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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  Economy Sports Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By krossk - May 7 - 1:50 am

  I had a very hard time finding a 5 spd. EX Coupe, but it was well worth the wait. This is my 5th Honda and Im sold on the quality, economy, and reliability. 35+ MPG (mostly highway) in the first 2 tanks. Great performance for the engine size. Transmission is a bit tight going into reverse at times and theres a minor rattle in the right rear - need to have the dealer check it out. Very comfortable for a 61" driver. The quick steering makes it feel like a sports car. But it feels much larger on the inside than it really is.

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  Little scared to drive - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By P.P. - May 7 - 1:26 am

  I love Hondas. Have had a few. Was excited to purchase the 2016 Honda Pilot. We have had the Honda for 1 year and 2 months..it has approximately 19thousand miles. Unfortunately, as the time increases things are starting to break. The passenger windows have had problems going back up...once down it may take several minutes to get the windows to roll up. The dealership is going to replace some parts and hope this will allow them to work again. The second row Passenger seat broke and was unable to move forward or back..the dealership fixed and I hope the other seats do not have problems. The biggest problem is the transmission. The engine started to make a chirping noise about 2 weeks ago when shifting into 4th gear or when you got to about 10/15 miles. I took it in to find out that it is unable to drive and will take 2 weeks to repair because it needs a new transmission. I find it a little scary after researching on the web that this is a common problem. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the car to express my concern. They suggested I call Honda directly. I have done this and now have a case file and they are to contact me tomorrow. With 3 kids and reading a lot of reviews of transmission problems and brake problems will admit am a little scared to drive once they fix. How do I know that this will not happen again or something else? I cant get over the fact that it has only 19 thousand miles and only about a year old. My husband is ready to trade the car in and call it a loss. Recommend doing a bunch of research before purchasing this type vehicle.

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  Best minivan out there - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivanfreak007 - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  Dont be fooled by those people that say the gas mileage is bad. They are probably jealous for buying a Sienna. The gas mileage has been superb for me: 23 MPG city and 27 MPG Highway. My van has 12,000 miles and has had no issues. Interior is Acura-like, and 255 HP engine is very reponsive and smoother than 266 HP Toyota Siennas engine. I love the Odysseys styling and its Luxurious feel inside.

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  S2K is a Dream Machine - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Mike Vermillion - May 6 - 7:16 pm

  The Honda S2000 is a front engine rear wheel drive convertable two seater, and yes, it is a HONDA! This car is amaizing, it handles like a dream, is very quick, and you can drop the top in about 5 seconds. My main dislike is the radio. The radio is completely inaudible if the top is down and you are traveling over 45 mph. the lower marks I gave the S2000 were for interior design and comfort. The radio is bad, and this car is not made to be comfortable, but to be driven hard.

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  My 1997 SE - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Erik Hoggatt - May 6 - 1:19 pm

  This is my baby, I take it every where. I drive it to work everyday and would not be afraid to take it coast to coast if needed. She has 230,150 miles on here and have only had services every 60,000 miles except for the timing belt replacement at 105,000 and 210,000 miles. I have the oil changed every 5,000 miles and would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needed a good commuter vehicle, I got 28.9 miles per gallon on my last tank and Im well on my way to 300,000.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By D.R. - May 6 - 11:53 am

  Was trying to decide between the Camry and the Accord. The Accord has so much style; a beautiful car and sporty (if youre not looking for the family thing). Its got a lot more power than expected from the 4 cyl and the handling is really nice. Much more sporty handling than the Camry. The exterior is beautiful, with a luxury look much like the Benz, and the controls are all conveniently placed. I drive it sometimes just for fun.

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  Very happy with Accord Sedan SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jeffrey D. Reifman - May 6 - 12:00 am

  I very much enjoy my 2007 Honda Accord SE 4 cyl sedan. I am very suprised will the amount of power the engine has, not to mention that the tune up timing is far and few between. I hope that it will be able to keep the car running at the same quality that my current 2000 Honda Accord EX 6 cyl sedan has. Should I need to purchase another car I would look at the Honda Accord, as well as checking the market place for the best car for me. Given all things remaining the same i would have no trouble in purchasing the same 2007 Honda Accord SE 4 cyl sedan.

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  Fair comparison - 2010 Honda Insight
  By nathan - May 5 - 11:23 pm

  Bought my Insight today for my college daughters and we took it straight from dealer to Santa Barbara for a 120 miles spin. We all loved it. All professional reviews are too harsh on Insight comparing with Prius. Insight has 10 times better driving position; better road feel; all the gadgets youngsters want (13 buttons on steering wheel plus pair of shifter paddles). Coupled with good price, this is a better choice. About accusing Insight copying Prius style, I remember this. Before Prius, there was this big ugly Pontiac. Before that, there was little cute Honda CRX. This style is for small cars. Insight has low and narrow profile to make it much nicer looking. And lots of fun.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mike Kirkpatrick - May 5 - 8:50 pm

  The bottom line is this is the best car ever built for the price, and in its class. It is fun to drive.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Enrique Muyshondt - May 5 - 4:00 pm

  I bought this vehicle new, for my wife in November of 2001 the minivan has 27000 miles, and the transmission went bad had to be replaced, fortunately the warranty was still in force. The Honda had a recall for the transmission in July 2004 for a KIT OIL JET that was replaced. The transmission went bad in March 2005 and had to be replaced. The automatic climate control does not operate properly in full auto. The brakes make a clicking noise when you back up the car. I was given a flyer that this was normal for Hondas, later on the brake pads were replaced on 07/04