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 Auto ! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Amelia - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda is an excellent car to own!

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  Excellent car !!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ANGEL - February 28 - 1:30 am

  I tried the 2007 V-6 Toyota Camry and compared to the 2006 Honda Accord V-6, the Toyota has no comprarisson to the Honda, it accelerates way better, much more comfortable, I feel safer in the Honda. Its a great car !!!!

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  Most car for the money! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ck949 - February 28 - 1:30 am

  After looking at all the competitors, going with the Accord was a no-brainer. With the navigation, this car feels to me like a true sport-luxury car. The fact that this car is entirely controlled by your voice is just amazing. Although I love the sound system, I find myself not using it so much because I am always having a conversation with the car! I went with the silver/black combo, and added dark tint and the rear wing spoiler to give it a little individuality. I could not be happier with this car. My father owns an 06 Acura TL - and I have to say, this car is SO close to that car. He agrees, and is kicking himself that he paid $6K more for a non-navigation TL! HA!

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  minivans bye bye - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Amy - February 27 - 7:13 am

  After 14 years as a minivan owner i am in love with this SUV. I love the way it handles and feels. I am very comfortable and feel very safe in this vehicle

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  im in love - 2007 Honda Civic
  By anu068 - February 27 - 2:40 am

  i just leased my honda civic, after a couple of months of searching for a car. i had a deposit on a honda fit and was waiting for it to come in, but then decided i didnt want to pay so much money for a car i would drive only on the wknds. i had heard so much about the honda performance and reliability, and i can only say "WOW". i totally love this car. it drives and handles so well, i dont even feel like im driving. ive only had it for a few days, but i am so happy with my decision. id been driving my moms ford contour and i dont think ill ever step foot in it again. the civic LX is a quiet, smooth ride that offers a lot amenities and comforts. i recommend this car to everyone.

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  Boring box - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By rondor - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a very boring boxey vehicle with a great engine and drivetrain. The vehicles side doors rattle and the service depatment does not know how to fix them. The gas mileage is terrible and hadling is slugish. Its great for traveling with kids. Hard to park and backup. Rear visability is poor.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Cheryl Cote - February 26 - 7:41 pm

  The performance for the car is great, but I was totally disappointed in one area. My HRV is suppose to have voice activation regarding mobile phone usage. When I couldnt get this feature to work, even after my sales person to hook it up, I called Honda. They told me that the voice activation works with I phones and a limited no. of androids. A lot of consumers, including myself, have android phones. I feel that listing this as a feature is very misleading. I use to have a Honda Fit and had no issues with the voice activation system. I am very disappointed and feel that I was deceived.

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  In the city - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Altitude - February 26 - 7:10 pm

  The hybrid features of this new Accord activate after the engine warms up, which takes over 2 miles. For longer trips in city driving, the fuel economy will be just fine..close to the predicted (29 m.p.g.). But for short trips, the 4 cylinder Accord would do just as well and cost much less up front.

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  TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ex-hondafan - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 04 Odyssey over the Sienna an although the vehicle rides nice I am very upset over the very low gas mileage I am getting (12-16 mpg). I have a 2003 Ford F150 Supercrew with the V8 that is getting much better mileage than this car. The dealer and Honda America both say that 12-16 mpg is acceptible and within the expected range!! Unbelievable - why do they put 19/24 on the window sticker then? With gas pushing $2/gallon I would recommend a different vehicle for this reason alone.

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  Poor Assembly - Lots of Rattling - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TBone - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Lots of rattling noise also found in my family 2003 Accord EX. Unusal vibration and noise (from disengaging the transmission locking mechanism) when changing from Park to Drive/Reverse suspecting weak emergency brake because the car rolls (only happens on a hill, dealers say its normal - 2003 Accord doesnt have this problem). Occasionally unusual engine vibration when starting the engine in the morning. Found puddle of water on all 4 doors side steps after car wash or rain (dealer says its normal). Need to stay between 60-70mph to get 26-28 mpg. Does anyone has the transmission and rattling problem? Please write on your review.