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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  Buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DC - October 12 - 6:49 am

  Great truck for people who have treated there cars like trucks for years. The trunk feature in the truck bed is great. All around great truck.

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  Acceptable but not great - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Steven Neal - October 12 - 5:42 am

  My wife and I went out to try what was available. We went with the Elite trim to get most of the features we wanted. We have a path we drive with all vehicles so it is and Apple to Apple review. The ride was harsher than I expected and the acceleration was disappointing. The road noise was higher than I expected on the interstate. The small detail that caused us to eliminate the Pilot was at the Elite trim level the second row seat option is captains chairs only. We wanted a bench.

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  Sure beats buying new! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By MAS123 - October 11 - 11:32 pm

  Looked around at new 2006 Civics and stumbled across a nice loaded 2001 EX coupe with low mileage (34k), Honda certified, for less than half of the price of a new 2006 coupe (<$10k). Very spacious, smooth, nice features, ergonomic interior. Youll have to pry this car out of my hands in 10 years - unless you can find me something else that gets good mpg, is comfortable and fun to own, is extremely safe, and holds its value as well as the 7th gen Civic. Im waiting, meanwhile Ill be cruising in my Honda getting 38 worry-free miles per gallon.

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  Awsome car, recommended to anyone....... - 2000 Honda Civic
  By MY FIRST car+Best - October 11 - 11:01 pm

  I bought this 2000 civic Dx, the gas is cheap, is a little more expensive than American car, but its worth it to spent a little more for better quality. Im just 19 years old, I paid it all in cash, and is my first car, so I think is a good car, a very good car, 00 Civic rocks!

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  Honda compared to my 05 Grand Caravan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MikeDB52 - October 11 - 7:00 pm

  Impressive overall, but does not shift as smoothly as the Caravan, although mileage has held at about 20 mpg (about the same as the Dodge). The controls are confusing, especially for a person accustomed to driving American-designed cars (are you listening Japan?). Power doors should have a disconnect feature to allow you to open them easy to open without power assist like the Dodge. Plush interior is on a par with my father-in- laws Avalon. Auto climate control for the rear zone, variable heat setting for the seats, roof rack bars, should be standard equipment at this trim level like on the Dodge. Love the van, but do not feel it is worth a $4,000 to $6,000 premium over the Dodge!

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  Excellent car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By stinger427 - October 11 - 6:13 pm

  I really do not understand all of the complaints about road noise. The car rides smoothly and isnt noisy. Great car, very happy with my Honda. Our dealership we purchased from is by far the worst dealership Ive every purchased a car from. Rosen Honda, Gurnee

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  Hate PAX Tires - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JWB - October 11 - 3:16 pm

  The van itself is really good. However, the PAX tires are HORRIBLE!! Paid extra to get the touring edition, after 29,000 miles, tires were worn out. Had to wait over a week to get new tires in, cost over $200 per tire to replace. Brushed one up against a curb and the part of the brand new tire peeled off. Honda would not replace it. I feel like I was ripped off by the PAX tire and by Hondas lack of willingness to take responsibility for the problem. The tires wear out quickly and are difficult to get replaced in a timely manner. This is the only tire available for the touring edition.

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  I LOVE my Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Sonia - October 11 - 1:43 pm

  Ive made three payments on this car and its the first time in my life that I dont mind writing out a check! The UMF suprises me--sometimes it seems like my car just wants to get up and go (lots of power for a 4 cyl.). Its very stylish and it looks like I paid alot for this car but I didnt. I was blessed to pay $19,990 for this car + TTL. Very affordable. Unfortunately some dummy in a 1980 Toyota rear-ended me last month (ouch!) but my bumper did what it was supposed to do and my car is back to the war it looked-- beautiful! I recommend this car to anyone who enjoys driving a sedan.

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  Absolute Quality - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Reasonable Consumer - October 11 - 1:05 pm

  I have owned this car since new and it currently has 130,000 miles in just under 4 years. About 75% of my driving has been freeway 25% in town. Replaced the catalytic converter as only "major repair" - cost me around $500. Maintenance: Oil changed every ~4k miles, fuel filter each year, air filter every 20k miles, spark plugs &timing belt once each, flushed transmission fluid (automatic) and coolant once each, just bought new front brakes, have good tires and rotate every ~5-10k. Car gets 36-39 mpg at 75-85 mph freeway driving depending on winter or summer 32-36 in town. Its time for me to step up, but Ill likely stay w/in Honda family and buy used Acura TL, while keeping the Civic.

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  Love Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Ross - October 11 - 5:14 am

  I have had this car for over a year and a half and I love it. I always wanted one since 97 when they came out and when my old accord was totalled I jumped at the opportunity to buy a good used Prelude. I have not been dissappointed.