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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  Surprise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By casworld - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Attention: My wife just paid $370 to replace fuel injection valve. Discovered there is a recall on transmissions. Anyone aware of this? Very surprised and alarmed. Loved this car but now Im disappointed in Honda reliablity.

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  Great Hybrid Choice - 2007 Honda Civic
  By todd - August 14 - 11:16 pm

  I love my Honda Civic Hybrid. Its fun to drive and not nearly as slow feeling as some reviewers have said. The CVT is hard to get used to...but give the car such a smooth feel and tends to make me drive faster. The interior color choices could be much better, but the finish is great. My gas mileage has been amazing. I actually traded in my 2006 Honda Accord V-6 for this car and do not regret it one bit!!! Fun car and great gas mileage.

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  2016 Accord Touring - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jim Dimmick - August 14 - 10:55 pm

  Came from a 2015 Toyota Camry XSE V6 with technology package: Was totaled in wreck. Thought I would try the accord touring this time, even though I really liked the Camry I had. First and foremost: Felt I got a little better price on the Honda vs the Toyota. Ride comfort is a bit smoother, and has more technology with the Honda sensing package. Acceleration on the touring is a little less peppy than the Camry v6, but good enough. Sport mode improves this a bit. Interior is more roomy and more comfortable for longer drives. Stereo system is a little weak for a 360 watt system, but Camry has dissapointed in this area as well. But the audio and navigation features are better on the accord. I have only been driving it for 3 weeks as of this writing. I have to say I like the accord so far.

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  2016 Accord Touring - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jim Dimmick - August 14 - 10:55 pm

  Came from a 2015 Toyota Camry XSE V6 with technology package: Was totaled in wreck. Thought I would try the accord touring this time, even though I really liked the Camry I had. First and foremost: Felt I got a little better price on the Honda vs the Toyota. Ride comfort is a bit smoother, and has more technology with the Honda sensing package. Acceleration on the touring is a little less peppy than the Camry v6, but good enough. Sport mode improves this a bit. Interior is more roomy and more comfortable for longer drives. Stereo system is a little weak for a 360 watt system, but Camry has dissapointed in this area as well. But the audio and navigation features are better on the accord. I have only been driving it for 3 weeks as of this writing. I have to say I like the accord so far.

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  Best Value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fast66 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Tops in safety, comfort, and resell value. Cant go wrong with this vehicle.

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  The Pilot is an awsome SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rogb - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Chose the Pilot after comparing to other SUVs. Had it about a month with no problems - three long weekend trips with varied driving conditions. Its comfortable, handles well, and has plenty of room. Have hauled 6 kids, and with the adjustable back seats you can stagger bigger kids to make everyone comfortable. The way the rear seats fold make for a large number of people/gear configurations possible. Cant wait to test out the AWD on ski trips this winter! The Pilot a great overall value, got a great price from the Dealers internet sales. Our friends think it cost much more than it did.

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  Great value - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - August 14 - 8:40 am

  Great car for the money. I have driven this car over 700 miles and love it. It has been great on gas, 50/50 city/highway driving and I have been getting an average of 32 mpg. I find the seats to be very comfortable and love the dash board. Lots of room for a small car. I have two children and they both fit well in the back seat. The car is smooth shifting and relatively a quiet ride. I would highly recommend this car to a friend.

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  Good car -- I miss it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cynara - August 14 - 2:00 am

  This was a great little car-- We used it for in-town and short (one-day) trips. Loved the comfort for all passengers, but my 68" hubby did have to scrunch his legs just a bit (he still liked driving it). Great for groceries, luggage and grandchildren. I know some speak about road noise, but we had no problem with it. Now that I need a new car, I immediately went to the CRVs. Checked ALL the other makes and models out, narrowed it to CRV or Element (more leg room for the big guy) although both of us loved the CRV, he did spend a lot of time with not much space for those long legs.

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  safety first! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By stephanie - August 14 - 1:00 am

  We decided to get the Honda Civic EX because of the awesome safety ratings, anti-lock brakes, and the good price that it was selling for. All of the magazines that I have looked at rate this car at the top of its class. Overall I am very happy with this car and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Excellent Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By T - August 13 - 11:53 pm

  Excellent ride, quiet and roomy. Decent mileage, we are getting 22 mpg in very mixed driving.