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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  Ok car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jambu - October 17 - 3:30 am

  I bought this car in a good deal. This is my first Honda. The fuel economy is pretty good. I got over 31 miles in my first few trips (mixed driving in city roads and highways). This car has manual driver seat adjustments. It took a while to adjust the position of seat to get a comfortable posture. The ride is bumpier in bumpy roads. There is lots of road noise in cement roads. The 99 Camry that I owned previously had good suspension and less road noise. The sound quality of the music player is mediocre especially for mp3 songs. I liked the style and it is fun to drive.

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  CRV Evaluation - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Ymmot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is not a true off road rig. But as a winter vehicle for northern climes, it cant be beat. Fairly godd AWD. Adequate power. Always starts in below 30 temperatures. Good visibility and above average handling in slippery conditions. I really like it. Last vehicle was an AWD Ford Aerostar van.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By PCMan - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, drives like a car. Saw reviews on transmission issues. Honda extended the warranty to cover transmission issues. Only other issue was to reset the power sliding door, all at no cost.

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  1999 Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Brownt1 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  While styling has never been a strong suit for Honda, I still like the looks of my 99 Accord. The spacious interior is a plus. The V6 engine is very smooth and delivers serious acceleration when you need it. The variable timing feature however causes a brief pause when you go for the gas. This has been annoying at times, but the overall performance of the engine and transmission make up for this feature. Mechanical issues have been diminimus. The car responds well to periodic maintenance. One mechanic noted at the 33,000 mile oil change that the engine looked barely broken in (a high compliment).

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  Best in its class??? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lu - October 17 - 1:33 am

  Honda did a very good job with this new Civic, but their marketing department really went into overdrive. I like a lot of things about the design, and the road noise isnt that bad. Some things however dont add up right. First of all the mileage is way below what they claim. Im getting 29mpg doing 75% highway 25% city driving. Thats without the AC and driving conservatively. The extremely slanted windshield makes for poor visibility on left turns (due to the post).

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  A Bit Disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By TexReview - October 16 - 4:43 pm

  Honestly, I wish I would have spent a bit more money and upgraded to maybe a Buick LaCrosse. The Honda looks great, but after driving it a while, you realize they cut corners (i.e. noise dampening materials). I thought the seats were comfortable until I sat in my moms Buick Lucerne, which is much more comfortable and more quiet. (for around the same price.)Is the Honda reliable? Probably very reliable. But they need to improve on comfort. Road noise is actually very tiring to the mind and body.

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  2016 Pilot speedsUPwhen Stopping at intersections - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Barns - October 16 - 7:40 am

  I bought this 2016 Honda Pilot with around 100 miles on it. Almost after day one when you go to four way stop with foot off gas on on break it will take you into the intersection. This has happened too many times. The dealer would not comment on emails until I lowered their rating on dearerrater.com I took to a. Different dealer to check out three times. The touch screen radio also locks up. Tech said radio, breaks and gas to engine are all controlled by computer. It is thought to be throttle body censor and computer. I called American Honda customer sevice and they said checking into it. Reported to federal government safety agency, attorney general. Many with same issue online. This dealer may have too much knowable about auto before selling + not disclose anything.

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  WOW! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By lynn I - October 16 - 5:46 am

  Just purchased my new Civic hybrid. What a pleasure to drive! It has been years since I have owned a car that was so much fun to drive and I spent quite a bit more for it. This car is a Hybrid when you need it (around town) but a sport car when you need to corner or pass with speed. The interior design is just plain fun It is also great to be doing something good for the environment and my pocketbook. Overall after the tax credit, this car is as good a buy as any other Honda. What a treat! Dont know what there is to shy away from. I am more that pleased to have decided to make a statement and go green!

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  First Car Decent, Yet Lacking - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Hondas4Life - October 16 - 2:00 am

  First car Ive ever owned, and its great to drive. Started having problems around 45,000 miles with the automatic transmission not downshifing to 3rd when drop in RPMs in 4th gear, causing the drive train to "lug" as a manual transmission car would if you failed to downshift and were driving it too slow. Causes a massive rattle that shakes the whole front dash, VERY annoying to deal with when driving around town. Other than that, very peppy car, gotta love the horn, and at 100,000 and still going strong.

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  Been a great car for 10 years - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Bart - October 15 - 9:08 pm

  I cant bring myself to part with this car! Even though I would like some of the new features on cars 10 yrs. newer! And after the Trump Bump I can well afford to acquire a new car! Bart