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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  Great car, needs a few changes - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Nothing - November 2 - 4:36 pm

  This car is great in some ways but can use improvement. The seats are a bit hard but comfortable. The leather is great. The ride is stiff. Handiling is great. The car is quiet and shifts into other gears smoothly with great pickup. I think the car should have been made a bit larger and the ride should be smoother.

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  Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jo - November 2 - 4:23 pm

  This is absolutely the best car. The car not only looks great, but it is very comfortable to ride and drive. It has so many nice features inside the vehicle. If you are still not sure if you want to buy a civic, think no more, go for it, you will not regret it.

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  Honda Prelude SI - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By JJcatchem - November 2 - 2:00 am

  The best cornering car ever with the 4 wheel steering. Amazing car to drive, great power and response.

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  Wonderful Suv. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Honda - November 2 - 12:26 am

  This car is wonderful. The ride is the best and the seats are very, very comfortable. The quality and features are a B+. This car has a very, very powerful v6 engine with 274 HP which gets up hills with very little trouble at all. this car is a wonderful family suv although the 3rd-row rear seat doesnt have enough leg room. This car is overall wonderful.

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  Fun to drive with a bounce - 2007 Honda Civic
  By smartwoman - November 1 - 2:53 pm

  This car needs new tires due to a factory defect, it has always bounced down the road, now, we know why. It now needs a rear upper control arm kit. The company will pro rate the tires, using some sort of formula, based on tire depth and mileage. We were told by our dealer that there is no pro-rated money allowed based on the formula. The car is dangerous. I feel let down by Honda.

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  its a honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By notfor - November 1 - 2:23 pm

  I think the body style is one of the best on the road. I feel a little cramped in it though. I think one of the most useless features is the power height adjustment. I still dont sit low enough in it even when its all the way down. My daughter plays a joke on me when she raises the seat before i get in and i wind up practically cutting my legs off between the seat and steering wheel. It handles great. It is a blast to drive. Could use some more cojones though.

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  Civic fun - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bsamardzic - November 1 - 2:06 pm

  As stated. Everything is fine except that noise coming from glove box direction. It seems to be known problem for 2006. Civic.

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  CRV is FABULOUS - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - November 1 - 2:39 am

  If you want a comfortable, high MPG SUV get a CRV. I am getting over 30mpg overall. This is great since i had held off on getting a SUV because of mpg concerns. My 2016 CRV has a smooth ride and performs very well in wet conditions. I am extremely happy to be a CRV owner !!! Thank you Honda for making a fabulous small SUV!!!!!

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  Its the small things that add up - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By ansaphone4 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  For the first year of ownership, the only major thing that went wrong was my alternator. The wiper motor went last October and getting that fixed cost $300. Now I think the fan motor is going because the vents soetimes do not work at all. Additionally, within the past few months the moonroof has taken to leaking, or rather, pouring water if the car has been standing in the rain and then you go to drive off. I think it is time to move on although I love my little car and shes never let me down performance or reliability wise.

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  Awesome Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Awesomecar89 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is first minivan my family has owned. It is the best. Lots of room and lots of comfort. Road noise is a little harsh, but not a big problem. Power sliding doors are the best.Provides easy and instant access in and out. Definitely one of the best in the world.