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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  my new commuter - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Oddchip - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Civic, our third, to replace the 90 SHO I just wrecked. I knew what to expect, and was not disappointed. Its a fun car, inexpensive and well made. I wish Honda would make an EX for old guys like me though. I immediately spent $3K on wheels, tires, springs and sway bars. I like an automatic, but I also like to go fast.

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  not worth it - 2002 Honda Accord
  By corry williamson - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are great cars and this one is too but lacks so much. If your going to purchase any accord buy the v6!!! its well worth the money

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  Who would have thought! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GO EEZY - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I never would have thought that a Honda Civic could be so cool and so sporty! I bought my Hoda Pilot in May of 2003, and absolutely love it. When my husbands 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse hit 60K miles last month, it was time to trade it in! So my amazing Honda dealer JEREMY BRAUN @ DCH Kay Honda in Eatontown NJ, hooked me up with with a beautiful Fiji Blue Pearl Civiv EX, totally loaded and he helped me pick out awesome accessories for it! We added leather interior, a rear spoiler, front spoiler and complete underbody kit. It handles better than any car I have ever owned, and I have owned a LOT of cars.

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  Almost luxury and fun to drive car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sriram - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I did not set out with the intention of buying a Honda Accord. I was looking for a luxury car for <$30K. I test-drove Maxima, Infiniti, Altima and then tried an Accord. Instantly I fell for an Accord, since I felt it was good value for the money. A luxury car for easily < $30K. Now that I have the car I really love driving it and the sweetest thing is the power and handling of the car... 240Hp rocks! I have a Camry also and I find the Accord more sporty than Camry. Ofcourse my Camry is an old one that shd not be compared to Accord!

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  The Worst Car I have Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dimitri - May 25 - 2:00 am

  By far the worst automobile experience that I have ever had! The first month the from break callipers had to be changed -factory defective-, the third month the radio had to be changed with 6 CDs stuck in there that I never got back. And the worst, there are rattles feom every angle, I dread driving this car! I have stuffed the space under the dashboard with rugs (!!!) in roder to minimize it. Corporate HONDA Customer Service response: this is a massed produced car and you will have to leave with these little imperfections!!!! I regret greatly having departed from NISSAN!

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  ExHondallent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hugolia Boftolofty - May 25 - 2:00 am

  this car is terrific!!!!Built for everyone!!!!!Try-it and love-it!Promise A+ It shifted beautifully and I felt like a king!!

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  Low on power - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By jack frost - May 24 - 2:10 am

  I have a CRV as a company car so I driven several diffrent year models. I would not buy this car for myself, it is way too low on power for me, it needs around 50 more horsepower, I often have the gas pedal to the floor trying to gain speed or get out of the way of some crazy driver in Texas. If you are on a single lane road and want to pass an 18 wheeler you need to be able to see far in advance and plan the pass, because the pedal will be on the floor and there is no rush of power. Every year they seem to take something out of the car, one year they removed the pasenger arm rest, then they took out the driver arm rest. Around 20,000 miles the front rotors warped and needed to be replaced, I went to the Honda dealership and they said it was not covered, so I went to a repair shop and had new rotors installed at my cost. The CRV is loud inside, if I receive a phone call when I am driving on a rough road I will not answer the phone because the raod noise is really loud.

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  Loving it!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CRV LVR - May 23 - 10:03 pm

  After previously owning a Civic, I knew I wanted to go back to the Honda brand. The CR-V was a perfect fit. I was a little apprehensive becuase I have only ever owned small vehicles and knew when purchasing this vehicle that it would be the one I would drive until the wheels fall off. I could not be happier. It is a comfortable ride giving great gas mileage, mixed driving average is 24-28 mpg. I love the interior and exterior design, everything is very user friendly. I cant imagine how I lived without navigation before! The 4 cylinders in this vehicle give appropriate power, I have no issues with passing on the hwy. I have no qualms about my purchase and would make the same decision again.

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  Great SUV! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By SC - May 23 - 2:40 pm

  I bought this Pilot EX two weeks ago and love it. It has plenty of power when needed and has a comfortable ride. The stability control works great on snow and ice, which we have 8 months of the year in Alaska. I was going around an icy corner and the traction/stability control kicked in and there was no problem. The car behind me wasnt so lucky and spun around in the middle of the street. There is lots of room for passengers and your cargo when the seats are folded down. The headroom is best in its class and theres plenty of legroom too. I tested several other makes before deciding on this one. Being 6 3" I need room to spare and the Pilot has it.

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  Trouble free and fun to drive - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 23 - 1:03 pm

  Driven 138,000 miles over 8 years all over Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Had a/c issue fixed under extended warranty at 98,000 miles. Replaced front brake pads (only) and rotor milled at 90,000 miles (I know!!) Original rear brakes STILL good - no noise or pulling. Oil changes every 3 or 4K. Halfway through 3rd set of tires. Thats it! Other than gasoline (honest 24mpg city, 28mpg highway). Im 65+ and still working. That CR-V is simply the best overall vehicle I have ever owned.