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:

• 

  S-2000 is a good choice. - 2004 Honda S2000
  By drk - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Extremely fun car to drive. Tracks extremely well in hi-speed corners. Tremendous power once rolling because the VTEC engine develops its real power at mid to high rpms. The hard molded convertible boot cover is of little practical use (takes up much of trunk when not installed) but I think it does look good on the car.

• 

  Jans 1st SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Janis gallagher - June 16 - 7:54 pm

  Just realize that SUVs get poor gas mileage vs a car. But if you live in an icy/snowy climate and have to get out it a must. This particular SUV is even fun to drive.

• 

  I will never buy American again... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Sandi - June 16 - 7:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 LX V-5 4 door sedan. It handles superbly, and I feel 110% safe in this vehicle. I highly recommend it. I had a Chevy Malibu and it doesnt even compare. Honda is in a class by itself -- the Japanese have outdone themselves. Great V-6 engine, fast as lightning, terrific sound system and overall comfort. Run, dont walk, to your nearest Honda dealership. Awesome driving experience!

• 

  cost/benefit - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JT - June 15 - 11:43 pm

  I am 6-7" tall and I fit comfortably in my new pilot, even w/sunroof. It is roomier inside than my wifes Range Rover and many of the features better than the Rover (especially the front seat storage layout and GPS viewing. Ride is not as smooth as Rover but it is just fine at less than half the price. Great cost/benefit value. Two other family members just bought pilots and love them.

• 

  Beware Dimming Headlights - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JCLARO - June 15 - 7:33 pm

  After having the car for 1 week I drove fro an extended period at night. The headlights and taillights flicker every 30 or so seconds when the A/C kicks in at all speeds. Not only is this very annoying but also dangerous due possible road rage from drivers thinking you are flashing them or from a trucker passing you thinking that its clear by the flicker from the headlights not to mention problems associated with the taillights flickering. Called Dealership and while they are helpful Honda says that this is normal even though they are working on a fix. Honda has been aware of this and still no fix they say its "normal" because all the 4cyl do this.

• 

  2016 Accord - The Beautiful Beast - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nikko Mina - June 15 - 4:49 pm

  I personally have the EX model and I love it from in and out. The exterior looks really modern and classy and the interior is just amazing. Really happy with my car.

• 

  2007 CRV IS A LEMON! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Adam - June 15 - 3:10 pm

  The rear Differential broke 2 times within 2 weeks and 700 miles on the car! The power steering is jittery, They also installed the ski rack on wrong and The bike rack is too high on the car to even put a bike up there. This car is nothing but problems and poor design. Also the extended warranty has about 3 pages of what it doesnt cover, and only 1 paragraph of what it does cover and maybe when you will use the $1000 dollar warranty, it may cover a radio now if youre lucky.. When I got my car back from the dealer it seems like the 4wd doesnt even work.

• 

  Poor seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sal - June 15 - 2:43 am

  This is the first that we purchased a Honda, and I am very dis appointed with the seats. As a driver I cannot find a comfortable position and the seat is killing my back. I wish I had test driven this car for a longer period of time and I would not have purchased this car.

• 

  Great Car--Thanks Honda! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By VTEC Stalwart - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had my S2000 for a year and use it as a daily driver in Newport, RI so it sees rain and snow. It is everything that you want in a drop-top sports car. Unique styling, great engine, gearbox and suspension. Ive had an NSX, a Corvette roadster, and a 911. This car ranks right up there with all of them plus its less expensive to purchase and requires no maintenance other than to change the fluids. Forget the torque and a killer sound system--a 9000 RPM redline makes up for those things. Buy one and get used to grinning again!

• 

  What a fun car! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By toshi - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This had been my dream car until I boght it, and has been my dream car since I bought it. I knew this car has great performance, but I am a bit surprised how easy it is to drive this. Also a surprise has been a ride. It is firm, but very comfortable. My gf usually gets car sick on winding roads, but never on S2000.