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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  Still figuring it out - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mikeyg - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is a fun car to drive. i test drove all similar cars on themarket and this was by far the best. Comparisons, RSX, GTI. This car has all the features you need. Great city car.

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  Great 2nd car for kids! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jakeandwillsdad - January 5 - 11:18 pm

  This is a great car. I have always had love hate relationships with my cars but this one is very different. I love the space inside. This car is wonderful for my kids. It is a perfect small family car. My kids feel like they are going on a ride every time they are inside it. My youngest son would sit in it all day if you let him. It is also fairly inexpensive to repair. I did some damage to the inside on the dashboard and it was under 50$ to replace the piece. A great car.

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  Power sliding door not opened - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ray - January 5 - 11:14 pm

  I owned this minivan for 5 months so far and Im not satisfied with the reliability. First I need to point out that this car is made in USA. So I will except some little issue will happen but it is too soon to my expectation. I have a 1999 Honda Accord and never had any issue, only replaced one light bulb and turning bulb (regular maintain not included) for 18 year of ownership. So for this 2018 Honda Odyssey, I have a couple issue so far: 1. Passenger power sliding door just not opening yesterday, I can hear the motor is trying to open the door but cant. I tried everything such pullin the outside handle, remote control, inside button and driver side main control button. No succeed. 2. Auto shut off idling function is not working most of the time, when I activate it, do nothing, engine not auto shut off. 3. The motion sensor from the tail door is not working most of the time, I followed the video from you tube and I can only open it 2 times so far. (Lol) 4. Driver power sliding door sound weird now, hopefully it wont break.

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  A Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Larry Juan - January 5 - 8:16 pm

  Excellent preformance .... superb handling and best in class brakes

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  First Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By william - January 5 - 4:10 pm

  I went to the Honda dealer looking to buy an Accord, but went with the civic instead, better gas mileage, and renowned dependibility. This car shfits perfectly, is very smooth and responsive, handles great, rides great, and is great on gas, which makes me feel better, being more responsible with the good Lords planet earth. It was not until after I bought it did I realize it was motortrends car of the year. A truly great machine.

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  Just What I Wanted - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Frank - January 5 - 12:07 pm

  I often use this to transport heavy loads. My old station wagon used to groan, but this SUV takes twice as much easily. The seats fold away quickly. There are numerous 12V outlets and many cupholders when I transport the Little Leaguers. It even seats eight. Only drawback is road noise on the highway.

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  Great car - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Teresa - January 5 - 12:04 pm

  No I dont have to plug it in. This vehicle has been incredibly reliable, like every other Honda I have owned. The color looks as fresh as if it was brand new. Everything is easy about this car, washing it, checking and changing the oil, and driving. The trips tho the gas station are the best attribute. 10 gallons of regular gas gets 500 miles of driving. Cant beat that.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jordan - January 4 - 9:53 pm

  Awesome car, we took it on our trip to CO, best trip ever had!

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  Comfortable and snappy econobox - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SdeB - January 4 - 6:43 pm

  This car handles well, has a comfortable ride and spacious interior. Dont expect sports car like grip or tautness and you wont be disappointed. The interior is practical and well laid out albeit bland. The trunk is very large. Economy is among the best in its class and it does not come at the expense of performance. The 4 cylinder is smooth and quiet. I tend to select cars that appeal on an emotional level. This one does not. Its common, competent and safe. Costing of ownership is about the lowest for this size of car.

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  Part Time Pickup - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oldse - January 4 - 5:43 pm

  Ive been very impressed with the quality and with the handling. It is just enough pickup for what I need and will fit in my garage (barely).