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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  First car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Matt Gr. - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought me this car just one month ago, and Im already thrilled with it. The ride is excellent, the engine zippy, and the fuel economy is perfect for a teenager without a job, like me. The power windows are a little creaky, but no problems so far. Also, two hubcaps fell off, but thats most likely because CarMax didnt fasten them on well when they put on new tires.

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  Great Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Civic Guy - August 14 - 2:00 am

  It is my first car and i love it. I have fun laughing at people spending $20.00 at the gas station. Have not had any problems. Sporty look and good acceleration.Surprisingly well in Snow. Great car recomended for anyone wanting a reliable inexspensive car.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By TS3 - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since 1997 and am ready to buy a new one but this one keeps going. Great car, I am at 178000 miles and on the original timing belt. Only replacement I have done is the distributor about 10000 miles ago. I drive this car hard everyday mixed city/highway driving. No complaints

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  First and last Honda - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Channing - August 13 - 11:36 am

  It is apparent that Honda is living in the shadow of their reputation from the 90s and 2000s. We just purchased a fully loaded EX-L because of the bad reviews of the touring and elite having the 9 speed transmission. The suv had only 8 thousand miles, and was purchased from a very reputable dealer. After driving it for a few days, my wife noticed moisture in the front passenger floorboard. When I checked out the vehicle, the entire floorboard (All 4 doors)was completely saturated with water. The next thing we noticed was that the front passenger seatbelt was covered with mold. We took the vehicle to the Honda dealer to get it fixed. I called the service department after 24 hours to see what was going on. The service advisor said it was ready to go. I said wait, what was the issue? He said someone must have hit the button on the remote and made the windows go down in the rain. I told him that was impossible, because we would have seen water on the seats, door panels, and everywhere else. So they kept the car for a few more days and said they found some seepage on the top rail molding and put some filler in it. He said it was finished and ready to go. I said what about the mold on the seatbelt? He said they cleaned it off, and they would not replace it. I said I was in the mold remediation business for many years, and you cannot just clean mold from porous surfaces. So he said he would talk to his boss. I got a call later from the advisor saying he has never lied to his customers and he wasnt going to start. He said they found a significant amount of water inside the seatbelt retractor.and they were getting an engineer to take the vehicle to a rain machine to do tests, and he didnt know when we would get it back. So a few more days later they found some bad welds or seams under the vehicle, and said they repaired it and ordered new carpet. I ask what about the moldy seatbelt. They refused to replace the seatbelt, so I let him know that we were not going to take the vehicle back. We have a baby, and she would not be riding in a vehicle that we paid $35k for, and has mold and bad welds. We decided to try out a touring pilot since there were no others to choose from. As soon as we checked the carpet on the 2017 touring, it was soaked on the passenger side. That was the end of Honda for us. We traded for a 2017 Toyota Highlander and are very happy we are through with Hondas.

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  How common is this? - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kat - August 13 - 11:06 am

  I just had to get my front brakes replaced on my 2007 Honda Civic with only 20,000 miles. This is way too early I think. Has anyone had any similar problems? I am not hard on the brakes and I just drive it from work back home with little traffic!

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  Pure Drivers Car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Exocet - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Boxster (original first choice), Z4, Corvette and 350Z. None compared in style and performance to the S2000, in my opinion. But this cars not for everybody. Its a drivers car with spartan amenities... no fufu navigation stuff, no fake wood trim. But everything you need. Acceleration might be a little weak, but it just KEEPS accelerating! Corners as well as or better than anything under $80K.

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  My New Honda Elephant!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By franks - August 13 - 10:00 am

  WOW!!! Is it a new HUMMMER ! no Its one of those new Benz! Nope!!! Its a Element!!! or like my son say a a Honda Elephant!!!.. Lots of room!!! Sooo easy to get my son in and out of back seats!!! Great for those trips to the home improvement store.. Great overall car... Only from Honda....

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By McDonaldD - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle!! Bought it in March and drove to South Carolina in May!! What a joy. Tons of space, quiet and comfortable.

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  MY THIRD ONE... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jweber - August 13 - 10:00 am

  If I did not like them, I wouldnt keep buying them. They keep getting better and better.

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  GREAT MINIVAN!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rabbit204 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This is a great minivan- there is no other that can beat it! I used to own a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager- they are great vans but they have TERRIBLE reliability. The Odyssey is quiet, comfortable, and drives great!! I have had no reliability issues. The Odyssey is a lot better built than American cars such as the Windstar, Venture and Voyager- they dont even come close! Trust me this minivan is the best on the market! (along with the 2004 Sienna) You will love this van, and it will last for years!