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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  Bring Back The Economical Hatchbacks! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Mary - November 28 - 5:06 am

  Ive had this car since 1997, and the previous owner was going to do an engine swap, but I stopped him by offering a reasonable amount of money. I can tell you that I do not regret buying this car at all. I love how people with gas-guzzling SUVs get surprised at how much this car can carry. Since now, it has been trouble free, and it is very simple and cheap to maintain. Seats are still comfortable. Its environment friendly. I even sold my 97 BMW M3 just to keep my Civic VX. It may not be as fast, but id rather have a safer, reliable, cleaner, more fuel economical car that promises to start every time you turn the key!

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ashtabhujadhari - November 28 - 3:06 am

  This is my first mini-van and the one I "upgraded" from sporty 3000 GT. Im surprised by the handling of this vehicle. Although it cannot come close to the GTs performance in turns, it handles better the most sedans. Interior is also very well designed. Removing and installing the second row seats was tricky the first time but once you know the order it is easy.

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  A long term friend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ELAINE LICARI - November 27 - 11:24 pm

  I hate to sell this car after 13 years of great service. The only reason I am buying a new car is b/c the 2003 has 180,000 miles and I didnt want to push the luck I had for so long. When I went to buy another Honda CRV (stick with a winner), there was another car on the lot just like mine (except it had automatic transmission and mine was manual). It had 400,000 miles on it.

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  A long term friend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ELAINE LICARI - November 27 - 11:24 pm

  I hate to sell this car after 13 years of great service. The only reason I am buying a new car is b/c the 2003 has 180,000 miles and I didnt want to push the luck I had for so long. When I went to buy another Honda CRV (stick with a winner), there was another car on the lot just like mine (except it had automatic transmission and mine was manual). It had 400,000 miles on it.

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  CIVIC LX SEDAN - 1999 Honda Civic
  By carguy20 - November 27 - 2:40 pm

  Ive had Civic LX sedan for the past 6 years and have no complaints. The engine runs like champ, transmission still going strong. The Civic is a great commuter car , that gets great gas mileage, easy to park, etc. The Japanese know how to make cars.

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  Bluetooth Throws off system - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dee - November 27 - 2:24 pm

  On several occasions Ive had issues where Im using the Bluetooth and my whole system blacks out. My key fab doesnt unlock/lock the car, I changed out the key fab and it still fails from time to time. The manual key wasnt unlocking either. Dont recommend this car from a technology standpoint. Honda needs to step up their game in this category. Each time i go to the dealer to report this issue.. because it doesnt happen right then and there.. they do nothing. Its extremely frustrating and I wont buy another Honda again.

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  this car rocks - 2006 Honda S2000
  By phil - November 26 - 8:47 pm

  I have a 911 c2 cab and I have to admit the s2000 is more fun to drive. The porsche is somewhat more comfortable but I feel the handling and the shifting in the s2000 is better. Dont get me wrong I love my porsche but for the money and styling the s2000 is the better deal. A porsche has status and and lets face it it has great manners and heritage, but the s2000 handles just as well and is really fun to drive. I feel more connected with this car than the porsche. Maybe because it is smaller and lower to the ground and because the shifter has shorter throws. Overall glad I bought this car and will own it for many years to come.

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  Great Until Transmission Went Out - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Mark Johnson - November 26 - 2:44 pm

  I bought this car new. Automatic. No problems at all until transmission went out at 86,000 miles. Will cost me $2600 to replace with a used transmission with 46,000 miles on it. Ouch! What a surprise! My car before this, a 1991 Honda Accord, had 230,000 on it when I got rid of it and no transmission trouble. My next car will be another Honda Accord.

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  05 EX with NAV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By THD - November 26 - 12:50 pm

  Overall this was a good purchase. Dont like that the passenger seat does not have power. Even with Premium gas we have not been able to get the stated gas mileage of 22. It really eats gas over 70 mph on the highway. :-( Also, dont quite understand why you cant get both DVD and NAV. The rear seat climate control does not adjust fan speed, only temp. Very peppy for take off. Also, first smaller suv I have not been afraid of rolling in high speed manuevers. Very much liked the safety ratings. The 05 did not come with side curtain air bags, but for $5000 more, the 06 did. The 06 also came with a variable speed motor which greatly improved its gas mileage.

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  Best tool I own - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By aaanders - November 26 - 12:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after LOTS of research. Not only did it meet all of my requisites, but exceeded most! A true joy to drive, it handles inclement weather like it was born to be in the rain. Comfort for five with no hump in the middle! 900 lb payload still had over 17.5 MPG. Clients love it on road trips. Valet parkers ask if I wouldnt mind having it left in front. Regularly exceeds 21MPG on extended road trips up and down the State of California. Trailer of 1500+ lbs to Vegas...no sweat. Its a Honda.