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 - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Hondanut - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and have had little trouble other than maintenance. Currently 138K. For those who question the firm shift--the auto transmission shifts firmly but this is why it far outlasts any smoother shifting GM transmission. Smooth shifting comes from slipping clutches which accelerates wear. Firm shifts allow transmission life of 200M or more. Very durable, reliable car.

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  Bang for your buck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LMULion - August 31 - 2:53 pm

  My ratings are based on comparing the Civic to other vehicles in its price range and this car really has the competition beat. Voice nav, play any digital media through aux, plenty of torque to get around LA traffic, no parking spot is too small and I get 28 mpg even though Im always punching the gas. My previous car was a 98 BMW 540i with lots of power and surprisingly this car speeds up well considering its engine size. Combine all that with low maintenance costs ($40 for oil change, no prob) and a great warranty and this car leaves Nissan, Toyota and Mini in the dust.

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  A Honda At Last, met expectations? - 2005 Honda Element
  By Another LT Cust? - August 31 - 11:53 am

  Way back in 75, I wanted to purchase a Honda Civic , for its fuel economy, features, and efficiency... well 30 years later, after research, etc, I purchased a Honda Element. It exceeded my expectations in these areas. IT IS WHAT IT IS: (1)The power of acceleration exceeded my expectations. (2)Great functionallity- minimal wheel overhang, (3) complements my Jeep Wranger as a "luxury version", (4)I know what great "Finish" is. I have had several cars that had great "fit", but now great "finish". (5) Great room, (6) seat support like a my BMW- Fun to drive and capmp with- you better believe it!!!

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  insight rocks! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By JL1595 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive - especially past the gas station! Surprisingly responsive. A technology marvel. It fits two full size adults and two golf bags -- no problems.

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  Efficient! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By HollyG - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My Accord is fun to drive and has been very reliable. I really value the fuel economy... sometimes I cant remember the last time I had to get gas!

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  Loyal Honda Owner - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By JW - August 31 - 1:57 am

  I love my new 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD. It is powerful and accelerates very nicely. It looks great and handles well. It is comfortable and I love having the sun roof or moon roof, or whatever you call it. This is my second Honda Pilot, I traded my 2004 Pilot (180,000 mi) in for the new one. I also own a 2009 Honda Accord (wifes car). I find that Hondas are well built and reliable. I love the amount of room my new Pilot has, and I love the features of raising and lowering the last row of seats. It handles well, has lots of room, and I love driving it. The down sides are the visibility out of the windows for some reason seems difficult when I am checking traffic during freeway driving and changing lanes. I love the side and backup cameras but hate the fact that "objects are closer than they appear". That is certainly a true statement and if you ask me it takes away most of the advantage of having the cameras. I do find it difficult to look at the screen when changing lanes, I have too much around me to watch and keep track of and rarely have the opportunity to safely look at the monitor long enough for it to be a benefit. So it doesnt provide me much advantage while actually driving but I like it at stop lights and situations like that when I am sitting still and want to see my blind spot on that side of the car. I only use the back up camera to see what is behind me before I start rolling backward. If you try to use it to see where you are going while backing up you will most likely run into things because you will close in on stuff terribly fast. However, the back up camera is a big help in parking lots to see if cars are coming down the isles from left or right before backing out of your space. Controls: I hate... hate... hate... the fact that there is no volume control knob. I thought it would just take some getting used to, but no! I WANT IT BACK!!! Instead of glancing at the knob while reaching for it, and returning my eyes to driving while I adjust things by feel and sound, I have to maintain eye contact with the touch screen on my dash far too long to adjust the volume or to mute the radio. The eyes have to watch the screen while adjusting and I find it and unsafe distraction. I hate that with a passion. Huge down-side and should be brought back. I will never buy a future car that has no volume knob and I hope Honda is listening. The other part about that is trying to adjust something on the touch screen when you turn on your right hand blinker. The right side camera view activates and your touch screen disappears in the middle of you tapping on the screen. Very frustrating. By maximizing the touch screen technology theyve removed some important tactile abilities of driving and overloaded the visual and mental aspects. For the same reason I would never purchase an automobile that removes the gear shift. My version of the pilot has the gear shift, but I noticed the Touring model doesnt. I would never buy a model that removes the tactile sensation of dropping the car into drive without looking at it to make sure it is in "D". I believe the traditional gear lever method that auto stops at "D" when pulling downward (or backward) on the gear shift provides more error-proofing than the simply feeling for buttons and choosing the proper direction like is found on the touring model. The button method relies upon making the correct choice every time, whereas the gear shift method is more of an automatic muscle memory process rather than a decision process that the buttons cause. Again, the tactile ability is removed and adds more visual and mental distractions for the driver.

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Flanagan - August 31 - 1:42 am

  For the price its a great deal. the EX doesnt come with nav, but thats a good thing. Android Auto/Apple Car Play are great features, all cars should have them.

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  great gas mileage - 1998 Honda Civic
  By clint - August 31 - 1:33 am

  I have owned my 98 civic hx since I purchased in in 98 and just love it. I was surprised by the peppy motor when I test drove it and am still surprised by the power it has. I enjoy getting 38 MPG in the city and even more on the freeway. I have had no reliability issues, nothing outside of routine maintenance. What do you expect from Honda. I recommend buying a civic if you are in the market.

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  Pre-Used 2015 Honda Accord - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Allie - August 30 - 10:55 pm

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  Best Ive ever had - 2015 Honda Civic
  By michael tutty - August 30 - 7:46 pm

  Do your research, but most car talking heads do agree: this is one fine vehicle that is reasonably priced.