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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  my 90 accord was a much better car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By leslie2 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  air conditioning system never worked correctly; after 5 years the dealership finally admitted it and fixed it; handles well on and off the highway my 90 EX was just a better car to drive I did hate those automatic seat belts and that is the only reason I sold it; my son is still driving the 90 with 160000 miles

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  Very Impressed! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kimmie - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the RAV4, Passat, Accord, Outback, Suburu WR-X and chose the CR- V. In my mind the CRV took the prize for having the best of my needs in a vehicle: handling, price, economy, interior room and design. And its a honda! I love the vehicle.

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  Reliable versatile economical - 2004 Honda Element
  By John Wilmot - May 30 - 3:53 am

  Very reliable vehicle...low maintenance and very versatile rear seats for hauling various things. Rear "suicide" doors are somewhat awkward in parking lots..city mileage 20mpg with 5 spd manual trans.

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  Homely but sturdy and amazingly reliable - 1991 Honda Civic
  By NWTransplant - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 91 Civic 5-speed stick wagon for its reputation for dependability, reliability and fuel economy. It delivered well on all three counts. Also very spacious for people and cargo in the interior. Always ran well and got me where I needed to go without incident. I had it only a few months and only sold it because I desired something more stylish. I learned later never to part with something this dependable. Makes first- rate budget transportation with room.

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  Love my CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GEENEE72 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought my CR-V EX a few weeks ago and I love it. I wanted EX and most I could get off MSRP was $500. So my brother found a demo model with 5,000 miles with a roof rack .....I got 1500 off MSRP with the roof rack. I think I got a good deal. People dont pay sticker....they will give at least 300 off. Trust me I called every honda dealer in new york new jersey area. So far i love this car. Only complaints is this whisling noise (sounds like wind) i hear when driving on highway....anyone else have a problem with that??? Maybe a small air leak in sunroof?????? Otherwise it is so smooth and quiet.

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  I hate this car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Mike Greer - May 29 - 9:49 am

  My biggest complaint about this car is the transmission. If you ever need to slow down quickly then speed up, forget about it. Its like the transmission is stuck in high gear for a second before it decides youre done stopping. I had a close call once because of this. A minor complaint about the transmission is the knuckle dragging fake shift points, its controlled by the computer there should be an option to turn it off. Another issue is the anemic horn, that sound like a dying giraffe, which I blame for not being able to prevent an accident. The entertainment system is the opposite of ergonomic. The angle of the screen is terrible for a touch screen and several buttons are too small for arms reach. The mute swipe is hit or miss and slow so some times Ill try to mute twice and then itll mute and unmute. The screen changes and animates for about a minute when I start driving which I find annoyingly distracting. The parking brake is not very usable especially if you are in an emergency and your fine motor skills go out the window. Also why do you have to push the break to release the parking break? The seats are so curved, they force you to slouch. Other then these issues the car is OK. It drives on the freeway nicely, mileage is good and it has plenty of trunk space.

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  I hate this car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Mike Greer - May 29 - 9:49 am

  My biggest complaint about this car is the transmission. If you ever need to slow down quickly then speed up, forget about it. Its like the transmission is stuck in high gear for a second before it decides youre done stopping. I had a close call once because of this. A minor complaint about the transmission is the knuckle dragging fake shift points, its controlled by the computer there should be an option to turn it off. Another issue is the anemic horn, that sound like a dying giraffe, which I blame for not being able to prevent an accident. The entertainment system is the opposite of ergonomic. The angle of the screen is terrible for a touch screen and several buttons are too small for arms reach. The mute swipe is hit or miss and slow so some times Ill try to mute twice and then itll mute and unmute. The screen changes and animates for about a minute when I start driving which I find annoyingly distracting. The parking brake is not very usable especially if you are in an emergency and your fine motor skills go out the window. Also why do you have to push the break to release the parking break? The seats are so curved, they force you to slouch. Other then these issues the car is OK. It drives on the freeway nicely, mileage is good and it has plenty of trunk space.

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  Entertainment and Cupholders let it down - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By N/A - May 29 - 1:53 am

  The car to drive and own is an improvement on last model, however for 40K I would expect the entertainment system to at least be as good as the one Honda puts in the Fit! There is very limited bluetooth functionality, it is slow and very very frustrating to use due to all the features which can not be used when the car is in motion. The cup holders in the front are next too useless, as they do not hold a cup and are quite small, not an improvement at all. You also have to pay the best part of 1K to get the towing package. I would also expect some sort of USB or Power for the second row. Second and third row access is easy, the performance is great. Not sure why a full LATCH system is not available for the 3rd ROW, it was before.

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  s2000 are serious - 2004 Honda S2000
  By DC samuels - May 26 - 2:00 am

  man i will just say that the car is mad fast and mad lovely. nice rims and everything very nice looking car. nice color its a nice car you can drive just love to hold on to it just can"t stop driving.

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  I love hondas - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DC samuels - May 26 - 2:00 am

  well i got my first honda and i just love it its fast and looks nice and drives nice and its just cool to drive in.