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:

• 

  Very pleased - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jshall2 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Compared to Highlander, Sequoia and new VW SUV and feel it is a great value. However, all the other vehicles were impressive. The size makes the third seat a seat that can be used more easily, albiet the Sequoia has an adult orieted third seat. The Sequoia is however a V8 and with the rising cost of gas the Hondas MPG made a difference in the decision. The Honda has an impressive ride for what is a much bigger car than it appears from the outside. The whole family contributed to the decision and we have been thrilled with our choice thus far.

• 

  A Very Good Car For Its Price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MjmMan - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Accord Ex w/ Leather and XM Radio is the best car you are going to find for a midsize sedan. It offers everything you need and more! The Leather Heated Seats are a plus, along with the XM Radio! The drive is awesome as it is sooo smooth on every road even in the city. Much better than the Altima or Camry. If you are looking for a midsize sedan go for the Accord as Hondas reliability is outstanding.

• 

  greatest car i ever owned - 1995 Honda Civic
  By deviousmind - November 14 - 3:02 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned! to bad some chick crashed into me and it got totaled! i loved everything about the car. the only thing it lacked was its 1.6 liter vtec engine putting out only 125 horses, put with a few mods it does fairly well. great mileage, great looks, nice and comfortable! i had the car from day one and i would drive it as hard as possible and it never had a problem.

• 

  A Good Car, But Very Overpriced - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Dw2 - November 13 - 10:53 pm

  I wrote a review on this car over 2 years ago since that time I have put 55k on it, and, granted I drive it very hard, the car is showing its age. Honestly, this car is good, but Euro cars (BMW) can walk circles around it in terms of comfort and performance, and, sadly for the Prelude, cost about the same. The adage of Hondas being cheaper to repair than other brands is a myth, in the last year I have put in an A/C Compressor ($1050), and a clutch ($1000) parts are obscenely expensive, and the car is nearly impossible to work on. This car is a fun, and it handles awesome, but is too expensive and uncomfortable, especially with a 3-series available for the same money.

• 

  the best van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Joon - November 13 - 9:36 pm

  Excellent all around van. It has the biggest interior and most powerful engine in its class.

• 

  Great Used Hauler - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim McConnell - November 13 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased this truck about a year ago with 100k miles and Ive driven it as a daily commuter. I replaced an old Dodge V8 truck, which I loved, and although I sometimes miss that rowdy V8 exhaust rumble and the engine torque, that truck doesnt at all compare to this one. The Ridgeline has performed fantastic in the snow, mud, and rain. It has a ride thats very comfortable and a powertrain that suits the vehicle. It sits high enough to feel like a proper truck and it has been very durable. My buddies at work make fun of me but they appreciate the trucks functionality. Recently I had to drive a couple of days in freezing snow and I never felt the truck lose traction. I would buy this truck again.

• 

  Great car, No problems - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Dan j. - November 13 - 8:01 pm

  This car has gone through 4 people so far (all in my family), and im currently the one driving it. We have never had a problem with the car except for one headlight burning out, which we fixed ourselves. a great great car, i dont know what else to say, the only thing i would change is to make the car a 5 speed to add to the fun-to-drive element. Honda keeps to its reputation with this car, and im still finding out new convienent things about the car to this day.

• 

  Lovely Honda HR-V - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By jlomtfury - November 13 - 11:22 am

  Hello, This lovely small SUV is everything I was looking for... and it finally arrived! Thank you Honda!

• 

  Love my car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By clyde2575 - November 13 - 11:13 am

  This is my 2nd HCH, the first was an 04. This gets about 5mpg better mileage than the 04 (I am getting 53 mpg). I have no complaints. It is super.

• 

  WOW - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Bl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  If you want an awesome performing raw sports car than this is it. I say raw because it is a pure "sports car" that has been slightly refined from 2003 to be more comfortable, and it is. Honda did not sacrifice any performance in doing this, only to enhance the experience.