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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  Great choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Eman - September 4 - 1:46 am

  When my wife and I found out that she was pregnant we started to look into a bigger vehicle. We decided on the Pilot for the room, safety features, and great lease deal. She loves it so much, that she wont let me drive it. The Pilot is very comfy and gets good gas mileage with the VCM. That is when the engine goes from 6 cylinders to 3 during light cruising. I have seen reviews about a vibration. I also have encountered this but not randomly like others have said. I find the vibration comes when there is some weight in the back and both the front and back A/C are running. I would highly recommend the Pilot to anyone who needs room and good mpg

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  awesome car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By JAYS - September 3 - 10:00 am

  nodoubt, the best engineering. it runs, performs better than my 99 altima or 98 626

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  Reliable!!! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By mofisto - September 3 - 10:00 am

  So far Ive only had to do routine maintenance. Everything seems to be holding up pretty good.

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  Excellent Vehicle with resale value - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Sijray - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car. Performance and reliability are well above par. The absence of torque is a dissapointment, however the horsepower makes up for it. Very fun to drive. Very reliable, never had a big problem and with over 60K miles

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  Si review - 2000 Honda Civic
  By gacivicsi - September 3 - 10:00 am

  the car was a great buy new. it has held almost all of its value over the last 3 years. 1.6l engine lacks torque, but that is to be expected. fast enough to get the job done, but will not really get you in trouble. understeers in the wet.

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  OK HONDA - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DeYarmon - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been the driver of Large Vans for years I have had 16 custom vans and I want to tell you this is a very will thought out van. I can hall just as may people and carry just as much equiment like 7 sets of golf clubs.I wish in the USA we could come up with as good a van.

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  Seems to be getting better - 1999 Honda Accord
  By lewiss7 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  When new this car had abrupt downshifting. Now shifting is so smooth that you cant notice it.

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  Great Car - Horrible Gas mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bo - September 3 - 8:36 am

  The car is great. It looks and drives very well. Comfort inside is better than expected. Worst issue is Gas Consumption, this thing averages 18 MPG for city and hwy combined. This is with normal driving . Honda does not care or want to do anything about it. So beware, if you are trading in your V8 for a mileage vehicle, this is not it in my case.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rhonda - September 3 - 8:33 am

  This car is not only fast, it is classy! The heated seats are great, and the navi system doesnt let me get lost. For me, the navi system was a necessity, not just a luxury. This car is safe...safe...safe!

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  Great tech, great daily driver, great purchase! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Civic Owner - September 3 - 5:08 am

  Yep, theres no volume knob. Moving on. I drive this car about 25 miles a day for my commute. Ive put a little over 7000 miles on it in the 10 months Ive owned it and am averaging 36.9 mpg. Things I like: acceleration once the turbo kicks in, sport mode, info-tainment system, Android Auto, interior storage, gas mileage, quiet cabin, feeling of quality of interior, brake hold is awesome! Things Im not crazy about: price is a little steep, but not crazy, no adjustable lumbar support (comeon Honda!), CVT is really hesitant from a dead stop. Overall, nothing is perfect, I love this car. To me, the lack of a volume knob is made up for with the touch sensitive steering wheel volume control.