehicles. So I went out and bought a new 2006. Due to the gas prices & tired of sinking money into a previous vehicle that was financially sinking me under, I decided to test drive one. Low and behold, I was sold on it. The car gets up and goes for a 4- cyl. and does well on the highway as far as acceleration. I was concerned about the power changing from a 6-cyl. At least this car accepts reg. unleaded.

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug Kenny - March 12 - 7:53 pm

  Pros: Its a Honda: well built, well designed. Mileage is a blend of city and highway and averages 19.2 over life of vehicle. Tons of cargo space. Decent versatility with seating/cargo arrangements. Cons: One delivery defect: deep scratch on dashboard. Unlocking rear side doors is very confusing. Exterior green paint looks like they forgot to add enough green pigment. Option packages too pricey.

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  Fun to drive, fun to own - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Arizona Aaron - March 12 - 5:20 pm

  The Civic is great, the gas mileage is not what is posted, but what ever is? Before this car I had a Camry and never obtained the mileage on the window either. the long drive feel is great - this has turned out to be a great commuter car. My gas expense monthly has been cut in half compared to my V6 Camry. People love this car, and everyone will want to look inside. Great improvement on putting the controls for the keyless entry right on the key.

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  Nice Wheels - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jason - March 12 - 3:33 pm

  I got mine Saturday, so I have not had a lot of time in it. I am 64" and I fit comfortably. So far so good, no complaints, the sun roof is nice.

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  Not for the Young at Heart - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Ken Beaty - March 12 - 10:31 am

  Overall, I am quite pleased with the auto. The exhaust manifold was replaced at 57,500 miles. Currently, at about 72,000 miles, I am experiencing a slip on the automatic transmission. I have developed a knee problem, and it has become very difficult for me to exit the vehicle. I imagine that would be the case with many seniors and those with arthritic conditions.

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  Proud Insight Owner! - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Mia - March 12 - 9:39 am

  Awesome!!!!!! Go American Honda!!!! Ahead of its time and so am I. SULEV and thus far a lifetime MPG of 56 MPG. Im showing America (with the help of Honda) a better way. Thank you!

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  Pilot Elite Takes Taps Safety Technology - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - March 12 - 5:05 am

  I have owned many, many vehicles, and hands down the 2016 Honda Pilot Elite is a joy to drive. It takes some practice and getting used to. Its superior navigation and entertainment systems, technology, handling, convenience features, and responsiveness all combine to make this vehicle one of the safest vehicles on the road and the Pilot Elite - all around - is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  The perfect truck for a car guy! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTLinMD - March 12 - 12:43 am

  1 Month, and 1,200 miles later, I love this truck! Ive wanted a truck for about 18 months. But I hated to drive and ride in one. Either they were too unrefined to drive, or too big. The Ridgeline gives you a smooth, quiet ride with the refinements of a sedan. Its sized like a mid-size SUV, but it feels more nimble. Drives great in the snow. Ive been a GM buyer, and never would have purchased a Honda. But Honda must have had the suburban homeowner (ie. ME!) in mind when they designed the Ridgeline. This is a perfect truck!

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  Replaced 2000 Odyssey with Toyota Senia - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mm - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  Good in beginning. Always had Front brake over heating issues in long Highway drives (not city). Speedometer (70=66MPH) and Odometer were off by 5% (likely to make it appear to get better gas millage). Major tire issues with original tires. At 65,000 replaced EGR $300. Replaced brakes every 20,000 miles $240. At 86,000 Catilic Converter & Motor Mounts $1,700. At 92,000 miles $1,200 to replace sliding door motor. We had 93,000 miles. At 100,000 they wanted $1,700 for timing belt/waterpump replacement. I have not had major transmition issues yet, but they were comming also. Trans upshifts had changed. Cant afford $4,000 dollors trans. It became a vehicle we could not afford to keep any more.

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  Worst paint and customer support - 2009 Honda Civic
  By btq4f@mst.edu - March 11 - 10:57 pm

  I have a Honda Civic 2009. The paint started to crack and peel from two years ago. the peeling and cracking is now everywhere on the car. It was a shame everywhere I went in these two years. Since I bought the car used, I thought the car was repainted because of an accident. However, I recently searched online and found out that this is a wide-spread problem for various Honda models!!! I called Honda customer service and was told that because my car is just out of warranty (for twenty days) the repaint job should be done on my own expense, no matter the problem was persistent for last two years. Putting aside how much shame and discomfort this car has brought for me in these years, I was shocked how rude and irresponsible they are in dealing with their loyal customers. My suggestion to you all my friends is: NEVER go for Honda for your new car! Compared to the value and respect other automotive manufacturers like Toyota, etc would provide, it is crazy to invest your money on a car that brings discomfort for you when the company also refuses to take responsibility for their defected products.