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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  Met my expectations - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Philip Massey - March 25 - 10:35 am

  This car definitely lives up to Hondas reputation for well-built, reliable cars.

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  Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tim - March 25 - 6:13 am

  Great car other than it doesnt like to go into reverse. Honda Canada is still "reviewing" whether or not my reverse woes in fact warrant repairs. Pushing it out of parking spots when its two weeks old apparently is acceptable to Honda !

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  Civic SI -Solid - 1993 Honda Civic
  By amistad - March 25 - 2:00 am

  My 1993 Honda Civic SI has been quite reliable, except foran ignitior problem in Florida, Cv Boots(65000), Muffler(two)-Ohio SALT Trucks, also the distrubutor(110,000) was replaced in Florida.All in all maintenance has been infrequent. Top Speed is almost scary for a lighter car! 115+ MPH

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  Holds A Lot - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Beverly - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Very Efficient interior space - use it to haul almost anything. Reliable. Wont bounce off the road when a big truck goes by. Stable at 85 MPH interstate driving. Interior holds up well - looks new even in the Florida sun. Original paint holds up well. Mine is a blue-green. Wouldnt change a thing!

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  Couldnt be better! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy Lou - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The most reliable vehicle Ive ever had! Aside from normal replacement items (tires, wiper blades, brake pads) this gem has performed flawlessly.

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  Best Coupe under $14000 - 1996 Honda Civic
  By asic designer - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I own this car about 6 years by now, just love it. Very high reliability (so far less than $150 to fix a trivia problem), fun to drive, over 37 mpg average on hwy/local (5spd manual).

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  3 Strikes - Your Out - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jill - March 24 - 11:57 pm

  Strike 1- Styling, It simply looks like every other vehicle on the road. The interior is more of a mini van than SUV. There is no center arm rest or large storage area as in previous Pilots. It has mini van style arm rests. Strike 2 - Too much unnecessary electronics such as the touch screen audio, push button start and electric tailgate. (Are people really that lazy that they can not open and close the tailgate) Strike 3 - Handling. This vehicle does not handle well. The steering is light and does not seem strong enough for a vehicle this size and weight. There is also a weird bottom weight feel. Out here in the country where I live, we have lots of winding roads. I have never had any car or truck handle so poorly and with so much body roll. There is no confidence when driving. In my opinion, Honda has taken several steps backwards with the 2016 Pilot. It is not an improvement from the last 2 generations.

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  Best Honda I have ever owned!!!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jaacolumbusnc - March 24 - 11:15 pm

  My 2013 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl was purchased from Dick Brooks Honda, Greer SC. It is the second Honda I have purchased from their internet agent, Sharon G. and her assistant Matthew S.. My previous car was a 2013 Subaru Outback. I went back to Honda for comfort and miles per gallon. I have read other reviews appearing here with complaints. There is no doubt in my opinion that their owners are not driving the same car which I am driving. The 2013 Accord is absolutely outstanding in every manner possible. I am an 84 year old retired US Army officer and I have owned many cars in the past from other manufacturers. This Honda Accord is state-of-the art. Drive it - youll buy it!

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  Some thoughts.... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By paul - March 24 - 5:46 pm

  The Civic is of course a very popular car. We see them on the road all the time. There is a reason for this. They are just good cars that do everything pretty well. Are there similar priced cars with more horsepower? Yes. Are there similar priced cars with rear disc brakes??? Sure. But I find that this car is as close as a economy car gets to not really feeling like an economy car. With a manual trans you can work the engine a bit which like most hondas is weak on the low end but better in the higher revs. Suits my style of driving fine which is a bit more spirited than average. Was mad about the crap Firestones that were OE but changed them to Bf Goodrich Traction TAs - big improvement!

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  Recommend a CPO Si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By New2Hondas - March 24 - 2:33 pm

  When car shopping, I found this vehicle to be the perfect combination of economy, performance, comfort, style, reliability and cost. I narrowed my search to Nissan Maxima and Honda Civic Si. The final battle was won for Honda when I found this car as Certified Pre-Owned with 100k warranty. A great car for a small family. Keeping the RPM between 3-5k makes for a civil driving experience in the city with respectable fuel mileage. Kickr up to 7 or 8k when you want VTEC to come out and play.