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 style, economy, and technology - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Bob - October 15 - 3:55 pm

  So far I really love this car. Access to the USB port for Android Auto could be a little better. The gear shift blocks it somewhat. Also my Samsung Note 4 barely fits in the cubby hole where the USB port is located. Back seat room is superior. The ride is very nice overall. So far I would highly recommend buying this 2018 Accord.

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  Mixed bag but overall an excellent choice. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By MJTX - October 15 - 3:43 pm

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  Pros and Cons. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By themuse03 - October 15 - 3:33 am

  pro: It really is fun to drive with the added horsepower, reliability and best of all the gas mileage saves me a lot. Con: There are noises/squeaks/rattles here and there that sometimes dealers having a hard time to duplicate. but i dont think that affects the performance of the car. Im not sure if they already addressed these problems on 2007 model.

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  Good car for that year - 1997 Honda Accord
  By sbvmax - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is good for what it is designed for. A cheaply priced car with good gas mileage. Wish I would have bought the V6 model, but thought they didnt come out until 98. A couple of weeks ago just turned over 50k and had 4 recals taken care of free of charge.

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  Good but... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Humm - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Like it so far. Bought it over Highlander, Seqoia, TrailBlazer. Enjoy the navigation system. The specs say 19.2gallon fuel tank. But it takes 20gallons when the fuel light comes on!! Bit concerned about inaccurate sensor and running out of gas. Tried it a several gas stations with same result. The driver seat moves/rattles on sharp curves.

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  Hondas Rule - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sean Howell - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The honda pilot is the ultimate real world SUV. The VTM-4 allows 4WD on ice and snow or lowering a boat into the water, in conditions that you would drive less than 20 mph. Not for the rugged off road use or full time 4WD. Safety features rule: 4 total airbags, 5 star crash rated, 4 star rollover rating. Engine runs on regular gas and still will get 22 mpg. Interior rocks but exterior could maybe be made more aesthetically pleasing. Hondas are known for quality and reliability, not really for style though. Third row seat lays down flush and is not even noticed until you need it. Stereo is really nice, EX comes with subwoofer that sounds great.

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  Odyssey is AWESOME - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Casey789 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyessey EX because we have one child, one on the way and two dogs; we needed more room than our SUV afforded. We have not been let down. This van is spacious, comfortable, rides smoothly and is quiet. The dual remote sliding doors make getting in and out a breeze. The cargo area is huge. The disappearing 3rd row seat is a snap to use. Its easy to see why these minivans are in such high demand.

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  Got problems with the power door - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pac - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2003 EX in late November. Within the first couple of weeks, we noticed the passenger side power door has been acting strange. Sometimes the door would close by itself, sometimes it would stop in the middle during closing, sometimes it would not close at all. The scariest moment was that the door started to close by itself when my wife was in the process of loading our infant son on his car seat. She literally had to jump out of the way and almost dropped our son. She got freaked out and refused to put the baby in the van. She feels safer by driving her trustly 94 Camry. I think the vehicle has been grossly overrated.

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  Dont Ya Just Love It? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff - October 14 - 5:33 am

  Truly a vehicle for all seasons. Payload is great, mileage for its class is awesome, comfort is nice, visibility is good (much better than the Honda Element with its nasty blindspots...have 2500 mi on it...ask me again in two years...

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  Long term reliability concerns - 2006 Honda Civic
  By viccard - October 13 - 11:03 pm

  I had 4 door DX-G for over 2 years, have 45K miles on it. The bad: Stock tires are really summer tires only. After 25K miles they had minimum tread left and had to be replaced. Front brakes started making squeaking and grinding sound after 20K miles. After installing another set of pads and not fixing the problems I had to replace rotors and pads at just over 30K miles. Front wheel bearings were replaced under warranty at 30K miles after developing noise. Few weeks later I got a letter from Honda about the recall affecting wheel bearings on most 2006 models. Sometimes for no reason the car takes longer than normal to start (few seconds of starter spinning with the engine not catching)