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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  Pilot is the best - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By roooddy - February 6 - 7:49 pm

  We bought the car new in Oct of 2002. The tires were replaced at 84K...still have original brakes at 102K. Never so much as an alignment needed. The usual oil changes and a timing belt is all Ive done in 11 years. The best car we ever owned!

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  Very nice and fun to Drive - 2014 Honda Civic
  By wl123 - February 6 - 1:24 am

  I recently bought a Civic ex and I love it. I went through back and forth deciding among Corolla, Prius, Yaris, Fit and Elantra for a month before ending up with the Civic. I like Civic from the get go but felt it was over priced compared to Corolla and others and took me a while to finally decide to buy it. Accord or Camry would have been a better value car when the price of Civic EX is a bit over $20K already but I needed a smaller car and gas saver for commute. I got it at sale for below invoice price so I am thrilled.

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  Fantastic so far! - 2013 Honda Fit
  By flyersfan12 - February 3 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this car in August. I am 64" and about 260 lbs, and I have more than enough room in the car itself. There is even room behind me for a normal-sized, full-grown adult. There is so much space inside the car, I dont have any trouble putting everything I need for weeks. It has great acceleration, mainly because it is so small, and it is fantastic to drive. In the snow, it has been handling fantastically.

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  2004 Accord Coupe V6 6-Speed Nighthawk Black Pearl - 2004 Honda Accord
  By flyvtec2004 - January 31 - 12:25 am

  I bought my car new in Nov 2003. The car is approaching 190K miles (Jan2014). I modified my car a few months after purchasing. Basic mods to include cold air intake and catback exhaust, lowering springs, larger rear sway bar, 18" wheels/tires, speakers/sub. The car has been an absolute joy to drive and fun to own! The V6 is fantastic! Mated to a slick shifting 6-speed manual, it performs fairly well on the streets! The leather seats are still in great shape. Overall, Im proud to say that Ive taken great care of my car. I had a 1997 Prelude before trading it in for my 2004. I feel fortunate to have owned 2 of the best cars Honda ever produced! :)

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  Great Trouble free car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By hpopik - January 29 - 6:49 pm

  I bought my Honda Civic and it is a great dependable car .Drives nicely and handles well except in snow as it is not good for Alberta snowy winters. I have only 53,000 Kilometers about 35,000 miles and the car is just great. Only one long trip of about 2,000 miles to Great Falls and back to St.Albert, Alberta in Canada. Tires with purchase were of poor quality and I replaced them with Bridgestone Ecopia tires and the car handles better than new. I like the car as mine is black and other than a few dingles which I had detailed out for $275 and car looks like new . Visor had to be replaced on warranty and nothing else other than tires. Great gas mileage and handles extremely well.

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  Great car! Great Choice! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By 3ddie - January 27 - 6:02 pm

  Really reliable van has 130,000+ miles and not a single issue. Lots of space and lots of fun to drive.

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  Love our CRV! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kprairiesun - January 25 - 11:02 am

  We researched vehicles for years and after buying a used 1998 Honda Odyssey and being so impressed by how everything still worked well and was built so well, (unlike our GM vehicles, where everything breaks, ac vents, windows dont work, etc.), we decided we wanted some of that Honda reliability! We wanted a CRV so it would be easier to slip in & out of & still have room for people and my husbands drums when he plays with bands. It accomodates everything and very well! I often look into other suvs in parking lots to see if they have as much room inside as our CRV and they never do, esp. in back. Other owners of CRVs up to 10 yrs old tell me they love it, no problems ever! Its a joy to own!

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  2007 CR-V LX FWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By contrco - January 22 - 11:07 pm

  Just bought 2007 Honda CR-V LX FWD with 88k for $11,800. Super hard vehicles to find. No mechanical problems, comfortable ride, good power for the 4cyl engine. Honda quality.

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  School of hard knocks, get what you pay for. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gski1 - January 18 - 9:51 pm

  In the market for a new car and a previous Accord owner I jumped ship to a 5th Gen Nissan Altima. On paper it made sense, it offered features the Accord didnt at thousands less. 2 transmissions, a new radio and the dash, moonroof and rear deck rattling like a tin can later Nissan was finally forced to buy it back under lemon law. Back to the Honda lot I went and bought a 2014 EX-L V6. Ill say the car delivers. Its solid, quiet, fuel efficient and styled as aggressively as Id like. The ground doesnt light up when I open the door and the seat doesnt 60/40 split (cmon Honda?), but Im in love with the ride and comfort. Dont agree w/the seat complaints, 10 way pwr suits my bad back!

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  My 08 Coupe best car ever bought8/ - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jezebellejizz - January 11 - 3:13 pm

  Fonda (as in Fonda the Honda) is one of the bet cars Ive ever purchased. I was a little surpsied that the road noise was a bit more predominant than it should have been considering this was a gosh darn $29,000 purchase brand new, loaded up to the teets and all. My only complaint is the junky paint quality. I swear even looking at the car makes scratches appear. That is ridiculous and Ive spent almost $2,000 in 5 years fixing Fondas scratches, dings, blemishes and it really sucks.....but on other hand, she is black and I knew what I was in for....p.s. I keep saying no more black cars but this is the 3rd in a row....still, the paint should be better [non-permissible content removed]!