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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  Good, reliabile car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Brandon Pate - September 14 - 10:00 am

  its an awesome car. fun riding and excellent power. its amazing how fast and comfortable this car is. its an good mixture of horsepower, style, and agilty. over all its a well rounded vehicle.

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  Like it - yes, but not my dream car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By myfirsthonda - September 13 - 6:26 pm

  Its my first Honda, I like it, but am a little disappointed. Its sharp looking, but needs work. I do enjoy better gas mileage, but this car needs some oomph. Its slow going uphill and struggles to switch gears even on flat ground. If I crack my window when raining it pours in, and there are no Honda door visors available for the 2006 Civic. It sits so low to the ground, that its tough to get in and out of if you have knee problems, and Im only 54". Sun visor has too much tension, is hard to pull down, and wont stay put. Tires are tiny, Ive already scratched the rim on a low curb - other cars might get a tire scuff. The 2006 sits lower than former model years - park next to one and see

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  Nice car mechanically, interiors fine, - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gerry - September 13 - 5:37 pm

  A 2010 models paint already looks 20 years old. Clear coat is cloudy, roof and hood, flaking, whole car looks aged well beyond its years. Last estimate to repaint, was over $10,000. Sits next my other car 5 years older, paint is as if new! Dealer tells us so sorry. Not their problem. Its an embarassement in the driveway.

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  Great used car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jarry Hames - September 13 - 2:19 pm

  I purchased this car as a last minute decision. I had a new Pathfinder and decided that the SUV was not for me. Id owned a 95 EX Coupe and was not happy with it. I swore that I would never purchase another Honda. So I needed a car fast and a used Accord was almost a no brainer. Ive been very happy with this car. There have been some minor repair issues here and there. I keep it maintained and it has been good to me. I only wish that the car was better on gas. Otherwise, it has been an excellent used car! How often does anyone say that about a used car?

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  Nearly ten years old, yet Fantastic - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Matt - September 12 - 4:02 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago with about 97k miles on ,but it felt new. The one thing that cost my attention was its unique look compared to other hondas. I bought this car for about 8k and for the price its probably the most rounded sports coupe(except for maybe an integra gs-r). The 2.2l vtec engine runs strong and pushes this car to 60mph in about 7 sec, Car and driver did it in 6.7! This car is very fun to drive daily and handles very well. EPA mileage seems low ,but it depends on driving. I achieved. about 25-26 city and 30mpg highway(5spd.) This is great for a first car and even for a weekend car.

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  Exceeded my expectations! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Hanka - September 12 - 3:15 pm

  shop around and compare different models

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  SINCERE, HONEST REVIEW - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Gene - September 12 - 7:26 am

  This car is fun to drive, has a lot of sex appeal, and gets good gas milage (about 30 mpg) Quiet engine, and driving experiance. You might feel tiny at a light sitting next to a Ford F150. This was a step down for me. I owned a loaded 02 Impala LS since new. So, I added almost all assesories except front and side spoliers.I miss Traction control,Lumbar support, ONSTAR, heated seats,ashtray,lighter,heated side mirrors,but this car rides better,handles better,better fuel milage,the differance in horse power is not that notice able from a 200HP v- 6 to a 140HP DOHC 4. the Civic is surely peppy, and fun to punch the throttle open.One of my concerns will be this winter in the snow, and ice. Well see

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  my Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Bill - September 11 - 7:45 pm

  Great all around car. Good in snow. could use more power. Controls well laid out. Had problems with Ac, starter, fuel injectors.

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  pleased - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jim davis - September 11 - 4:49 pm

  am 67,tall body short legs,but in the ridge i can wear a tall hat. my ridge rides like a accord not a truck. stops quickly and in a straight line ( rain or snow ) . pull a 17c nash trailer , a little added rpm ( live in wa.) up any hill. lockable trunk (golf clubs ) waterproof & clean doesnt blow around in cross wind. easy to park and drive in city traffic (portland,or. )

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  Roof rack Disappointing - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnson - September 11 - 4:03 am

  This is an SUV and still drives like one. The suspension seems a bit soft in corners with too much sway. We ordered our Pilot with the cross bars, ski rack and privacy cover for a total of about $500 extra. Big mistake. The assembly is poorly designed and time consuming to install and remove. Both the ski rack ( which only fits two sets of downhill skis instead of the four advertised) and the cross bars create annoying whistling sounds above 45 miles per hour. Instead check out Yakima or Thule for a far better system at less cost. The privacy cover is a pain and will never leave the garage until the car is sold.