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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  Great Choice for Family & Fun - 2008 Honda Accord
  By eyc51k - December 4 - 6:40 am

  Love the car all around. Comfort is great for my six foot 215 lbs. Stereo rocks. Handles great with solid quick response. Mileage is great considering the size and the power more than enough. Excellent visibility. I drive a 140 miles daily and this car make it a pleasure. My only negative-- I donÂ’t really like the electronic mirror because I have sensitive eyes. I was told by Honda service it canÂ’t be replaced because of wiring harness. I opted for fog lights which are costly, my only extra along with mud flaps.

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  superior in its class - 1995 Honda Civic
  By HondaConvertee - December 4 - 6:30 am

  I had thought used Hondas were overpriced. Then I got lucky and found a 95 EX coupe/automatic that was a bargain. Now I gladly pay the premium to buy Honda. Civics are well designed, well built. The EX is sporty, economical, reliable. If I were to give this car a report card, it would get all As, with the one glaring weakness being very poor traction in the snow (special compound snow tires addressed that issue). In sum, the only way you can go wrong buying a used Civic is to overpay for it.

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  Great Car!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By thrilled owner - December 4 - 4:58 am

  Ive had my Pilot for almost 6 months now and I love it!! The storage is great...drink holders for everyone too! The seat warmers are great. Has great "get up and go" and very easy to handle when driving. Smooth and quiet. I absolutely love my car and am so glad I have it!!

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  Excellent! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Farg - December 4 - 4:53 am

  As our boys are getting older, we decided it was time to downsize from a Toyota Sienna to a compact SUV. We considered all makes but we kept returning to the CR-V and we could not be happier. The features are spot on and all the controls are well thought out. It has plenty of power even when hauling around 4 adults and their gear. There is a bit of wind/road noise, but it was a lot less then competitive vehicles like the RAV4. We were a bit concerned that it would be under powered, especially compared to the V-6 in our Sienna, but it is just fine.

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  My very last Honda or Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By John Pankratz - December 4 - 12:01 am

  I was one of the first in America to take delivery on my 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite. The dealership had not even been trained on the whole new technology system so i still have no idea to work most of the functions on the computer. I told the general manager of the dealership to have someone at Honda contact me, so I could set up a private education session for my wife and I. That has not happened and it has been over a month and a half. 2 weeks ago my 12 year old son grabbed the front grab handle and it came off in his hand as he fell to the ground. Lots of rattles and noises that our 2 previous Honda Odysseys never had. Now the "biggie" A week ago the rear passenger door window stopped working. Brought it to my local dealership who looked at it and said it was probably the motor. We made an appointment for Monday July 17, 2018 at my local dealership to have the window fixed. Today i was told by my dealership to come pick up my van and that the window was not fixed!!??? They told me that Honda USA is well aware of a problem with the rear windows on these new 2018 Odysseys and that parts are on backorder and Honda has "no idea" when the parts will be available!! So I wasted two days of my wife and my time to get my broken van back that is still broken. This new Odyssey has less than 2,000 miles on it...and if we could bring it back for a full refund we would run not walk. This van is a piece of $%&(

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  Great car...Good price - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - December 3 - 10:28 pm

  In need of a good dependable car, I researched the Toyota and Saturn.The Honda was, in my opinion the best. The ride is comfortable and reasonably quiet. The gas mileage could be better but not terrible. Overall, A quality vehicle.

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  Atlanta Driving - 2004 Honda Element
  By Benjiz - December 3 - 8:49 pm

  This is the most utilitiarian vehicle I have owned. Much more interior space than my other Jeep Cherokee. I have moved everything from big TVs to a pullout sleeper sofa in it. It has adequate power and mileage. I do mostly highway driving. Avg HWY MPG 25. Love the vehicle, could use minor improvements then PERFECT..

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  Totally Cool Roadster - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Ed Horowitz - December 3 - 4:43 pm

  I can sum up in one word what this Honda S2000 is, "COOL". It is registered and regarded as a car. But, it performs like no car that I ever had before. Its performance is more like a four wheeled motorcycle and is low slung like a go cart. It gets attention and looks wherever I take it. I wasnt exactly thrilled about running it on super unleaded gas at first. However, its stingy, strong running four banger gets me 26 to 28 miles to the gallon combined city and freeway driving. When I took it to my Honda dealer for its first service appointment, I was afraid that I was in for one heck of a bill. Surprisingly, my wifes Camry cost more to service. I am very happy with my S2000.

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  20005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pat Howell - December 3 - 12:02 pm

  I find the Honda Pilot to be an excellent quality vehicle. Its interior design gives the driver and passengers exceptional comfort and room. It is a true eight passenger vehicle and affords comfort for all even when loaded to capacity. The Honda Pilot handles well both around town and on the highway. One only needs to sit in the vehicle and close the door to experience the solid workmanship.

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  comfortable fun ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By orange - December 3 - 10:00 am

  this my fourth honda .Its great fun ride.very smooth,roomy .