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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  Better than a Suburban! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By KCB - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 4 girls aged 11-4 years. I was nervous about downsizing from a Suburban, but figured we always pack light anyway. This car is great. It is unbelievably quick, both in starting from 0 mph to 65 and in how quickly it stops when you break. Even my husband admitted it was SO much nicer to drive than the old truck. Additionally, it has a huge amount of space -- the cargo space in the back is very deep.

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  Si Grows Up ! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Si_Guy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  No longer a high-strung peaky hot rod, this new Si is aimed at a new market. This is the most European Honda ever sold here. Designed in Germany, built in England, this car is all a GTI should be, but isnt. The flat torque band pushes drivability far beyond any prior Si. The new 2L is perhaps the smoothest 4-pot made today and the 5 speed is the best of any FWD Honda. Other hatches may be hotter, but none can beat the refinement, smoothness, reliability and precision of the Si. If engineering excellence matters more to you than loud exhausts, slamming your ride or drag racing, this is the Si youve waited for.

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  Great car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Alper - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice. Would consider only Infiniti G35 as an alternative.

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  Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - January 10 - 10:11 am

  Good so far, hope it holds up to other hondas in reliability

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  Pilot is a winner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MaxVoe - January 10 - 7:06 am

  This is my fourth Honda. Two sedans, a 2000 Odyssey. Considered an Explorer first but this Pilot feels much roomier inside. It is as easy to drive as my Accord, and the ride is almost as smooth. Although I liked my Odyssey, I wanted to tow about 3500 lbs and felt uncomfortable doing that with a front drive only car. The AWD comes in handy and also helps getting up my driveway in icy Winters.The leather seats in the Pilot are even more comfortable than in my Odyssey, great for long distance driving. Service here in Hyannis has been outstanding.

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  The "Mayesmobile": A Well-Built Wagon - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Marc Mayes - January 9 - 10:58 pm

  A silver 1996 Honda Accord wagon has been in our family for so long, it has earned the loving nickname "The Mayesmobile". It has transported us through blizzards and hurricanes reliably and comfortably. For a decade, it has swallowed our hockey gear, musical instruments, friends and animals with ease. After all these years, it is still a peppy* drive, rattle-free over potholes, nimble in the corners and easy to parallel park. As the car has gotten older, we have had a few issues finding parts (struts at 90,000 miles) when weve needed them, but as of yet, no major repairs have been required outside of routine maintenance. It is easily the best car our family has ever owned.

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  Regret buying this car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By BMVA66 - January 9 - 9:00 pm

  My husband talked me into buying this car. The car has great power for a 4 cyl, the interior is real nice. Love the wood trim inside; radio has great sound; the seats are very uncomfortable for leather seats. The passenger seat is not power, which I do not like. After driving Cadillacs for 20 years, my husband wanted something more economical on gas and low maintence. Recently we had spent a lot of money on the Cadillac sedan deville 2001, with only 68,400 miles on it. However I was the main driver of the car and loved it. It drove and rode like a dream. It looked new inside and out. It broke my heart trading it in. Honda accord exl 4 cyl is a great car if u like small cars.

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  Elementary My Dear Honda - 2004 Honda Element
  By nrb - January 9 - 5:38 pm

  I have had my Honda well past the breaking in. As a matter of fact when I collided with a red light runner last year, I was lucky to have been driving my Element. My daughter and I were unhurt, and my Honda withstood the impact very well. The firefighters who rescued me were also impressed by the car-airbags deployed and all. I cannot say enough about this vehicle except to say that when my daughter leaves for college next year she will be driving the Element, and Momma is getting a new car, another Element. After all, when something fits and works so well, why change it? Thank you Honda engineers, you made the perfect multigenerational car. Now make a hybrid Element for me

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  beware - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JOHN B - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new 4 weeks ago due to high ratings the SUV has achieved. Now it is at the dealers. They have already replaced drive shaft and are going to "try" replacing rear differential due to a bad vibration I have had since the car was new a whole 1100 miles age. I want Honda to repurchase vehicle since I will no longer feel comfortable driving it. I WANT MY 1999 CADDY BACK!!!

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  just what I needed - 2001 Honda Civic
  By D Brown - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I love Hondas. Ive owned many cars over the years and nothing Ive had compares. I got this after my 87 Accord LXi finally died. This one is the right mix of sportiness and practicality for me. Ive never been a 4-door guy before, but with two small kids now, it makes sense. Installing their car seats and getting them in and out is a breeze. A five star crash rating, ABS, and good handling are all pactical plusses. The roominess for its class is outstanding. Im 63" and am quite cofortable behind the wheel. The VTEC gives me almost as much power as Id like and the acceleration is enough for me to pass with confidence.