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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  Im lovin it! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Olga - July 1 - 8:43 am

  I traded my 2002 honda coupe for the hybrid. I wanted to save on gas. Its too soon to tell but I drove it for nearly 100 miles and didnt use a quarter tank yet. The car is really powerful and I have to keep track of how fast I go. The interior is very nice a spacious. I dont want to get out of my car.

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  Honda did it right - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dopplerdon - June 30 - 6:53 pm

  Excellent truck. This is my 5th truck I have owned by far the best. Price was a little high, but the Honda quality is worth it. I recommend this truck for anyone who needs a 4 door 4WD medium duty pickup.

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  Glad to be rid of this problem - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By carol Carter - June 30 - 6:27 pm

  Have had transmission trouble almost from the day I bought vehicle. Transmission has trouble shifting gears. Traded vehicle in less than one year, lost money but at least I am through with that vehicle. I will never buy another Honda.

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  Yawwwwwnnnnnn. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Xspark - June 30 - 5:13 pm

  This is my fourth Honda car and Im certain its my last. My third car was a 1995 Honda Accord V6 EX and I thought it was just a bad year for Honda. My 2001 2 DR V6 Accord is a little better but the design and ride is still just average. The drivers seat seems loose. Everytime I brake or accelerate the seat rocks forward or backward. Dealer stated there are no problems with it so I guess its just poor engineering. The car also seems to have difficulty finding the right gears in traffic. Im always lurching forward or back because the automatic gears cant decide on an appropriate gear. I imagine this car will rust soon just like my other Hondas did. Time to look at other makes.

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  Too Much Mechanical and Rust Problems - 1995 Honda Accord
  By spark - June 30 - 4:54 pm

  I purchase the Accord expecting a better experience than the Civic I owned. I was so dissappointed with this car after having numerous problems under warranty period. These are some of the problems with the car: ABS fails repeatedly (ABS lights up), window rolls up and down slowly, AC is never cold and warm/hot air is always comming out of the vents when the AC is off, Automatic shift lever keeps locking up in Park position, ignition key gets stuck, odometer gets stuck, engine idles very rough like an old diesel truck (it shakes and vibrates), and repeated rusting on back fenders which honda wont cover after 5 years if the rust reoccurs (and it does). More problems but Im out of space!

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  New EX-L Owner - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jim U - June 30 - 9:33 am

  Just got my new EX-L on 3/15. I love it. I had some accessories added, like wood trim, towing package etc. It looks and feels like an Acura, for a lot less. I like it better than our Highlander. It could be quieter inside, but all in all a very good buy.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JS - June 30 - 9:23 am

  Fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable for a small car. Great quality and nice features. Very appealing exterior design by Honda. Excellent investment during these tough times of rising gas prices. Tough decision after test driving both the Prius and Honda and ended up purchasing the Honda.

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  Third Time is not the Charm - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rodriguez - June 30 - 6:10 am

  This is my third Honda Accord (previous model years were 1986 and 2004) and I have not experience the same build quality as with the previous models. The 2003 model has numerous rattles (dashboard, front windows and headliner), the material covering the side curtain air bags is sagging (dealer advised this is normal), the plastic on the doors and door frame floor is wearing poorly, the plastic front seat moldings near the floor are uneven, the front windshiled exterior molding is buckling. Experienced numerous issues with the dealer. Delivered the vehicle without all of the purchased accessories, took two months to fix CD bin door. Overall, poor service.

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  Very happy with purchase - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis - June 29 - 7:50 pm

  Test drove this car before I purchased it and find take off wasnt as fast as I wanted it but, It is only a for a 4 cyl.. Other than that Im very happy with my purchase. Very dependable. I take care of my cars and plan to have this for many years to come....

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  Good purchase - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By David - June 29 - 7:36 pm

  All around good vehicle, 4WD works great in snow, gas mileage is about 20. Has area between front seats that collect trash and its almost impossible to clear. The good news is that you cant see this trash unless you know exactly where to look. Would be my first pick if I were looking for a small SUV.