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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  Aw-some - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Frank1894 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Best sports car buy in the total market.

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  Just like a crotchrocket! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By LeeHayabusa - September 17 - 2:00 am

  As a avid sportbike rider I usually HATE driving a car...that is until I bought the S2000! This car absolutely screams! not quite as fast as my bike but the roar from the engine as it nears 9K almosts sounds the same! I love this car!

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  Where is the Honda reliability? - 1991 Honda Accord
  By rock12 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1-03 for a commuter car. It had 102k when it was purchased. The very next week the radiator was replaced. The following month it started idling poorly, and a gouged cylinder was diagnosed. The engine now needs replaced. The A/C now doesnt work, and the transmission is starting to have problems of its own. There is a water leak in the trunk somewhere, who knows where. I have had 3 used Oldsmobiles in the past all with less problems combined than this one vehicle. Either my bad luck is overwhelming, or Hondas are not all theyre cracked up to be.

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  Gas Hog! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 16 - 3:06 pm

  This is our 2nd Honda Accord. We traded in a BMW 325i as it was rear wheel drive and not a good car to drive in the snow. Previously we owned a 98 V6 Accord, it was a great car and so we figured that we couldnt go wrong with the new accord, we loved the body style. The car is fabulous, except for one thing, it is a GAS HOG! For a 4 cylinder honda engine we expected to get better than 23 mpg, especially since my wife drives about 90% freeway miles at 65. The sticker said to expect up to 31, boy was that a lie! Our 6 cylinder BMW averaged 26 mpg on the same drive!

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  FABULUS CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Don Davis - September 16 - 1:14 pm

  Beautiful roomy passenger car inside. Trunk space is limited. Faster than my last Accord. Tank of gas cost like $25, which will last 675 miles. I estimate yearly cost of gas like $500. I recommend get extended warrantee. Plan to drive for 6 years at cost of like $3000 plus tires, oil change, and insurance. Save you lots of $ compared to many luxury or near luxury cars, yet looks just as good. No problems with car at all. In 20 degree weather the mpg is like 37. In 108 degree the mpg is 39. In 78 degree weather the mpg is 45

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  06 Odyssey w.Nav and DVD - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By VolFan - September 16 - 12:06 pm

  Our van is a work of art and is a pleasure to drive. We have had it for a month and put over 2000 miles on it. Disappointed that we are getting 22 mpg. It was advertised as 29 to 30 with the computer controlled shutdown of three cylinders.

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  Excellent family vehicle - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Andy - September 16 - 7:21 am

  There seems to be a lot of 2014 and 2015 models coming off lease. Prices are pretty good. I traded my 2010 Odyssey and bought the 2015. It’s a great step up but also familiar. Engine is great, seats are comfortable, and it just drives well and reliably. I test drive the 2018 and it’s fantastic but the used prices make them a better value.

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  OK Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By 99 user - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 20k miles. it now has 95k miles and I am still happy with the car. Outside of normal maintenance and replacement of normal wear and tear items, things have been ok.

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  2016 Honda Accord Coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Tom Johnson - September 15 - 7:43 pm

  Previously had the same model - 2008 - had 120k miles and ran like a top! Decided to get a new model and Honda had some incentives. Basically the same car - but the electronics are really a step forward (learning curve involved!)

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  A great car BUT TERRIBLE Infotainment system - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Nick - September 15 - 5:23 pm

  Ive had Hondas for 17 yrs now. Our family are on our 5th and theyve all been superb, reliable cars. The Honda Pilot is my last car and as a car it is fantastic. Totally lives up to Hondas reputation. EXCEPT for their infotainment system. Its ABSOLUTELY DREADFUL. Forget about trying to hook up your iPhone to it too. The accord and civic, the cheaper cars in their lineup have CARPLAY but the Pilot? NO. CarPlay is an amazing feature supplied by Apple to all car manufacturers. It hooks the iPhone to the infotainment system as if it were a 2nd screen. It is beyond me that Honda dont equip it on the Pilot. Sure, you can connect through Bluetooth but its dreadful. Useless. Its the most frustrating thing ever. I have to ask for directions MANY TIMES before it gets it right. Volume keeps randomly going loud and quiet. You cant even tell what you can select on the screen and the selection areas are too small making it hard to press and distracting when driving. Honda. Get it together and get CarPlay working on the Pilot. If youre thinking of buying a Pilot, seriously think about one of their competitors if they havent got CarPlay on the Pilot and you have an iPhone.