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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  been a nice ride still is a nice ride - 1997 Honda Accord
  By steve moore - January 28 - 4:35 pm

  am/FM/cassette factory system still works great!!! a couple of shopping cart dings. still has factory hub caps!!!

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  My 6 Honda - 4th Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By iflynrv - January 28 - 1:45 pm

  1st off, Id like to say that this is my 4 Accord. Have owned a 89, 92, 99 now the 06. This is least favourite. Ive owned the car for 6 months now (I drive about 35,000 miles per yr., mostly highway and I cannot get over the very poor gas mileage - the car is from the US but I live in Toronto. As all my cars I drive about 130 on the highway which is 75ish and this car has getting half what my 99 did with 280,000 kilos on it (original clutch/motor not touched) Ive got as bad as 275 miles to the tank and best was 375. I dont push it off the line but do drive at 75 and its by far the loudest Accord inside.

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  Wont Buy Another - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Harry - January 28 - 7:13 am

  We have NEVER been so dissatisfied with this purchase. Traded a 2002 Sienna w/60K that had better gas mileage and was TROUBLE FREE. Tried trading this unit back in to two different Honda dealers, now with 8K. BOTH will only offer 4K BELOW TRADE! Must be because of the maintenance history! Engine throttle appears low, was reprogrammed, still the same. Windows fog on wet days, takes forever to defog. Headliner coming apart at windshield. Sunglass holder broke. Stone dead battery at only 5K. Have had SEVERAL electrical issues, shorted out headlamp switch and relays. Sometimes doors dont unlock. We wish we still had our old Toyota! What a mistake buying this van!

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  Hot car....HORRIBLE electronics! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Civic Lover - January 27 - 9:17 pm

  I have this car in Energy Green and it turns heads every day, I receive compliments on a daily basis. The leather interior is very nice. I traded my 2006 Civic EX for this one and the cabin space is HUGE in the 2016 but the trunk is much smaller. The downside of this car is the glitchy infotainment screen, it started not working within the first week! The dealership passes the blame on Honda, Honda customer service blames the dealership. I am waiting to get my headunit replaced and hopefully this will gix the problem. You can google to find more info about this problem. Bottom line is that this is a sexy, sporty car for under 25k with fun bells & whistles that are sure to excite.

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  My Sweet Honda - 1998 Honda Civic
  By courtneyjilll - January 27 - 8:50 pm

  This is the only car I have ever owned, and until I can save up to buy a new one with cash, it will be. This car had 72 miles on it when I got it 11 years ago, and has 236,000 today. Other than replacing the exhaust manifold and the blower motor on the air conditioner,it has only required regular maintenance. It gets good gas mileage, around 350 miles a tank. It is super reliable, and I dont think that I will ever love a car as much. If it breaks down tomorrow, it has been an excellent car!

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  Load It Up and Go! - 2003 Honda Element
  By kjfitzia - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. We loaded it to the hilt with gear for vacation (suitcases, cooler, and children. the surfboard and kayak fit nicely on top) and took off cross- country. It handled everything we asked it to. The excellent sound system made traveling a pleasure. Initial quality was great - Only time it been back to the dealership was for an oil change (current mileage 6,500) It still turns heads as we use for around town errands.

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  My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jeffjar - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot after a friend bought one, I researched a SUV for several months, looking at several vehicles and manufacturers, I settled with the Pilot because of the driver friendly cockpit and the design of the interior, the third row seat is a great place for the kids, the reliability of the name Honda is a added security feature I like, I never was one to purchase a forign make vehicle but the Pilot has changed my way of thinking and I am very happy with my decision.

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  honda pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kt - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the best suvs ever in the snow. i feel very safe when i am driving it. it is the most comfortable ride and features are good.

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  2004 Pilot Great Car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By wayoway - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot for 2004 is an improved version of the 2003 model. The leather seats and outside mirrors are now heated. It is powerful, accelerates and brakes well, and steers easily. The new smart air bags are standard, and it gets a very good safety rating. The navigation system is easy to use. Holds up to 100 personal addresses - use them for destinations; for instance to easily return home after a cross- country trip. The voice prompts are nicely tied into your location and give count downs to a turn. Much better than the portable navigators. My 2004 was discounted $1700 off MSRP!

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  Super Commuter - 2001 Honda Civic
  By popeye - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great commuter car. Excellent gas milage. Seats are difficult to adjust for driving comfort and lack support. Had a couple quality issues with interior trim items. Also a faulty door switch on drivers side.