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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  Good but already seeing first problem - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic2006 - December 12 - 10:33 am

  Overall the car is what you expect, decent, dependable with a good mileage. But just 5 days into owning it I have seen the first problem. There is a vibration sound at low speeds(around 39- 42 MPH) when running on the 5th gear and slighlty stepping on the pedal or moving across a slight incline. Honda engineer should have easily spotted this problem.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jmckneely - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for about a month now and the car is excellent. I have no complaints. The car still turns heads when you drive it down the road, and it performs incredibly!!

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TRKY - December 12 - 2:00 am

  It looks perfect so far. I think it is the best SUV in it is class. I am so happy that I purchesed it. It tooke me 2 months of thinking and compairing with the Toyota Highlander before I decided that it is better for a family man.

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  pushin a pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tgood - December 12 - 2:00 am

  the Pilot is a sharp, 4dr bizness vehicle and the yakroof racks contain the weekend yaks with very good stability. I have pushed the crap out of the pilot on the texas highways - 85mph for hours with good gas economy for this speed. It has greater inside cubics than its sister the Accura MDX, is 18% less in original cost and uses regular gas, versus premium on the MDX (for the same engine). great front interior space and comfort/widthroom/legroom/headroom (im 64"). The auto 4wd works quite well on the slick streets & fishin spots. A great vehicle for the $ and longevity.

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JGRacer - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Not as many bells and whistles as the Jeep Cherokee but a far superior ride and comfort. This is a SUV that drives like a sedan. The stereo leaves a little to be desired.

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  Vehicle satisfaction - 2003 Honda Civic
  By cuskelly - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Most impressive feature in my opinion in a Honda Civic is interior of the vehicle which is compact and efficient. Every operational apparatus is readily available to the driver to alter or change with a minimum of effort.

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  Best car for buy and sell - 2002 Honda Accord
  By lemonjuice - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven Honda Accords, I have accord 92 with 110k miles, everything still original and still like new,and the value of the car is still good even after few years. This 2002 accord I alwyas use for a long distance traveling and very fun and comfort. Once you have driven an accord, you never want to drive another car.

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  Best Accord Yet - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RBH - December 12 - 12:56 am

  We went back to a Honda Accord after a few other makes (and one Civic SI) since our 97 Accord. This model is light-years ahead of our last Accord. Very smooth fast acceleration, quite ride. Great highway car. XM radio is terrific and the sound system is good. Would like to have memory seats. The tires need upgrading. Otherwise one terrific automobile.

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  2006 Ridgeline RTS - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By moose - December 11 - 11:40 pm

  I didnt expect to buy this yet, as I still had 10 months left on the Tundra. But I got such a good deal with 0% financing for 5 years, that I could not resist. Only have about 150 miles on it, but I really love the way this truck rides, handles and operates for creature comfort. Will be towing a motorcycle/sidecar combination with it, so that should be interesting. It gets a lot of looks and great comments. Everywhere I go, it is really an attention getter. But it deserves it. It is one great truck. And that after 15 years of Toyotas, 3 tacos and 1 tundra. Early mileage around town is very hige teens, but too earlhy to tell. Get yours now!

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  This car is fantastic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By ztimulating - December 11 - 10:12 pm

  Bought this for the kids because it has automatic braking and my short offspring liked the visibility. A lot of folks think kids should drive old cars because mistakes are less costly. As a 20 year insurance professional I know protecting my childrens lives is more important so finding a car with auto brake lead me here. The car has a top IIHS rating (NHTS star rating is worthless in my opinion) but in addition to being safe this thing is great to drive. My daily driver is a sports car and I am very happy jumping into the Civic with half the horsepower because the chassis is fantastic, it makes the whole driving experience nice. This is our first CVT transmission, Honda really dialed it in and it does not distract from the experience. The control layout is great, apple and android car play is fantastic, this $20K car has better nav then my spouses $45K factory nav. Took a while to get used to the lack of radio volume knob but that is so minor. The servicing dealer are a bunch of jerks, actually charged us for an oil change for a factory recall regarding the piston not being attached correctly. called the service department manager and he immediately agreed to remove the charge but the guy who added it wouldnt remove it over the phone so we had to go back - which was the last time ever at that dealership.