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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  A perfect family vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Canadian Sikh - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I just got my Pilot yesterday. Its a great family vehicle with features that please both my wife and I. I love the 240hp and its output. I took it out on the freeway and it had great pickup, visibility and manovourability. My wife thinks that it is easy to drive/park and that it can carry our child and a bunch of his friends for outings. My son loves the panoramic view and the space in the very rear seat is more than enough for his age (5) . Although we paid full price for the SUV we were lucky to get the black color so soon. Right now there is a two month wait, but the dealership really worked to get ours in a few weeks. Sure to be a favorite for families.

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  Worry Free Commute - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Enjoyable Commute - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my EX auto last Feb. Drive 70 miles round trip on my daily commute. Over all I would rate the car and the dealer experiance as excellent. Bought at a one price dealer. Paid right at TVM.

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  Outstanding car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By John Harley - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for two weeks but I love it! It is so smooth driving it and you will not believe how quiet it is. I dont know about gas milage yet because it still has a half a tank of fuel. it is showing 270 miles. The auto transmission is great. You never feel any shifting like in a regular auto. great car

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 2005 Accord - September 14 - 8:40 am

  Our 2005 Accord replaced our 1999 Accord. Its a much better car than the previous generation. It is the best midsized sedan on the market today. Bought the car thru the internet department, and recived a great price.

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  Love my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ezz - September 13 - 10:00 am

  My first brand new car - have normally driven v6s or v8s. Took time to get used to v4 engine, but once you figure it out, thats when the fun begins. It turns on a dime and the versatility of cargo space is incredible. I moved a friend with just my fit--she couldnt believe this little car that could!! Agree that the two back headrests cause blind spot and would have liked a moon or sun roof option but all in all, its your best bang for the buck!! Not to mention the side curtain airbags and sound system which is pretty good for standard. Love my car and love the mileage!!

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  civic si hatch - 2005 Honda Civic
  By tical - September 13 - 4:20 am

  i have had my si for a couple years now and the car is still a blast to drive i havent had any mechanicle problems with the car except for a clutch replacement at 52000 the car was driven pretty hard and i think it would of lasted longer with more care there are alot of aftermarket parts to make this car more of a si my car is still fun because every time i have a little extra $$ i buy a part ihave aem cold air header/downpipe motor mount inserts tuff to put in but worth it the car feels more rigid/racecarish in the end i dont regret this car one bit

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  On the road again - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Barbara H H - September 12 - 9:29 pm

  There isn’t much this car lacks. The control panel could have a more user friendly design. The interface has a steep learning curve and it could have been simplified.

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  Nice job, Honda! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Paddy - September 12 - 9:06 pm

  I bought my Odyssey by using Edmunds multiple dealer quotes method and easily got mine way below the invoice price. It was so much fun driving this vehicle. And my kids now see car ride as an entertainment thanks to the onboard DVD. I personally love the voice commands that I can use to control pretty much everything so that I can keep my eyes on the road.

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  Really fun car to drive and be in - 1998 Honda Accord
  By oogster - September 12 - 10:00 am

  First I test drove a 98 Nissan Altima and was quite impressed with it. However as soon as I got to the Honda Dealer and sat in this car I knew that this was the car that I wanted to get. I really love the way the interior, dashboard is laid out in this car. It really does a lot to make the car feel very spacious. The car drives really well, the suspension system is amazing. My only gripes minor ones having to do with cheap climate control knobs falling off, clock and odometer backlight lamps burning out and making it hard to read the time and mileage.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By DistributionJim - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Fun to drive and perfect for my dogs, projects. I look forward to driving, which for me is a miracle. Car has everything you need at a low price. Really glad I bought this.