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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  Toyota take me away!!! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By MF Dempc - March 11 - 7:04 pm

  I bought the 1999 Honda Passport because I had heard what great vehicles Honda made - well guess what its not a (true) Honda -should have done my homework better! This has been the worse car Ive owned, looking to get rid of it now! Replaced transmission 11/8/4, hmmm bought it 11/18/98. Everything seems to be breaking not only the major things but minor things too!!! Looking to buy a Toyota now....

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  Excellent Car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By dromedarius - March 11 - 6:02 pm

  We purchased this vehicle for my wifes daily driver. The amazing number of standard safety features, along with our specific needs, made the CR-V the perfect choice for us.

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  Great to the end. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By postmanrr1 - March 11 - 5:45 pm

  Very nice vehicle as stated in other reviews. Mine is the rare one that the transmission self-destructed today to the tune of $3000. The dealer gave us a very good wholesale trade toward a Ridgeline which we took. The resale of even broken Hondas is amazing.

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  Quality Honda - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Alex - March 11 - 4:54 pm

  This vehicle offers enough power to put a Mercedes Kompressor to shame. Styling is wonderful, and the interior has greatly improved.

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  Would do it again! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By S Miller - March 11 - 12:22 pm

  With no kids, our 02 CR-V was fine, but now with 2 kids, our 04 Odyssey is awesome! Never thought I would drive a mini van but this feels more like a luxury car! Our EX-L is way below the lease miles (by almost half!) So the decision to buy it next year will be difficult! Comfort for all is top notch and performance for such a big vehicle is better than expected! Beware if you put your foot in it, the pickup is fun but it will eat your gas! We usually leave the rear headrests off, the seat is rarly used but remains up for the use of the deep well for storage of stroller n stuff. Both kids are in child seats and are an ease to put them in with the wide doors. We love it and will do it again!

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  2017 Civic Hatchback Manual Transmission - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Reza - March 11 - 12:22 pm

  Excellent car. Well balanced design. Great handling. Great value for the price.

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  Like it, but Disapointed - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Robetp - March 11 - 12:06 pm

  We love the interior room and body style of our Pilot. We arnt happy with the placement and style of the controls, namely the gear shift leaver / wiper lever, igniton key placement- have to look for it, tilt wheel lever- clumsy- make it spring loaded,guage cluster visibilty- with wheel in driving position cant see spedo numbers. Creature features - no auto door lock, NO compass?? front seat bottoms are a little short for taller folks. DONT like the trans, notable downshift, sometimes stays in alower gear than should- causing higher RPM. OUR REAL disapointment is FUEL MILEAGE - 13-14 city 17-18 Hwy. even driving easy its terriable. We sold our Expedition because it got 12 & 16, consistently

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  fun to drive - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By chucki42 - March 11 - 11:34 am

  i bought this vehicle for myself to commute to a job. what a blast to drive. a bit noisy but i solved that issue by putting sound insulation in. easy to work on, parts are not that expensive, easy to get at, i put the vehicle grouding system on, air intake, and the mileage is in the 30s around town. now that the youngest is driving i am surrendering my baby to her.

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  Best purchase Ive ever made - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Eric Scott - March 11 - 8:56 am

  Ive had this car for 11 years and have changed the oil/tires/muffler. The only other thing that has gone wrong is a starter went after 10 years. Its been paid off for 7 years and I plan to keep it for another 5 years. You cant buy a better car than an accord.

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  everyone should have this car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Atlanta Driver - March 11 - 8:30 am

  I hear people with SUVs whining about their gas mileage, maintenance costs, and other stuff, and their jaw drops when I tell them I spend about $20 a week on gas! I bought this car in 10/03 w/ 53k miles and since then have driven the heck out of it. I now have 106k on it and have had no problems at all. I have done most of the big scheduled stuff on the car (spark plugs, timing belt, etc) and it runs like new! It also is a LOT cheaper to maintain than my wifes Liberty. My 63" stepfather is comfortable in the backseat. Drives smoother than any other compact I have ever ridden in! I love it!