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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  This is a great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Miguel - June 9 - 5:20 am

  The re-designed exterior is great- looking. I see older Accords on the road and they look boxy and nondescript. The 08 is a beauty, especially in the deep burgundy. The interior is fantastic. Big and spacious, with a ton of high-end features (on the model I got) like Navigation, heated seats, XM, dual climate control (automatic too), auto- dimming rear view mirror, 6-CD stereo, nice leather, etc. Riding in this car feels very similar to riding in cars that cost $15k more. The ride is great too. I dont know why some folks bemoan the VCM shifting between 6, 4, and 3 cylinders. I dont notice a thing. It is very smooth and seamless. I really like this car a lot.

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  All That!!!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Doug - June 8 - 10:56 pm

  This has been an amazing experience. I owned a 91 Civic three door and have driven a few different cars between. This car gives you more than you moneys worth. I decided on the DX-G but the SI was hard to leave in the showroom. Its no wonder this car was best in its class last year. Driving this car is the most fun Ive had behind a wheel in a long time.

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  The Honda Elite is my XT5 - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By C. Alan - June 8 - 10:38 am

  I love this vehicle! I have owned 12+/- Hondas, with all of which I have been very pleased. I was going to buy a Cadillac XT5, but then I saw the Pilot Elite. Wow! My past experience with Honda and the fact a comparably equipped XT5 would have cost me $15,000 more than the Elite, made my purchase a no-brainer. The ride, quietness,and safety features are superb!

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  1999 Honda Accord - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Sherry Kendall - June 7 - 10:13 pm

  I have not had any problems out of my Honda Accord since I bought it 3 years ago. I have had to replace the breaks almost every year and have already replaced the rotors and I am not hard on breaks.???

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  11 Years Later...Good as New! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Allison - June 7 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my 2005 Honda Accord EX-L brand new in 2005. 11 years later she is still going strong with 180,000 miles! I have replaced only the brakes, battery, and tires over the life of this car. The car has a great ride and my mechanic says I can take it another 180,000. This is just simply a fantastic car!

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  Good choice - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RichK - June 7 - 4:16 am

  I commute 160 miles round trip to work every day and have 48,000 miles on this one year old LX 4 door. Reliability has been great. I have gotten up to 42 miles per gallon on the interstate and its not a hybrid. Cruise control is used and speed is usually around 70 mph. Visibility is good. The car is a quiet rider. Passing power is adequate but there are some strange transmission noises which Im told is normal. The OEM Goodyear Eagle tires are not wearing well, 40,000 mile are getting noisy and not holding up too well and will be replaced. Overall the car is great and looks good too.

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  WOW - What a first impression - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bblh627 - June 6 - 11:10 pm

  I have only owned my Ridgeline for a couple of days, but what a couple of days it has been. I was not sure I liked the looks of the truck when I first saw it. But after comparing and reviewing other models and trucks I decided to take one for a test drive. I was hooked as soon as I started to drive. The cabin inside is luxiourious, comfortable, and well thought out. Storage space is close to overwhelming with the coolest center console I have ever seen. The truck truly drives like a fine tuned machine with no shacks, shimmies, or jolts: I think it rides better than my Accord EX I just traded in. The power is good and strong and will not leave standing at a stop light. I love my truck

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  Great Car for the Price - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Michelle - June 6 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle under the asking price so I got a great deal. I love this vehicle. I do not miss anything by getting the LX model. The base model for the Pilot has everything I need and want in a car. We test drove other SUVs but nothing compares to this for the price and for all the standard options.

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  Fit for a King... a Queen, and 2 dogs - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Chirsg619 - June 6 - 11:20 am

  When we went looking for a car, we had never heard a Fit much less saw of one. After having seen one, my wife said "It looks like if got punched in the nose." Needless to say, we were less than impressed; at first. Once we saw the type of room inside, you can fit an Alpaca for Gods sake, we were intrigued. After the test drive, it was time to do some online research. A week later, we drove home in our new little buddy. I parked my Mazda RX-8 in the garage and was able to pay for the Fit with gas savings alone. After 6 months, we already have 20,000+ miles on it and it still runs like a champ. The only issue was a dent received in a parking lot and a cracked windshield. We love it!

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  Bubba STILL Loves This Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Bubbalovesthiscar - June 5 - 9:23 am

  Its been several months since I first purchased this car and wrote my first review (4/3/10 original). Ive got nearly 7000 miles on the car. I hate when Im NOT driving it. I cant help it. Its a fun car to drive and its still turning heads (believe me: It aint ME theyre looking at!). Its the perfect combination of style, class, performance, and usefulness.