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 First Car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By KoreanMofo - March 18 - 1:01 am

  I finally managed to get my first car. A 1994 Honda Civic EX coupe. This car was originally my uncles vehicle. I must say, it is a blast to have! I have a 5 speed manual transmission, and even though the engine is relatively small, I still enjoy dropping the clutch and lighting up the tires. As of right now, I have had no major problems with the vehicle other than a headlight went out, and my windshield fluid spray nozzles only shoot streams instead of spray.

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  91 Prelude Si 2.1L DOHC - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By stewie2021 - March 17 - 3:39 pm

  Only 2 previous owners. I bought this car off of a guy that was moving to England and HAD to get rid of it in about a week. I fell in love with the awesome styling and handling. Im pretty new to manual transmission but It wasnt hard to brush up on with such a great clutch that hasnt had to be replaced. I already replaced the intake with a ram air and the muffler with an HKS slide-on. The car looks at home with much newer cars and runs as good if not better. Im looking forward to keeping her running for years!

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  my 6th honda vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dan - March 17 - 3:25 pm

  I live in Toronto and purchased this car through a broker who bought it from the US, incl his 1500 fee i believe i saved about 2500 once. There are couple of things that the American cars dont have that I miss (this is my 4th Accord) the windshield washer reservoir is much smaller and it has no low level light is the big one. Also, i cant get over how much more power this 4cy has over the 99 but it is using about 35% more gas for a similar trip (Im getting 350 miles per tank) vs 650-700k for my 99 with 300,000k on and had only one tune up. This one is a 5spd auto, tons of power off the line and at 130k. Very well screwed together, feels solid, no rattles, good value.

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  traded down to trade up - 2006 Honda Accord
  By honda4ever - March 17 - 11:06 am

  i just purchased my accord ex v6 with the nav system option, and i must say i am greatly satisfied. i owned a 2000 bmw 740il for about 4 months and all i had was pain. this honda is perfect however. my honda is a beautiful white with the tan leather interior which keeps heat low inside. the ride is great even with the 17inch tires. the 3liter v6 got 30.4 MPG on the interstate going 70. the 740 struggled for 20. not to be just like everyone else, but this honda is great so i recommend it to anyone who wants a 4door, a v6, or a great nav system.

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  Best value of the new hybrids! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By jim s - March 16 - 3:38 pm

  Top mileage, unnoticeable shift from battery to engine mode, moderate road noise.

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  Great Van EX version love Honda vehicles - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By lemichaelj - March 16 - 11:20 am

  Love my van bought a new one, and love Honda vehicles, yes the 99, 2000 models did have tranny troubles but they had a recall that fixed it. I put a trans cooler on mine the day I bought it, every vehicle should have trans cooler. but van is roomy , I have 251000 miles on it now and no major problems, condenser got a hole rubbed in it by a small rock, replaced it and still going strong actually had to spend the night in it when Hurricane Rita came through Louisiana. Thank God for the Roominess, This van rides and drives like a car, rear air for the kids is perfect. Power sliding doors are perfect and although you have to clean the contacts every so often so they close completely, Great van!!!

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  Free Car? - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Kris - March 16 - 10:47 am

  I have a 75 mile daily commute to work (San Diego to Irvine). I was driving a Nissan Xterra (paid off) getting 16 mpg and paying $680 a month in gas. I bought my Honda Insight for $11,000 and have a monthly payment of $225 a month. The Insight gets 50 mpg (+-2 mpg) even with all the SoCal hills and traffic. I am now paying $210 a month in gas. This is a total cost (both car payment and gas) of $435 a month, a savings of $245 a month in just the gas for my Xterra. It feels like Im saving money and I got a free car in the process. Pretty wild! I still own the Xterra but I only use it for Home Depot runs. All this and its a blast to drive around town. My advice...Buy one!

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  Keep on going - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Poiltman - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My polit contiunes to suprise me everytime I drive. I recently went on a long trip and drove my poilt, it was an 14hr trip and I did not feel tired after the drive. In fact I could of drove anther 8hrs and still would of felt rested. I love my SUV.

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  2004 pilot with dvd - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pack rat - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I read many reviews of different suvs and test drove two but settled on the pilot. It seems to be the best value for the money with many features standard with the leather dvd package. The ride is very comfortable and much quieter than I expected after reading earlier reviews. I am very satisfied with this suv and do recommend it to others.

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  nice suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By douber - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I didnt think I would like this car as much as I do. I wanted a pilot but as the wife was the primary driver she won and we got the crv. I am gald now plus 10,000 dollars richer. I how ever am the one who sevices it and that sucksa the filter is hard to get at and makes a real mess. But all the hondas I have owned are about the same. They seem to give no thought to servicing there vehicles.