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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By happy with Accord - September 14 - 9:33 am

  This is the best car I heve ever owned. Very reliable, tight steering, safe for accidents, smooth fast engine, good gas mileage for 240 horsepower. I drive a unusual amount of miles and it is a pleasure in this car.

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  Finally--One to Keep - 2005 Honda S2000
  By LouisM - September 14 - 9:17 am

  This is hands down the most fun car I have ever owned. Gorgeous styling--and, no, it cannot be mistaken for a Miata-- terrific handling, one of the sexiest engine notes imaginable (especially post 6200 rpm), high performance gearbox and shifter, incredibly precise handling/cornering, Honda reliability, a 30k price tag, plus the fact that you see relatively few of them on the road make this a most desirable car. I love it when, as it often does, people ask at lights or at the gas station what Im driving. To a person they say they never heard of the s2000 and that they love the looks. I have to agree with them. I will be keeping this one a long, long time.

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  Beware of the rear headroom in the hatchback! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kamil Iskra - September 14 - 8:55 am

  I test drove an EX hatchback and eventually did *not* buy one. There was one particular aspect which gave me a pause but which many reviews seem to miss: the rear headroom. Im tall, but nothing crazy (6ft) and when sitting in the back, my head was firmly against the ceiling. Curiously, that wasnt the case if I set completely straight, only when I reclined comfortably -- I would hit the edge of the ceiling with the back of my head. It seems that the ceiling in this car just isnt very flat and leans too much into the cabin near the edges. Considering how large this new Civic is compared to the older ones, I find this unacceptable. Note that I set in a sedan version for comparison and that one was OK -- this problem is specific to the hatchback.

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  Since a Volvo wasnt in the budget... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Cadia - September 14 - 3:43 am

  Bought in June, 07, and aside from thinking Im cursed for buying a new car (Ive already been dinged, rear- ended, gently fortunately, and scratched by an eager canine at the dog park), Im happy to have my first Honda after years of Volvos (finally got tired of the repairs and new ones are budget busters for me). Tried the RAV but like many people, the swing back hatch doesnt work. Its my first Honda and so far so good; decent gas mileage, comfortable for the dogs (and me), and excited about the low maintenance and high resale.

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  im getting another one! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jayw - September 14 - 2:00 am

  i leased a 2001 s2000 and am planning to get another! i just drove a 2004 and dont know if the power is improved or not. overall, this is a great car! i love that there arent many of these on the road. for the $$, its the best buy out there in the covertable market.

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  Hot Honda S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By benjammins2000 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This extremely more car than the sticker price. Everyone wants to look at this car. The handling is great, accelleration equal or better than cars twice the cost. Honda Engineers hit a home run with the 04 S2000.

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  The Element needs restructoring - 2004 Honda Element
  By ROHONDA ARMONY - September 14 - 2:00 am

  stylish, but in the end i have found lousy brake system, poor gas mileage and the suspension system does not take bumps well. Tires on it are not responsive to the poor Pennysylvania roads. would not buy this car again or recommend it to be bought. Lousy performance for the money.

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  I love my Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Epps - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We did a lot of research on SUVs and also used Consumer Reports recommendation. We needed an 8 seat SUV and I am not a Van person. I can carry 7 teenagers (put basketball players in 3rd row seat) plus myself. It handles like a good car, has lots of storage space, radio can be handled from 2nd row seat and has loads of cargo space.

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  South America Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ricirene - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Used daily on steep dirt and gravel roads to work and shopping. Used on a long trip on unimproved mountain roads in Chile and Argentina, including heavy snow and heavy rain. Used on another long trip with 8 people aboard. Exterior appearance much better than I had been led to believe from reviews. Had an Acura MDX in United States prior to moving to Chile - loved it, but the Pilot is better. Superb!

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  Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By NHPaul - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After test driving Toyotas Rav4, 4Runner, and Highlander, as well as the Honda Pilot, we were convinced that for the price, the CR-V was the best buy. Now, after having it for almost 6 months, we still love it! I drive it to work (42 miles each way) and have not had one (1) bad experience with it. It is not a million dollar car, but for the $24K that I paid for it, it is worth every penny!