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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  2010 Honda Pilot LX AWD - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By kj - November 26 - 8:06 pm

  Pathetic front row driver and passenger seats, slow ride, does not feel peppy, not enough acceleration. Should have bought the CX-9 or highlander. Totally Unhappy with truck/SUV.

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  RUNS - RUNS - RUNS - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Den2000 - November 26 - 7:55 pm

  I bought this used a few years ago with 80K miles. Had the timing belt/ acc. belts and water pump replaced at that time as per regular maint. Now have 115K of trouble free driving. This car should go 200K plus with regular service. This is a real solid, dependable little car. Keeps on going and going every day trouble free. Cant go wrong with a Honda.

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  Reliable - 2012 Honda Accord
  By RW - November 26 - 7:52 pm

  Third Honda. Always delivers good reliability and low mtce

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  Avoid like the plague ! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Cristoph - November 26 - 4:03 pm

  Ive owned this car since 2005. I made a quick decision to buy it without doing research. BAD MOVE ! Take 5 mins to look up official recall \ complaints. Anyone who gives this car a good review has limited knowledge and/or experience with cars. The automatic transmission might go down in history for being one of the WORST ever made. Ever notice accords with faded paint ? Thats another inherent problem. Some received a cheaper paint and clear coat resulting in the discoloration. If I had taken even 2 mins to research this car I would not have bought it. Its sitting in my garage broken. $2000 to fix transmissin. Not doing it. Rebuilt and refurbished transmissions have same problem

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  Fun Little Pug! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By D-Glenn - November 26 - 11:53 am

  This is a fun little SUV, even though I can see some improvements. Note: I call it the Pug, because its like an English Bull Dog. I drive this thing all over the Mojave (in So Cal) and it has survived my driving with few complaints. I did have a dead battery (that was covered under warranty) and I have had to replace the tires (after only 30,000 Miles). I have the leather seats and I have noticed some cracking on some of the vinyl side panels. Gas mileage has been an average 26 Miles per gallon. The Navi is useful, but has room for software improvements. I have added goodyear fortera tripletred tires, and after an alignment, got the best ride Ive ever got in a Honda. But at $1k, I should have!

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  Nearly Flawless - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bobby23 - November 26 - 11:24 am

  Over 59,000 in 3.5 years and the only things I had to do was oil change and tire replacement and rotation and wiper blade replacement... that was it! I didnt beat it, but drove it as hard as anyone has driven any car. Some of the best seats Ive ever sat in. Great sound system except for the rattle from the back panel that covers the rear speakers and subwoofer. 3rd gear was fussy on occasion. If a car is too fast, you dont get to enjoy it enough on public roads because you cant explore its limits... The si is perfect because its somewhat quick, its agile, and it sounds great taking it to 8,000 rpms through 4 gears! I just turned the 06 in for a 10.

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  Honda accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Suzana Berisha - November 26 - 10:25 am

  This my third Honda in my family its a great car but the basic one should have power seatnot manual seats . The rest of the stuff its great love it

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  Great Little Car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jason60050 - November 26 - 9:30 am

  I have been waiting about three months to purchase my new vehicle and I finally decided on a Civic. I had purchased a brand new one back in 2002 and this 2009 is by far a much nicer car, the visibility, comfort and build quality.

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  CRV is a great car overall - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Joe Turchetti - November 26 - 6:44 am

  This car offers nearly everything that we were looking for. The only thing that it lacks is height adjustable passenger seat. None of Hondas vehicles offer this feature at any level. Competitors (although not all) do offer this as standard equipment. I think that the car is great otherwise.

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  2010 Pilot EX 4WD - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By dblshock - November 25 - 8:26 pm

  This is a large comfortable vehicle that rolls like a vault at highway speed yet is nimble in town, a joy to drive with people, amazing, very large items will fit inside with 2ond & 3rd tier seats down..as my work platform taking calls the large cockpit functions well with many storage spaces and flat areas to take notes..drive- train and suspension are Honda benchmark quality and Im really hooked on the appearance now..did the 60/2.9% finance and TMV pricing..difficult to beat over time.