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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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Lee - March 4 - 5:20 am

  Best test drive I have ever had. This SUV drives nice and tight, closest feeling to car that I have found in an SUV. The gas mileage seems to be improving as I break the motor in more. Wish I went for the leather, but other than that, no regrets yet. I would buy one again.

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  Great Car - Hybrid? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mm - March 3 - 8:13 pm

  We had been investigating this car since March, comparing it to other hybrids. This was the one for us and we finally bought it in June. It was sturdier,faster, more like the luxury sedan we were used to. It is also much more fun to drive - and we get to help the environement!

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  2008 Civic LX coupe auto - 2009 Honda Civic
  By runnerdude - March 3 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my Civic now for almost a year. I find it a fantastic car for the price. It will cruise all day long effortlessly at 70 mph and get me 38-39mpg with the AC off. Now it wont win any drag races but it has plenty of power for my day to day needs. I really like the dash set up and I think the auto transmission is very smooth. Lots of leg room also for my 64" frame. My two kids fit fine in the backseat. The trunk holds more then I had originally thought. I have had no mechanical issues in the 9,500 miles I have driven the car and average 30-32 mpg in my daily driving.

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  Performance, Style and Reliability - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Andrew Cummings - March 3 - 3:19 pm

  I was looking to strike a balance between price, performance, reliability, and style. I was considering higher end vehicles... like the Acura TLX. The Honda Accord V6 Touring gives me what I want in a daily driver... at about 10k less. I had an 06 Accord V6 before this... and had such a great ownership experience, it was a no-brainer to get another one. If I had any ability to influence any of the cars design/features... it would be to encourage them to take another round of refinement at the infotainment system. Its pretty good, to be fair, but as a software engineer... its really evident that they CPU theyre using is too slow. If you want to just quickly check your milage while the car is off... it takes about 30 seconds to a minute. The boot time... is inexcusably slow. The Apple CarPlay is wonderful... And... it could use another round of refinement, in terms of integration. I see this is a Honda issue, not an Apple issue. It makes me wish that Apple had written the software for the whole infotainment system. All of this said... this is a fantastic car... Ive only driven it 1200 miles... so its still brand new for me... but Im already clear that I made a great choice.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kpthirdmate - March 3 - 8:30 am

  I love my car... I guess if six cylinder came with a manual it would be a better car, but consideringthe whole package it is great. Besides, if I wanted a race car I would ahve gotten a different car

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  Best Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Rocks - March 2 - 3:20 am

  Traded in my 2000 Odyssey and bought a 2005. The improvements are remarkable especially its quiter cabin, controls, features & the torque+horsepower. Also test driven a 05 Sienna. Didnt get the responsiveness while driving and the interior seemed dull. Steering handling wasnt as impressive either. Took our first trip to Houston, TX and Im looking forward to many road trips in future. My van drove just like a car and kids really enjoyed the trip. We drove almost 440 miles on a full tank. I wish city gas mileage was little better. I wouldnt trade this van for anything else. We have 8 seats too! Looking forward to many years of reliability and fun driving experience. Go Odyssey!!!

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  Great Car But Buy the Extended Warranty - 1998 Honda Accord
  By HappyHoustonOwner - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My first brand new car and I love it! Have had it for 4 1/2 years and am still happy. I really like the way the car feels and handles. A little dissapointed at the reliablity. I have done not only the regular oil changes but all of the extra maintenace that is recommended, and I mean all. Thank God I bought the extended warranty as at 77000 miles the transmission had to be replaced! Was free with warranty but would have cost me $4700.00!!! Ouch!

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  will miss my honda - 1998 Honda Civic
  By samehelsaid - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I got my honda new in 8/98.I was very happy when I got it and still very happy now. its unbleivably reliable. its fun to drive if you cant afford a stonger car, I felt the need for more power on several occasions but hay I cant get a porche. I changed the factory speakers with a polk ones and added a CD changer to enjoy my CDs. now since we just had a baby, a coupe is not convenient at all, Im trying to buy an old SUV but everytime I test drive one I feel how good is my honda and I back off. the moral of the story is " buy it if you cant afford a stronger car and if you know you will not have a baby in the next 5 years "

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  2002 Odyssey EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jolli107 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  We drive minivans due to our family business and have a lot of experience with them: the Chrysler family (extreme mechanical problems; nice design). Windstar (nice van except for total engine failure), Siennas (on the small side, boring, boring did I say boring). I never thought Id list performance as the reason to buy a van, but the Odyssey has it: 240 strong horses, excellent, intelligent 5-speed automatic and no fade disk brakes front and rear. Even the LX has everything you need as standard equipment. I would rate it a ten overall if it came with better tires.

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  First SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NoMoreMinivan - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Handles nicely, comfortable, and its even good on gas. My wife (a lead foot) loves the performance. The seating is nice, but only the drivers side is powered. The center console in the front is nifty as can be with cell phone holder and extra outlet so you dont have wires everywhere. Paid 1K UNDER sticker.