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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  Love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By traveler - March 14 - 5:59 pm

  We did a lot of research before we bought the pilot. It has plenty of room and plenty of pep. Compared to the seats in a subaru outback, these seats are great. We tow it behind our motorhome and its really easy to set up to tow. We had a minivan and even though this is a little shorter, everyone is much more comfortable and the ride is great. We dont use the 3rd seat often, but its great to have when its needed. This is our first Honda car (my husband rides Honda motorcycles) and we love it! Last summer we drove 5 hours to Upstate NY with two kids (one is 16, the other is 10) and a golden retriever. Everyone was comfortable and the gas mileage was 23 mpg with the a/c on.

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  the best used car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By vtec - March 14 - 4:51 pm

  Bought my prelude as a used car. The car was 7 years old with 100000 miles. I owned it for 50000 miles had to fix 2 things, the oil pan and the clutch. This car is super fast and handles prefectly. Took it to the tracks pulled a 14.9 1/4mile with no performance parts. The car hangs like a dream, I have drifted going 70 miles an hour was able to keep control no problem. If you find a good deal BUY THIS CAR.

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  Best rag-top under $50K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By SLWeinstein - March 14 - 3:31 pm

  The S2K is one of those cars that actually exceeds expectations. Honda did a great job improving the car for 2004 by making it more street worthy. I tried the BMW Z-4 (disappointing handling and hot cabin), Miata (cute but not up to date in terms of performance), Boxster (driving position difficult to adjust and overpriced but otherwise my second choice). The more I drive the S2K themore I appreciate the purity and grace of this roadster. Its the best auto bargain out there. Now if only they would add run flat tires...

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  My baby since 1995!!!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Mylia - March 14 - 2:34 pm

  I love, Love, LOVE my 1993 Honda Accord EX 2-door coupe! I bought her in 1995, so I am her 2nd owner....but I still consider that I am her only owner. This has been the best and most reliable car I ever owned. She has just over 220,000 miles (200,000 driven by me) and has had only minor repairs over the years. Biggest things were timing belt, radiator, and brakes. Most parts are still the original. I cant say enough about how great this model year was (and still is). Her beauty on the road still holds up among all the "new model" babes out there. People are always commenting to me about how good she looks!

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  A hybrid you can keep your man card with! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Ed - March 14 - 9:05 am

  Leased this car off the lot when they couldnt give them away due to gas prices. I wasnt looking for a hybrid but the dashboard and instruments sold me. Its the base model but the dashboard is well thought out. No center needle to get in the way and it tells you what you need to know. One reviewer posted he couldnt change the radio stations to other than presets well you can you just hold the direction arrow and it seeks. It would be nice if they heater controls were on the wheel but oh well. Driving this car is a breeze actually let me rephrase it hauls ass. Getting on the freeway it goes from 30 to 70 right now. Sure theres a little engine noise but so what. Passing from 60-70 to 90 happens at a rate not expected in a 4 door 4 cylinder that makes your neighbors think you are frugal. This car actually held the record for longest trip on a tank of gas and I have come close. I drive from Nebraska to Michigan quite often and have clocked almost 600 miles on a tank several times and its a 14 gallon tank. Its one of the few new cars of that year that dont turn the headlight off when you turn on your signal, and the HIDs are amazing in the middle of nowhere. I have owned mostly performance cars and I have to say this one is quite possibly the perfect commute car. Now the bad parts. When steering under full acceleration the designers made the steering way to sensitive. It feels like you are steering from the top of the tires and its very touchy. If you live in a hot climate turn off ECO mode in the summer. The AC Compressor will cycle at idle in order to be more efficient and that cuts down on the cooling. The trunk is small a couple of larger carry ons and a gym bag are about the limit. The electric motor torque does not do it any favors on the OE tires leaving a stoplight in wet or snowy conditions there is a lot of wheel spin and cutout from the traction control kicking on and off. Its a car you have to adjust to driving just like any other but its also a 4 door hybrid that destroys most other cars to 40 from a stoplight including the CIVIC SI of the same year. I dont write reviews often but this car is actually worth the money I am paying. Its been a great car, has only been to the shop for the recall on the battery shutdown that was mentioned and in the spring and fall I am crushing the EPA Estimates. Winter the motor runs to heat the cabin and that does impact the efficiency as does the cold battery. Summer well I like AC so at 75MPH cruising with the AC set on ALASKA I am only getting about 48 MPG on my highway commute to work. Yeah you read that right plus did I mention its not a prius?

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  Dont Buy Accord V6 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By lofosuad - March 14 - 3:40 am

  On 4/16/98 I purchased my second Honda, an accord EX V6. On 2/12/99 I replaced the transmission computer, under warranty. On 5/19/00 there was a recall. At 100K after first engine tune-up, the alternator dies $275. A few weeks later the transmission goes out $3100, then the check engine light comes on, something about EGR valve $500. The check engine is back on again all this on top of expensive maintenance costs. The car has 109K miles on it, I am thinking about selling it. My advice to you is dont buy the accord V6 at least not the 98-01 model it was designed to break down. My girl friend has similar problems with 98 LX

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  Finally an SUV for everyone - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Roger - March 14 - 2:16 am

  This is the fourth Honda Ive owned and will be back for more. It was purchased for my wife and she absolutely loves it. The AWD has saved us many times in rain, snow, mud, etc. The cargo area is extremely large for such a small SUV. The fit an finish is much superior to that of the Ford/Mazda SUV. Quality interior and exterior, excellent engine (although a tad underpowered) and powertrain. Can not say enough good things about this vehicle. As long as you do routine maintainence this vehicle will last you a very long time.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Elephant - March 14 - 12:56 am

  This car is awesome in many ways. Lots of room for anything, and very well thought out. All the benefits of a larger SUV, with few trade offs.

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  - 2007 Honda Civic
  By High Mileage - March 13 - 11:23 pm

  Purchased car for 30,000 miles/yr. Have put 32,500 miles on car in first 12 months. Great gas mileage makes it fun to drive. Slight "re-connection" jerk when going from electric to gas motor at traffic light in Autostop mode. Two tier dashboard prevents gauges from being hidden behind steering wheel. For me, seats are not very comfortable for 3 or more continuous hours behind wheel. I purchased separate back/lumber and seat supports which helped considerably. Highly recommend set of 4 snows for winter. Gas mileage dropped from 44 to 36 during cold months in the northeast. Youll get 44 mpg at 75 mph all day long. Only problem yet was a driver window that did not close correctly.

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  2009 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By redflame - March 13 - 7:43 pm

  Best car purchase of my life x2. Had a civic back in 1995 - 2002 and loved it. Im so glad Honda came out with the hybrid. Looks a lot better than the Prius. I already have fallen in love with this car with 40+ mpg. Living 50 miles from my job helps me to save at the pump. This was the major buying factor for me other than I have always liked Hondas products.