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:

• 

  Loved the truck hate the price - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Curt Alverson - July 2 - 12:39 am

  The truck is great. Pricey for the features you get. An RTL has a very basic radio for 37 k. For that price I expect better amenities so I passed

• 

  Third Time is not the Charm - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rodriguez - June 30 - 6:10 am

  This is my third Honda Accord (previous model years were 1986 and 2004) and I have not experience the same build quality as with the previous models. The 2003 model has numerous rattles (dashboard, front windows and headliner), the material covering the side curtain air bags is sagging (dealer advised this is normal), the plastic on the doors and door frame floor is wearing poorly, the plastic front seat moldings near the floor are uneven, the front windshiled exterior molding is buckling. Experienced numerous issues with the dealer. Delivered the vehicle without all of the purchased accessories, took two months to fix CD bin door. Overall, poor service.

• 

  Good purchase - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By David - June 29 - 7:36 pm

  All around good vehicle, 4WD works great in snow, gas mileage is about 20. Has area between front seats that collect trash and its almost impossible to clear. The good news is that you cant see this trash unless you know exactly where to look. Would be my first pick if I were looking for a small SUV.

• 

  1999 Accord EX - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Topgun - June 28 - 6:24 am

  Love the styling of the two door EX coupe but will never buy a two door again. Getting into the back seat is a chore. Transmission started acting up at 120k at that point the car was traded. Brakes on this car are total junk. The rotors warp which leads to vibration under braking. Interior quality is marginal. Overall, I enjoy driving the car and have never regretted getting the 4-cylinder engine.

• 

  Disappointed - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Karl - June 27 - 1:45 am

  This is my first Honda -- after owning a Nissan, Mazda and VW. I was expecting legendary reliability. Bought as a certified car with 40,000 miles on it. Now have 100,000. Not used to having things go wrong on the cars I own. Am probably spending in the neighborhood of $100 a month on repairs (seems like every 3-4 months it costs me about $300-$400). Probably wont buy a Honda again. My Nissans, Mazdas and VWs were much more reliable.

• 

  My S2K - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Greg - June 26 - 10:13 pm

  Great car! Fun to drive! Had it for just over a year now and I love it. Its quick, sticks to the road like it has glue on the tires, handles very well. Although its my 1st sports car, I drove many others before I bought. The S2000 was by far the best choice.

• 

  Nice Van... Poor Gas Mileage - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By drowe - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The van overall has been great. We are now driving it oversees (Naples Italy) and the car handles nicely at 90 - 100mph on the autostrada. While in the states and our first 3 months in Italy, the gas mileage was really poor! 14 - 15 in the city... 20 - 21 on the

• 

  Silver Bullet - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa Hernandez - June 25 - 10:00 am

  After testing driving the Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Toyota Rav & Forerunner, Hyundai Santa Fe, the Honda CRV topped all of them. All of the others were V- 6s that I test drove, none of them had the ZIP that the CRV had, and its a V- 4. The car is spacious and plenty of legg room for passengers. I must say the design is getting better I disliked the earlier design which is why I would have never considered buying earlier models. You cant beat the reliablity also.

• 

  great in snow - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Nova Scotia CRV - June 22 - 5:58 pm

  Our CRV was great in the snow. I put BF Goodrich Winter Slaloms on it and was able to plow through snow that was as high as the "H" in the grill.

• 

  Good upgrade/update from a 15 year old accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Michael - June 22 - 11:12 am

  With the new design in and out plus all the feature that is given on a base 16 accord with the history and reliability of Honda. There is nothing can go wrong on this car. With the deal that I got which is even sweeter story....