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:

• 

  Dont Buy a Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gtko - March 30 - 7:00 pm

  This car has design flaws. Visors that brake on regular bases (I was told that this happens a lot). Laundry hooks brake. A/C blowing hot air at stop lights (I was told this is normal). I have just made my 4th payment and the crappy car is in the shop being worked on for the 6th time. This time the engine is rattling in the morning when it is first started because it is cold. The car also dies when put in reverse. I did not buy a new car to have to have it worked on all the time.

• 

  Sweet! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By thetrev68 - March 30 - 11:40 am

  The best way to review this car is to compare it my 06 Altima 3.5SL that I traded in. The Altima was faster, had more options, and a better Bose stereo. I still prefer the Accord. Build quality is fantastic. It feels both luxurious and sporty at the same time. Every texture feels upscale. Every button is full of precision and is satisfying to touch. The car steers and drives effortlessly but retains a degree of connectedness to the driving experience. I couldnt be happier with the car.

• 

  Excellent overall 7-seat SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By languer - March 30 - 10:44 am

  The 2017 Pilot EX-L is overall an excellent 7-seat SUV. We researched several ones including Pathfinder, Explorer, Highlander, Traverse. One of our main needs was the third row seating. Overall the value of the Pilot is excellent. The performance is excellent, the quality is well known, and it has everything a family may need; from extra USB ports, to three-way climate control, to blind spot monitoring, to many other features that are all standard in the Pilot.

• 

  Blue Honda Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Danny Raiwnsky - March 30 - 8:56 am

  The only mechanical problem is the a/c does not cool properly. The car has lots of design defects. The buyer is required to accept options whether they want them or not. I dont want electric mirrors, door locks, or windows. I do not want power steering. There is no leg room for the driver if the seat is moved far enough forward to reach the steering, or if the seat is moved back far enough for good leg room the steering is too far from the drivers arms. I do not want side curtain or any other air bags. I absolutely do not want ABS and I will disconnect it. I would have liked variable speed intermittent wipers. Ride is harsh. Interior black color is hard to keep clean.

• 

  Honda Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By julesagain - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this van and I will drive it until it dies. I test drove every minivan and SUV before buying this one. It drives the most like a Honda car - good suspension, tight steering, confident feel in traffic. I drive over 25K miles per year in the worst traffic in the US. This van has been a champ and has never left me stranded. If you have resisted minivans because you love your sports car, this one is the least painless if you need the space. I really love it and resist driving our other vehicles now.

• 

  best purchase ever - 1996 Honda Civic
  By econgenius - March 30 - 2:00 am

  How can you go wrong with one of these? Ive had this car from day 1, and all i have spent money on is preventative maintnance. Its not going to out-pace a corvette, but it is a car you can count on to get you where u need to go. Ive got 141,000 miles and im running it till the wheels fall off.

• 

  4 Wheel Superbike - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Kevin Ledbetter - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Closest thing to a superbike on 4 wheels. This little vehicle handles like few others. The low polar inertia helps the grippy tires to change directions effortlessly. Four wheel anti-lock disc brakes stop the car as fast as any other street vehicle. Below 6000 rpm the engine is just another 4 cylinder, but when the big cam lobes kick in at 6-grand, youll think a couple of solid rocket boosters went off. silky-smooth 6-speed transmission keeps you in the power range when properly used. Loads of fun to drive. Rock solid Honda quality, through and through.

• 

  Great people mover - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By RaymondK - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best minivan Ive ever owned. Theres no engine noise on the freeway, period. The folding third row seat desing is also great. Adding the optional subwoofer makes the stock CD player more enjoyable.

• 

  Are we sure this is a VAN?? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondatogo - March 29 - 11:46 pm

  It drives, handles and performs better than many of the sedans out there on the streets. What a beauty! The 240 horses give you a sense of power, but during normal driving conditions, you cant tell the difference between this and the previous years. If you can get one in less than 90 days on the waiting list, more power to you. I was lucky that they actually had one sitting in the lot...

• 

  Satisfies My CRaVing! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MYCRAVING - March 29 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased the vehicle after my 02 Toyota RAV4 transmission and computer expired (not what youd expect from a Toyota but corporate did fix the problem for free). However, not trusting a rebuilt transmission, I immediately went to test drive the 2007 CRV having admired the redesign immensely. LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!! Although Im not getting the same fuel efficiency I did on my RAV, this car is above and beyond in class and style. I did purchase the roof rack, spoiler, moonroof visor and foglights to add a bit more excitement to the exterior, and I dont regret it. For the money, this vehicle carries lots of near-luxury styling! The more I drive it, the more I love it. You will too!