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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  Awesome - 2017 Honda Civic
  By maria sara - July 24 - 2:45 pm

  Great acceleration.

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  my 2002 odysey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By The odyysssey guy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  overall I am happy with the vehicle. The consumer specs are wrong as far as fuel tank: it is 16 gal. as to the promised 20 gal. storage space and ease of use is great, rides nice. on trips with A/C on @80 mph look for 22 mpg in the city easy driving look for 20mpg. Honda service has a bit to be desired, no loaners unless they parts are on backorder 3 or more days.Do not get the extended warranty, it is not worth 1,600. they need to make the spare tire more accessible, it is also a small skinny, and a full size will not fit in the compartment. Overall I will take the Odyssey over any other minivan by far, if a van is your desire.

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  GET A TOWN & COUNTRY - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tealg - July 24 - 10:00 am

  NOISE COMING DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AREA WHEN WE DROVE HOME FROM DEALER

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  Reliability Nope!!! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Pepper81 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I decided to cut down on the mileage of my Mercedes which had 240K miles and get a reliable yet economical car. Honda was recommended. The check engine light came on at 50K miles. It was a faulty EGR valve. Honda sent me a service notice that the design in the EGR valves were faulty and that for 7 years or 80K miles if the check engine light came on and it was determined to be the EGR valve, that it would be replaced. At 70K miles the EGR valve replaced again. Next the trans started slipping and acting erractic. A $630 repair job and a bandage fix. Recommendation a replacement trans for $4600. Now hub bearing, a gasket causing antifreeze leak have appeared.

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  ITS TIME TO OWN THE HONDA PILOT! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ASAP PILOT - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Honda Pilot in Portland on the 10th of June.I have drove about 800 miles with it since;from Portland to Crater Lake and back.I have been impressed with this vehicle alot.It runs as smooth,and quite as any other vehicle on the road,it also has lots and lots of room.It has so much room that when I fold the second and third rows down I can fit about 4 mountain bikes in the back and other stuff such as luggage.It has lots of room in the front.The Pilot has lots of lighting inside to use to look at Maps at night.The bottom line is you wont find a better priced and equiped vehicle than this!!

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  Excellent value for the $ - 2001 Honda Civic
  By rick217 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  A very good car in its class. Engine and transmission are smooth and so far flawless on my car, power is quite good considering the car class. Ride is a little stiff,the road handling is excellent despite the mediocre stock firestone tires. My a/c works very well even on the hottest days. Interior finish and trim is also very good. Reliability to date is excellent. My driver door needed a very minor adjustment, it was not aligned perfectly (I am very demanding). At 15000km had no other problems at all! For those complaining about honda quality, apart from the Corolla other choices are much worse look at the horror stories with Focus or Cavalier...

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  Nice car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pk - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall excellent vehicle

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  Reliable and fun - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Becoming a Honda Fan - July 24 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is very well built. Honda dealer is like no other auto dealer, aimed to please. The way Handa prices the vehicle the dealer cannot easily "switch & bait" the consumers. The car is very well built. Engine (V6) is quiet and smooth with deceptively good acceleration.

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  Sensible - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AlexVAGuy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Golf for this 2002 Accord after the Golf required major engine work at 12,000 miles. The 4-cylinder LEV engine could use a little more low-end grunt, but its smooth and quiet. Im only getting 22 MPG, mostly around town - maybe itll improve with age. The car seems extremely well built and is great on trips - I feel like Im driving a luxury car. Its roomy and comfortable for 4 adults, too. Got a great deal from Landmark Honda, with minimal aggravation. The Honda is smooth, quiet and pleasant - it might be a middle-aged persons car lacking in verve, but I feel like itll never let me down.

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  I LOVE my Fit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Carolyn Smith - July 24 - 7:53 am

  Ive been driving my AT Base Fit for three months now and couldnt be happier with it. I love everything about it. Just drove 300 miles on a highway at 75 mph and got 40.4 mpg. The Fit is a really great car!