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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  Excellent car! Should be an Acura. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dan - July 27 - 7:40 pm

  Its a fuel efficient cheap to maintain econobox....without the look and feel of one. The styling looks like it should be carrying the more upscale Acura name rather then Honda. It has more of a bigger car feel inside rather then the typical cramped econobox feel with tiny cheap feeling controls. Same goes for the driving feel. While small and responsive, it has a bigger heavier car feel while cruising down the road and going over bumps, etc. Its not the typical loud, light, and easily blown around feel of other subcompacts. The engine has enough power to move it along very comfortably and you cant argue with 30/40mpg. This is what every small economy car should be.

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  I Love My 2009 Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By mom of four - July 27 - 2:03 pm

  I like the look of this vehicle and how it drives. Weve used it to tow a horse trailer with no problem. I wish that there was more room behind the third row seat. There really isnt much. The stereo, XM radio and DVD player are great. I enjoy driving this vehicle. I have had no issues with the cruise control or acceleration speeds. Im not a big fan of the middle console between the front two seats. Its a weird size and junk gets lost in it. The glove box is pretty much worthless.

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  unbelievably fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By F1 fan - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for almost a month, and its my daily driver. I went from driving a Civic to this, so I was a little apprehensive at first about living with this car on a daily basis. After the first week, it was clear -- this car is worth every penny I paid for it. Its unbelievably fun to drive, has an amazing gearbox (almost unreal how smooth shifting it is), is rock solid, and I get so many looks from other people. Passing situations are also a breeze, if you see a hole in traffic, you can get there with this car. The engine sounds amazing also, I love to rev this baby! And best of all, its a Honda, so you know reliability wont be a problem

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  Super Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Tom Currier - July 26 - 11:14 pm

  Weve owned/driven Honda vehicles for the last 35 years. The 2016 Civic is amazing. Not that I have ever driving a sports car, but this Civic has fantastic acceleration and handling. It feels like I am driving a sports car. It has all the electronic bells and whistles (most of which Im still figuring out how to use). It has a very smooth ride and for my first two tanks of gas, I got about 37 miles to the gallon.

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  So far so good - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By app1wml - July 26 - 1:23 pm

  Ive had my new Pilot for a month now. Smooth ride, comfortable seating, large cargo area with third row folded flat. Gas mileage has been as advertised (18+ city), just dont gun it off the line and youll be fine. Crossbars on roof rack should be standard. Dont notice the front-end wobbling at high speeds, others have complained about.

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  crv great quality and fun to drive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By denise - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Have done extensive online research,and determined value of this vehicle ex style for $22,000 cant be beat....4WD,largest interior room within its class,reliable honda reputation...dealer states honda has a deal if extended warranty is never used,at the end of the 7th year i get my $1591 warranty fee back!!!CANT BEAT IT....FUN TO DRIVE ...

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  Pulling left at highway speeds - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Tubbs - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I have experienced the car pulling left at highway speeds especially when in the passing lanes. Honda has had the car 2 times and tell me they test drive it with having the same problem. I would like to know if anybody else is havig the same problem. I am going to request a technician ride with me. Other than that the vechicle performs great.

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  Everything is great but... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By 2366 - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my honda with one exception, the paint. No other car that I have ever owned has reacted to road debris such as pebble to the negative degree of my Accord. The front end, both bumper area which is plastic and the hood which is steel have more then an average number of dings. All of the dings to metal have started to rust, some are now the size of dimes. Everything else is great, but this issue is one reason why I may not return to Honda when I replace my Accord.

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  who would have guessed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By creek - July 26 - 10:00 am

  After owning several SUVs it was a pleasure to get back into a fun to drive car. Im way out of the demographic group that this car was designed for an get the looks of surprise to see someone my age driving this, but it has been a great car. The comfort (64"), amenities and the performance are unexpected surprises. Fortunately, for those of us who have purchased this it is a great deal and for those wanting a day to day performer that is easy to live with this is the car.

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  Great Car But.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Carbrat - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt wait to have one. It continues to be fun but after having it awhile, noticed a few bugs, and now have a wish list. But the car is great, and continues to be a favourite over our other cars. I like the idea it looks conventional, except for minor details which do stand out (antenna, spoilers, dash)