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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  The Perfect Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cybergypsy - May 8 - 8:00 am

  I had read all the good and bad about the new Civic coupe, I ran out and bought a Raylle Red, with Navi, I love this car, MPG is about 35, which is awesome.The lighting and Navi are the best I have found yet, and no problems to date.

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  I am satisfied with everything but... - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Julito Bugayong - May 8 - 7:56 am

  The Bluetooth technology is outdated. It is not universal to all devices.

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  Exterior 7/10, Interior 9/10, Driving 8/10, Value> - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Satyam Babaria - May 8 - 12:11 am

  Purchased this as i love styling & handling of Honda compare to Toyota (now a days Toyota have great exterior look!). Exterior look was great on 2014-2017 model on side giving solid look. New 2018 side view is horrible, but from front and rear it is looking okay/good. I wish they can offer LED headlights for EXL trims but i am very much disappointed despite paid over 40K i do not have LED headlights. Honda only offer LED headlights for Touring and Elite models which cost 5K to 7K more than EXL RES & NAV I purchased. I love keyless entry and push button start feature, auto seat position for 2 person and auto seat move back as soon as stop engine to get easy access in and out. RES feature is good as i can pay music and video thru USB drive. Useless blue-ray player as most people now a days use USB so Honda could save us some money not having blue-ray drive. Instrument panel has screen which is great. also has turn by turn guidance within. Leather seats are great. Air vents position for rear passengers is located on seating position so that baby in rear face carseat have lots of trouble getting cold air. Trunk cargo floor area is not flush/straight (at center it has bump!) Auto Start feature is included which is awesome! Floor mats quality is too cheap. interior lights are not LED either! Sound quality is acceptable so that i do not think to upgrade. Built in navigation is good. Have android and Apple Car Play but to use of it you have to plug your phone with same USB that you are using with Music and Video! I really disappointed here as if i wanted to use car play and kids also wanted to watch movies; both cannot be happen at same time. My parents said that seating inside this car is more comfortable and spacious than my sisters 2011 Toyota Sienna. Steering wheel is so much responsive too. Acceleration is not good. Feels Like Lake of Power, but may be bcoz this is Van not Car! Overall 8/10 rating. 2 points taken out for Noting giving LED headlights on 40K car, Pickup/acceleration is low and look from side is horrible (giving lines that kill Hondas sharp design). I was one of the fan of Thunderbolt 3rd row design which now they have killed. I was waiting for Toyota van to compare with Honda but Sienna for 2018 is still same one since 2011 and there is no redesign till 2019. at last Wheels looks for EXL is not modern and reminds me 2014 year wheel.

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  No more American cars 4 me.. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tara - May 7 - 11:00 am

  This was my 4th car to own & my first brand new one. Previously I had only owned American cars & then decided that it was time for a change. This car is amazing. I wouldnt change a thing about it. It gets great gas mileage, is fun to drive, & is very reliable. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great car. The week after I got mine, my boss showed up 2 work in one...it has its own style, class & is just an amazing machine.......

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  Elegant feeling Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By MedVet - May 7 - 6:20 am

  This vehicle replaces a 2000 Honda Accord I owned. I have been very happy with my previous car and having driven 6,000 miles with this current vehicle, I am very happy I purchased it. Though, small, the Civic feels very roomy and spacious for its size. The gauge layout is interesting, but has become very beneficial for me. The voice activated navigation is a great feature and being able to connect my phone for the hands free link is perfect for me. I am happy I stayed with Honda.

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  New EPA ratings get it right - 2005 Honda Accord
  By T. King - May 6 - 11:13 am

  I purchased this car at the end of the 05 model year when my dealer was offering "employee pricing". I considered the hybrid and a new 06 non-hybrid since they were the same price. I gave up the larger wheels, moon roof and revised exterior trim for the promise of better fuel mileage. I felt a bit cheated for the first months until the EPA released its test results from its new (more realistic) testing method. The technology works seamlessly together, with no indication of the battery or 3 cylinder modes engaging/disengaging. The auto stop is the only item that takes a few days to get used to. When you are rolling to a stop the engine shuts off while the car is still moving.

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  I Love This Car!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jynni - May 6 - 12:30 am

  I was in the market for a new car because I questioned the reliability of my 2000 Alero which had been in the shop three times and was close to running out its warranty. I wanted something that was reliable with good gas mileage...first name that came to mind? Of course Honda. Since I cant afford the Accord I looked at the Civic EX. The Civic delivers outstanding performance...its got quite a bit of zip for a 4 banger...and it handles much better than the Alero ever did, even when it was new. The dealer was wonderful...even threw in the floormats for free. If you want a good car, but this one.

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  Super Satisfied - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tomcat - May 5 - 10:00 pm

  The O7 for my wife is the second in this series of Accord. I have an O4 that is leaving for a TL. Love the car. Obviously with the 04, as well as multiple Accords previously, we knew what to expect. Only regret is not getting the navigation system...wife chose the V6 over that, but I had to get her a Garmin Nuvi660 for Christmas!

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  Wow! 48th car and found the perfect car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CyberGypsy - May 4 - 10:30 am

  I have had 48 cars in the past 5 years, loved most of them but this Civic is perfect! The car looks amazing inside and out, the look is so modern.The gas prices are rising and I was going to buy my 2nd prius, however fell in love with this little car, I am used to having BMWs and other high end cars, but you cant beat a Honda! This car is really amazing, dont wait run to the Dealer.

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  Great van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By anjarat - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Possibly the best van out there. The 3.5L engine is smooth, quiet and quick. The amenities are excellent, especially ubiquitous cup holders. Very good stereo CD, auto climate control, and contrary to reports, power doors. These doors close and open at about the right speed.