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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  Happy So Far, But It Could Be Better - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Larry - August 27 - 6:42 am

  Im enjoying my new car so far but there are a few things that could be better. Even with the standard 4 cylinder engine the car has enough pickup when needed. The interior is comfortable in the front and back seats but the seats feel very firm so Im not sure how comfortable they will be on a long trip. I still need to do a little more experimenting with the different lumbar settings on the drivers seat. The ride is a little stiff so I do feel bumps in the road when driving but its not any worse than the ride on the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox that I traded for this car. The only minor disappointment so far is that Im getting about 2 miles a gallon less than the combined mileage that Honda says you should get. It could be a combination of doing more city driving than road trips, cold weather where Im using the heater almost all the time, or the fact that that engine is not broken in yet. Hopefully it will get better over time, and Im looking forward to taking the car on a long trip sometime this year.

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  Miss the Accord - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Erica B - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Use to have 00 Accord SE. but then got an civic LX after parents divorced. Weve had over five Hondas, so we knew this was a good decision. But now a year and a half later, my feelings have gone downhill for the Civic. The performance is bad, paint is chipping, maint button comes on constantly, etc. Id defintely love to have the 00 Accord back. Id recommend the 00 Civic instead.

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  Nice sportscar - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By SD Rider - August 27 - 1:24 am

  My GSR was stolen ended up with this. Decent acceleration. Need suspension kit to push its limits. Need new wheel/tire package 16"rims on 205/45/16 v-rated tires are all you need. Plenty of aftermarket parts (but more expensive compared to gsr/civic parts).

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  Watch that transmission - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By bags - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Have 47000 mi, original owner. No towing, only normal driving around Illinois (ie, no hills). Transmission started making slight grinding noise in 4th gear only at about 55mph. If in 3rd, no noise. If you let off gas, no noise. Dealer had it today and the carrier bearing in the transmission is going out and the whole transmission needs to be replaced. I have the extended warranty which will pay for it as well as a rental car. Listen carefully to yours when crusing around 55mph.

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  The nightmare is over - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By l jones - August 26 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the new 2003 Honda Pilot .After several grueling days and nights of going back and forth with other car dealers, we "stumbled" across the honda pilot. We test drove the car and knew instantly that this was the vehicle for us. Of course, my 7 year was already sold with the DVD and headphones. HIs other favorite feature is the place to store his happy meals and a place for the dip. I had previously owned a 525 BMW and now needed to increase the size of my car due to car pooling and a puppy on the way.

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  A Great Choice! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Brian - August 25 - 2:31 am

  Not a lot of acceleration, but great ride, and a comfortable interior. The passenger side leg room is a little shy. Interior materials are very nice and should hold up very well. Several areas of shiny finishes will need regular cleaning to keep smudges down. Combination cloth an faux leather seats with faux leather steering wheel, gear shift and center console cover. Very little storage space in the interior. The center console does not hold my wifes wallet. No satellite entertainment an no USB ports that Ive found. CVT can feel boring for acceleration at the low end, especially in economy mode. May need to keep in sport mode for better feel, but less gas mileage. Rear camera give a nice panorama, approx 160 degrees. A very nice car for the price. And expect it to be very reliable.

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  Nice Minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Baltimore - August 24 - 10:30 am

  Except for the drivers armrest, its a fairly comfortable car, and we really like it, but it could be better. I get the feeling Honda tried to save costs at the expense of consumers comfort and convenience. Honda took out the revolving tray in the floor space and the adjustable armrests which were features in the 2006 Honda EX. The drivers armrest is not very good. For the exterior, they should have racks with the roof rails.

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  Concur with most reviews - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By godzilabob - August 23 - 1:42 pm

  First and foremost, let me say, I love this car. It handles waaaay better than my 2004 Tacoma xtended cab. Gets the same or slightly better MPG. Has TONS more space in front and back (but the bed is a foot shorter!) The trunk and tailgate feature ROCK as does the rear window feature! But as far as CONS: They are all SMALL in comparison to the PROS. The non- automatic lights...hard to reach radio...ugly big silver door handles...and non extending steering column...the scratchable bed liner...all are minor, but they are notable... Other than that, the rig is great!!!

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  Good Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Josh - August 22 - 12:50 pm

  Ive owned my civic for about 3 years now, and so far its been very reliable. Only problems have been the exhuast tends to rust easily especially after salty winters. Though even with upgraded engine components still feels like it lacks power. But absolutely no major issues for 3 years of driving it everyday. Definitely recommend the manual transmission as it is peppy, but car is still very slow. Looks good but dents very easily. Easy to find spare parts for this car also.

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  Just my assessment - 2006 Honda Accord
  By BOBK - August 22 - 11:13 am

  Overall Nice car. Have some annoying squeaks from the dashpot when cold. Some rattle from the right side also. Appears to be from the glove compartment. Good gas mileage. Quick heat. Nice stereo. Price has dropped since last year. You probably can buy them for at least 500 below the dealer invoice, around $19,400, maybe less.