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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  the best - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TN - June 17 - 2:00 am

  very happy with van.

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  Great car Great value - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Frost - June 17 - 2:00 am

  An overall great car. It is somewhat expensive for a compact car, but it makes up for it with reliability.

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  Ex coupe - 1997 Honda Civic
  By knight - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, nice to drive, easy to own, economic but fast, with lots of accessories on the market

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  What more could you ask for... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By BubbaJones - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Civic for three years. I have had no trouble with it at all. I am very impressed with the quality of the car. I have 65000 miles and still get great gas mileage, the engine sounds great, and it still looks new. I would buy another Honda in a heartbeat!

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  Awesome Car. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MegOnToast - June 17 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this vehicle. Gas mileage is awesome. Very peppy for a 4cylinder, thanks to the VTEC engine. I love driving it everyday. Thanks Honda World Westminster.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2002 Honda Accord
  By delrio - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Value Package a week ago. The car is smooth and quiet. The engine is very responsive. I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  2016 EX 2 months review - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg bill - June 17 - 12:06 am

  Purchase for wife who drove 2012 MDX. This is better and less $. Wife loves the how the middle seat slides forward to let the grandkids into the 3rd seat. Bought used with 4K miles for $34K. Fastest car Ive ever owned. Electronics are quirky. Radio display drops channels and then they reappear later on the screen. Overall quality seems great. Great ride and easy to drive. Love the 2016 styling. Would recommend.

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  CRV Delighted - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By boops - June 16 - 4:26 pm

  Extremely happy with the CRV EX with manual. The ride is comfortable without being Detroit bouncy. Steering feedback is pretty good and it is very quiet. The EX comes with just about every option most people would want, but the remaining options are pricey. Performance is excellent considering it is a 4 banger - the equal of the Escape unless you have to tow 5,000 pounds. You cannot get a stick with the Escape unless you accept Fords lawn mower engine. After 3 months, still zero defects!

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  Poor Quality - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By DAVE - June 16 - 12:21 pm

  This is our 4th New SUV in 13 years. This is the first one I have ever had to take to the dealer with a problem before 70,000 mile. This car developed a clunk in the front drive train or suspension at about 3000 miles. Of course the service department can find nothing wrong with it. Honda is behind its competitors when it comes to interior design. Less leg room in the front driving compartment, controls are dated, other companies have lessen to their focus groups. I think Honda miss the boat here. Blind spot camara is useless, who looks at their center screen when changing lanes. Really missed the boat here when comparing them to there competitors. To many bad interior design features to mention.

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  Fantastic car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By browillard - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 145,000 miles in 2000. I have since put 45,000 more miles on it and is still performs like a dream. No major repairs needed. Replaced timing belt at 145,000. Routine maintainence is all that is needed. This car is extremely reliable, what can you say its a Honda!