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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  Not a bad day in this car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Dr. Rob - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I think the car speaks for itself. 1.6 liter engine that puts out 160 hp. Hard to find another car that does that. Handles with confidence. Very comfortable. Extremely well built and reliable. I have driven this car hard but it seems to have been designed for it. The redline is at 8000 rpm and it makes its max horsepower at 7800.

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  Accord EX-L 4 cylinder w/Navi - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tsull - February 12 - 7:50 am

  Car is nice but definitely has a loud engine. I realized that its more horsepower than some of the other models so that may be why. The steering wheel and seats are not very comfortable but the car itself is very nice looking and has a lot of features. Very disappointed with the amount of noise. When we bought we were told the 4cylinder is as good as the 6 cylinder. Thats really not true and Im sure they have a lot more 4 cylinders to sell. The 6 is a lot quieter.

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  Best Car I ever owned!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By annamijah - February 12 - 2:10 am

  Fun to drive. Handles extremely well and is excellent in all types of weather. No problems so far and fuel mileage is great. The seat could be a little more comfortable for a taller person but there is plenty off leg room.

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  Great little car -- 180k and still going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By bobanahalf - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This car goes and goes. Regular maintanence is all its asked for. I commute 100 miles a day--often in lots of snow--and its never let me down. Especially nice at the fuel pump.

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  never again - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By mjmcl - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After 4 sets of breaks and 2 sets of drums the breaking system sound like the axle is going to fall off. The side doors wount open when its cold. Neither of the problems could be solved by the dealership even after 2 1/2 years of trying. I bought a honda because they were suppose to be able to go over 100,000 miles, not this one.

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  Almost the perfect car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By lia - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Very hard to find vehicles..get one while you can.Took me about 4-5 months to find one that I really want and is in excellent conditions.Wouldnt trade it for another car.

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  20 minute test drive thoughts. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By james thompson - February 12 - 1:17 am

  Test drove a little while ago as there were some good deals on some down at the dealer and was in the market for a Hybrid. Test drove the middle trim level, and it was nice, but there were some things I couldnt get past. First off the vehicle seemed to vibrate a little more than I would like it to when the gas motor was running as well as braking. I dont know if it was just that car or not though. The blind spot camera was a neat idea, but really got kind of annoying as it come on every time you turn on your right turn signal. even when sitting at a stop light. But probably one of the most annoying things about the car was its lack of actual volume knob for the stereo. It has steering wheel controls and a volume adjuster on the touch screen, but theres a slight delay, enough to be very annoying to me, and when using the touch screen controller, it wouldnt alway adjust like I thought it should have been. Other than those hang up, this car is quite nice. The sound is great, I like the 2 screen implementation and the instrumentation is nice. Also not having a lot of confusing packages for each trim level makes things easy to know what you are getting for what you buy. Overall 3/5.

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  Good Choice - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Fred - February 11 - 6:16 pm

  I considered the Accord, Altima and Fusion. Nissan incentives were not good and I cannot get over my past experience with Fords. I will always think of them as Fix Or Repair Daily. I selected the 2010 Accord Coupe EX-L/A 4 cyl. The 4 cyl provides more than enough power. I was torn between the 6cy and the 4 cyl but really did not notice much difference during the test drive. The interior of the vehicle is typical Honda, very good for the money. This is my fourth Honda and I have been impressed with the fit and finish of each vehicle. This Accord continues that tradition. For them money, it is hard to beat a Honda.

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  Fun and Functional SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dottie - February 11 - 7:33 am

  We bought our Pilot to replace a Yukon XL. We test drove the Pilot and fell in love! The dealership was a breeze to do business with, we got an excellent deal. The ride of the Pilot is so smooth and the shifting of the vehicle is hardly noticable, huge plus from the Yukon. We have two children and they LOVE this SUV! Both have lots of room and seating choices...they DONT have to sit by each other. The DVD system is a lifesaver on long roadtrips. We cant say enuf about our Pilot!

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  Perfect fit for my needs - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mr. D - February 11 - 2:35 am

  What can I say! I can’t believe I got a truck with everything a truck offers except it has the comfort of a luxury car! That tailgate and the extra trunk for storage is the best!