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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  Not for a 64 plus height person - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Durham - February 15 - 4:58 pm

  We test drove an EX in July and went with the Touring model b/c of the features. Who would have known the seat belts were different from the EX to the Touring. I took the car into the dealership and they fixed what they could but I was told by American Honda the seat belts were mounted differently on these 2 models- so stupid!!! Youd think since you are paying more for a Touring it would have the better features in seat belts? WRONG! The passenger seat belt is 4 inches off from the drivers side, my husbands knees hit the dash on the drivers side but not the passengers side (yes the seat is all the way back), and the seat belt barely fits him (he is a bigger guy, broader shoulder guy) on the drivers side but every other seat belt in the vehicle, he can buckle just fine and not be "locked up". His brother is 66 and doesnt fit comfortably in the car either. We are already looking to trade it in within a year. Not the comfort we test drove in July.

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  Good solid car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By You know me - February 15 - 3:22 pm

  Weve had to put minimal money into this car, since we bought it. Recently we had a check engine light come on and we found out it has a cracked exhaust manifold. No explanation given for this, but considering Hondas reputation, this is a surprise. Has remarkably kept its value and this is the first thing other than brakes, exhaust and tires that weve ever had to do to it. Nice drive but not nearly as good as the 93 civic ex we had before it. The 93 we had until it had 193,000 miles on it. This one has 118,000 and Im tired of it.

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - February 15 - 4:36 am

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  A moms take: All seems well, except for the radio - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By FirstHonda17 - February 15 - 3:16 am

  This is my first Honda. Before this I had Sienna AWD minivans (two back to back.) My kids are a little older, so I was excited to get out of the van. (Personally, if you have small kids-go with a van for a while, worry less about image and go for space and ease of use. Nothing beats sliding doors with young kids and the extra space is grand. I cant live without AWD- so the Sienna was the only choice- but my goodness the van really could go places (think hauling grain through the pasture to the horse barn....steep driveway in snow.) So, I knew I wanted an AWD model and I knew I need some space, since I was used to a van for a dozen years! Honda Pilot earned my purchase with the following: -Love the ease of the flip 3rd row space. One pull. Can do it with a grocery bag in your arms. -Love the flip up hidden space in the back- and the genius of storing the board. Makes a great grocery bag pit one day and can flip to flat storage (hauling more grain) in like 3 seconds. -3rd row is for real- I can fit three smaller 12 year olds back there and it will work for 2 growing teens with ease. -Easy to get to back row with push button flip. -Second row folds flat- or I can fold part of it flat to produce the cargo room I need. -Like the AWD. Drove home in snow last night and liked the SNOW mode. -Driver seat super comfy and adjustable. -GREAT SIGHT LINES out of vehicle. -Fun to drive. -This was my first smart key. Love the remote start, and most of all, never having to take key out of purse to unlock or lock. -Sunroof is nice. Like the light it gives the cabin. -EX-L model seemed to have enough to feel luxurious to me, without the extra bells I didnt want. -Lane watch for right lane is pretty cool. -Easy connection for blue tooth to my phone. -I love the look. I think function comes before form in cars, but so far I feel I have both. The BIG disappointment: The radio. Sounds isnt really good. But that I can live with better than the fade that happens on FM. It just gets softer and muffled out of no where and then will turn up later. It doesnt matter the station. My dealer did not warn me of this, which was disappointing. Honda claims they will fix it---when a fix is determined.

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  One good car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jean Victor Mojica - February 15 - 2:00 am

  It is one zippy car. It can handle curves with ease. It also has the capablities to be upgraded to a 300hp monster.

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  Love it! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By lovethis_CRV - February 15 - 2:00 am

  More we drive it more, more we like it! I work in DC and its perfect for city and highway driving. Dont have trouble parking anywhere. Plenty of room to carry just about anything.

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  Perfect, almost - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Greg in L.A. - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I was drawn by the exceptional improvements over the 2001. The rear wheel disc brakes, metal timing chain, greater interior space, the 100,000 tune-ups, and the greater engine size/power, for the 2002 left the 2001 CRV in the dust.

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  Nates EXEL - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By nate - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Our family really loves the ODY. I was impressed with the quality of the entertainment system. If you are considering buying an ODY, get it with the factory system, the front radio controls everything, which you wouldnt get after-market, and its a reasonable price.

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  Great, sporty economy car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By scottie - February 15 - 2:00 am

  THe honda civic ex, when mated to a stick shift, is actually a surprisingly sporty car. the engine is quite peppy and the vtec growl pleases every time. 0-60mph comes in roughly 8 seconds, which is quite good for its class. sure, its no racer, but thats because the fuel mileage and the comfort of the car is also far superior than others in its class. also, one cant go wrong with honda reliabilty and resale values. Thumbs up for the civic.

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  Certainly a Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RMForlenza - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Another in a long line of reliable Hondas. Cant be the low cost of ownership. Get your oil changes and no problems. Only problem is a drivers side window quirk. Cold wet weather and it requires some help closing.