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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  Never again! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Neveragain - February 14 - 1:23 am

  This is my second Civic. I love my first one. This one is horrible. I had to have the fuel system replaced twice in the first 15,000 miles. The car does not handle as well and is unsteady around turns on the highway. I am commute over 100 miles round trip daily and dislike this vehicle most of the time. It is loud and the sluggish nothing like the one before this one. The only good part is the gas mileage which is in about high 30s in and out of the city. I will never buy Honda again as the company has been miserable to deal with and fixing stuff. My car is just one of many in the area that have had major problems with systems and gauges.

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  Owned Dozens, A SAVER and a KEEPER - 1996 Honda Civic
  By JeremyW - February 14 - 12:09 am

  Ive owned dozens of cars. With 40+ miles to the gallon and perfect reliability for almost 40,000 of the roughest miles an avid driver can put on it. THIS CAR IS A KEEPER!! If you purchase this car for a kid, the commute, or the environment, I am willing to bet you will never regret the decision. Bought for 5,500. 35+ thousand miles later sold for 4,500 WOW.

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  Great Choice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tcp27705 - February 13 - 5:46 pm

  The Honda Pilot was a great choice for my family. It has seating for 8 for those occasions when you have a big group to haul around and just a little stuff. The rest of the time it has a ton of storage space for luggage, toys, groceries, or whatever you need to have in the car along with 5 people. The back seat (2nd row) is wide enough for 2 kids in car seats plus an adult to sit between them. Try that in an Accord or any other mid-size sedan. Or even in a Highlander. Good luck squeezing in. Thats not a problem in a Pilot. We have averaged 18 MPG overall. Usually 16-17 around town, 20-22 on the highway.

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  Civic Si - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Dan - February 13 - 4:43 pm

  Fantastic car. Only averages 28 mpg though. Beautiful from every angle inside & out. No mechanical problems at all. Stiff ride for Detroit roads. Great in the curves. Does 125 mph with ease. Super quality materials inside. Made in Europe. Great value at $17,200. Hondas hold their value great. Im already ahead of the depreciation curve after only 1.5 years.

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  Vastly Improved.... - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Matt_Landers - February 13 - 3:48 pm

  Other shoppers should know before buying this CR-V that its a huge improvement over the outgoing model, in looks, quality and ride handling. The CR-V does many things well. The seats are some of the most comfortable Honda offers, the looks present a more formidable appearance and the ride feels secure at highway speeds and handling is pretty decent. Underneath the hood is a 190 HP 1.5 Turbo engine with a CVT transmission. Acceleration is very good for a vehicle in this category and as good as that CVT unit is, nothing will take the place of a geared transmission. Inside, several things Id like to see added for the price point of the touring are a Heated Steering wheel, ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof. A CD player has been left out of this generation!! Really? All in all, the CRV does what its supposed to do, looking and feeling good the whole time. One place, for me at least where I would like to see some improvement and it may come in time is an increase in fuel economy. Im not seeing the #s advertised. Usually 27.8 has been close to my avg with highway driving pushing 30mpg.

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  Serious Transmission Problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Suzi - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a Honda lover. However, with only 2 more car payments to go, the transmission began to slip severely, with only 70,000 miles. The problem only occurred when starting the car cold. After the engine warmed up, the transmission ran like a new car. The car is currently at the dealership, and they rebuilt the transmission which did not correct the problem. The 2000+ Accords had a cold- start transmission problem, and Honda offered extended transmission warranties, but this does not apply to my 98. I am very surprised and disappointed. I plan to get rid of the car as soon as the Honda dealership can figure out how to fix it!

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  accord - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Elbert - February 13 - 10:00 am

  one of the best cars Ive owned. Only replaced brake pads and normal service approaching 100k miles...

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  My Opinion - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By George Eid - February 13 - 10:00 am

  So far my experience with the PILOT is very good except the driver has to pay attention not to operate the wiper by trying to shift. It happened to me several time before I learn to pay attention.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By edojew - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Got a lot of compliments for both interior and exterior design. Quiet, smooth ride, and solid. Excellent performance. Compared with Camry 2003 Camry looked very conservative. But Accord has a sleek design. Had civic hatchback 1993. It was very good car-- smooth drive, solid and quiet. Very impressive with Honda.

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  My first Honda, IM IMPRESSED! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rich in Michigan - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have never researched a auto purchase as much as I did this one. Im totally happy with my decision! I cant wait to get behind the wheel. Im a realtor and spend alot of time in my car. The navigation system is incredible. All the realtors in my office want one. It is worth the extra money. I wanted the V-6, but after driving the 4, I couldnt see spending the extra money. The performance is excellent and gas mileage great. I surely would buy another Accord!