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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  Oh, for 15 days... - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Tina - July 18 - 7:53 am

  Big plus, despite EPA rating, I averaged 39 mpg for the 15 days I had the car (which I apparently cannot say below in Car Details. Has a lot more technology than I needed or was accustomed to and obviously in 15 days, I was still getting use to the car. Totally awesome to never have to remove keys from pocket, bag, etc. That was great-no inadvertently dropping keys in hard to reach places (I had a 2006 Honda prior to getting this 2015). I cant honestly comment much more. At the 15 day ownership mark, at 12:30 PM I was nailed in an awkward rear/side position by a drunk driver. While the entire left side must be replaced :( and I dont know why the left-side air-bag did not deploy. Waiting to know if there is further damage, not visible without a lift. Otherwise, given that I was slowing to turn (guessing down to about 30 mph) and the other car was by witnesses accounts speeding at minimally 70 mph, I sustained minor injuries most likely due to Hondas design of the passenger cabin.

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  First Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By nowavanguy - July 18 - 5:56 am

  We researched the Sienna and this one and finally went for the odyssey because it drove better and looks better overall than the Sienna, in my opinion. On the inside, they are both pretty competitive and I did not find anything that stood out that was better than the other. The Sienna had all these confusing package options with not all option packages that you like available in all regions. This is a mess. On the contrary Honda has implemented a simpler scheme where you have 4 or 5 basic packages and individual accessories on top on them to choose from. A nice van overall.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tas - July 18 - 3:30 am

  This is an outstanding SUV. It is a great value. It is a wonderful family vehicle. It get decent gas mileage despite its large size. It is fun and enjoyable to drive.

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  the reliable honda - 1990 Honda Civic
  By hondaowner154 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  it just keeps on going!handling unmatched to ANY car i have driven. this car still has a perfect alignment,take your hands off the wheel,and theres no pulling ANYWHERE,iv never had the alignment done either,very fun to drive. main repairs are faulty relay switch,brake job,muffler.starts every time!180,000 miles and still runs pretty smooth,auto tranny can be rough tho,and it slips under hard acceleration

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  Perfect Vehicle for Family - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Reliabilityimp - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been a perfect vehicle for a family of 5 that often travels with two relatives to fill all 7 seats. Great as a hauler to ski resorts on winter weekends, beach or mountains in summer. Not a single non-regular maintenance repair or service in 80,000 miles. Why do people pay the extra $$ for SUVs? We keep our cars for 8 years or more, but when it comes time to replace this Odyssey well definitely be Honda repurchasers.

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  Almost perfection... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Trey Robertson - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot handles the road beautifully. It is easily the best driving SUV Ive ever owned. The design of the car creates enormous interior space in a mid-size body. DVD/ Entertainment system is a god send on long drives with small children or with adults who act like small children. Engine is smooth and quiet while providing enough horsepower to easily accelerate at a speed that speeding tickets can become a problem.

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  Ive Owned an Accord Since 1983, Why Change Now? - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Mark D - July 17 - 11:29 pm

  The 2014 is a nice upgrade from my 2003 Accord. The cabin is nicely appointed, and the new technology is fun to use.

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  Leather seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Casey P. - July 17 - 3:05 pm

  This is my second Honda Accord. My first was a 1999 EX-L I never had one issue with my leather seats. They were great quality. It had 240,000 miles when I sold it and they had the normal wear but no cracks. My 2010 Accord I have now the seats are ripping and Ive already replaced one armrest and its tearing again. They are so cheap!!! It ridiculous you spend this much money on something and its junk!! Im very disappointed in the quality of leather. It looks like crap!!

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  Leather seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Casey P. - July 17 - 3:05 pm

  This is my second Honda Accord. My first was a 1999 EX-L I never had one issue with my leather seats. They were great quality. It had 240,000 miles when I sold it and they had the normal wear but no cracks. My 2010 Accord I have now the seats are ripping and Ive already replaced one armrest and its tearing again. They are so cheap!!! It ridiculous you spend this much money on something and its junk!! Im very disappointed in the quality of leather. It looks like crap!!

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  Not much standard - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Meow - July 17 - 11:10 am

  I have always wanted a Honda Civic always dreamed of having one! The deal breaker was the price of the car and available tech options. I hate leather seats....I shouldnt have to upgrade to the highest model to get satellite radio. My major requirements were Bluetooth, satellite radio, leather wrapped shift knob....the car drives great but having to pay so much for a base model with no satellite radio...even on the fit its not standard...I went with a Kia Forte.