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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  Buy An Accord!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Dfellores - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Hey if your looking for a great, reliable car that has a resale value that wont leave you feeling horable when you trade it in, get an Accord. It is one of the best car that I have ever driven. Smooth, zippy, and fun to drive.

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  Accord EX - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jarule - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice family vehicle. It yields good gas mileage. We have had some issues with some of the rubber sealings around the windows but warranty coverage has taken care of the problems. We have added a spoiler on the trunk and it seems to be too heavy - the trunk may fall on your head while open. Overall not a too bad vehicle.

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  I am disappointed - 2002 Honda Accord
  By cvw4100 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  The car idles rough and they said these idle rough and that other people have complained, the engine is very loud on take off after sitting for several hours and they said that is the way these are and other people have complained they are saying it is a valve noise. It rides very bumpy over even smooth roads. Steering at 65 is awful it seems like you are constantly fighting to keep the car straight I don! t know if it is the aerodynamics or what. I have always heard what great cars these are and I am trying to figure out why everybody is so satisfied with these.

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  2016 Honda CRV LX 2WD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Oakley - January 18 - 7:18 pm

  Excellent value. Good looking, highly practical, consumer friendly, pleasant to be in and drive. Acceleration is probably the biggest drawback. I have gotten used to cars with better ability to merge into traffic, and to move quickly when necessary. We ended up buying a used car rather than leasing, because of the onerous sales taxes in Texas. This was our top choice of vehicles in the price range.

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  powerful truck at cost of fuel economy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dr. cookie - January 18 - 7:36 am

  I just traded in my 2003 Pilot with 90,000 mile on it still going strong. I just wish the new pilot had similar if not same mileage per tank as old model. I was able to get close to 350 miles per tank (which was smaller) where as I only got 250 or less with new one (bigger tank). I do notice the new one drives more like a truck with more power. I have to agree with one of the review about the sloppy finished interior (under the driver seat has metal parts sticking out beyond the carpet). Overall, I do love my new Pilot and my kids love the XM radio and navigation. Not crazy about the bells and whistle but nice to have for those who might appreciated it. I still am glad I got the car.

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  Great can but noisey - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Beaker4572 - January 18 - 2:53 am

  The 06 Honda Civic is an overall great vehicle, nice design, pep, and great gas mileage. There is a problem with wind noise and tire noise however. After 17,000 miles, it sounds like a distant freight train on various road surfaces. My tire guy stated its a common complaint about the Bridgstones on the vehical. Honda needs to make this right. The dealer says tire wear and bad alinement? But the noise is getting louder. Again a love the car but if this keeps up Ill get rid of it. I dont believe I should have to purchase new tires after just 17k!

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  Hard To Beat A Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rdanderson - January 17 - 10:36 am

  I have had good luck with Hondas in the past and this Pilot did not disappoint. It is a very comfortable car to drive. I drive it in the mountains often and it handles the curves and snow very well. I dont find the road noise to be a problem - it is quieter than my CRV. The gas mileage isnt great - about 18 around town - but I knew that when I purchased it. Not a deal breaker for me. I find the cargo space to be quite adequate for my needs and the heated seats are a definite plus. How about adding a heated steering wheel?

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  Very Reliable but not incredible - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Dave c - January 17 - 8:09 am

  This car was good. It was comfortable but not luxury. Some trim parts seemed cheap and exterior was light weight. I would possibly buy again but consider others.

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  Fun to drive but poor NVH - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gilbert3 - January 17 - 6:49 am

  Got this car for 4 years now with 96,000 KM in the odometer. During warranty period, need to send back to the service center to change the cock-up alarm system and steering system. Annoyed with loud engine noise, wind noise and tyre noise. Also the suspension system is rather too firm for my liking. Road undulations, tyre and outside noise creep into the cabin. The overall NVH left much to be desired. Engine noise is so annoying that I have to add fuel additive to reduce noise. It helps, believe me. No qualm on the handling aspect. The fun factor somewhat offset the poor NVH and refinement, I guess.

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  Amazing First Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Hyduk87 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  My first car. Now that doesnt mean I havent seen many cars, or experienced many. Ive driven quite a few, Ive never actually purchased one myself though. But, as for this 99 Civic, I can tell you, even with the problems I got with the car, this is still great. First, the problems. I got the car used, 103k miles. The dash lights wont turn on anymore (my guess is someone messing with the stereo didnt disconnect the battery and fried my instrument panel) but all other electrical stuff works great! Also, the car was tuned a little bit, low ride height and sports suspension. Makes for a bumpy ride and frame damage going over big bumps or steep driveways.