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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  6 Speed Coupe Makes for Lively Commute - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MHK - February 28 - 4:03 pm

  Been commuting in Hondas since 1989-- two Civics and one Accord, all 4- cylinder 5-speeds. All very reliable, intelligently designed, and peppy enough to pass (as long as you were already moving--and didnt have the AC on). The 6-speed coupe is a very large performance leap from the 4-cyl. Accord. A little low on torque (210 lbs.), 1st gear is something you want to punch and get out of; 2d gear, conversely, will knock your head back. Uphill acceleration is phenomenal (even with the AC on). Shifting is very smooth and intuitive. While this car loves RPMs in the 4-6k range, it is also very much at home in stop and go traffic. Love the fact that this 6- speed takes REGULAR gas. 16k and no probs.

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  Great Car!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Ambur Stancill - February 28 - 5:43 am

  I love the 2017 Honda Civic touring! I really went in to get the ex-t but the touring stole my heart! It drives great and the technology is amazing.

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  Total Improvement - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By neil - February 27 - 11:06 pm

  Improved in every way. No vehicle compares for thousands more.

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  HCH Puts it all together! I am - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ron C - February 27 - 9:46 pm

  I am 71 yrs young and have owned and driven (56yrs) more than a fair share of all type German,Japanese and Detroit vehicle to include during my military career 130 MPH jaunts on the Autobahn. To date my new 06 HCH is proving to be the best driving experience Ive had. Notwithstanding 48+ mpg, room for my 63 219 lbs frame, next generation instrumentation, a Bose like sound system, seat bag peace of mind, CVT, I also find excuses to drive this car as often as possible. I have to pay attention to the Virgina beltway speed limits, 75 mph seems like 55 mpg.

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  Fuel-Miser - 2007 Honda Civic
  By t.c. - February 27 - 6:40 pm

  I have about 5k on my new civic and now have had a little time to get to know the car. It drives great, but lacks just a little bit of power to say it performs great. Fuel mileage is terrific. I drive 120 miles roundtrip to work each day; all freeway driving. The car is averaging about 34-36 mpg using the cruise and staying around the 70 posted limit. NAVI system is great and voice command is fun to play with. Tight build, absolutely no rattles or squeaks. Engine noise during accleration is louder than I expected. My 2003 Accord LX I-4 Automatic was much smoother and quiet.

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  Love our CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 98accordex - February 27 - 4:28 pm

  This is our first CR-V but fourth Honda and its proving to be just as reliable as the others (now 3 yrs old with 32000miles). Mileage is worse than our other Hondas but its a SUV. We have used all 72cu ft of cargo space more than we thought we would, cant imagine how we lived without a SUV before. For those complaining about road noise I suggest Goodyear Comfortreds, helps a lot with noise and its a good tire as well.

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  The Complete Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Roy Persson Jr. - February 27 - 12:23 pm

  I refer to my 2004 Honda Civic as the "complete civic". Whatever you are looking for in a compact vehicle the civic has it. Fuel economy? Im saving a bundle. Interior room? Im 60 230lbs and I have plenty of head, shoulder, hip room. Extras? My VP came equiped with auto transmission, CD, air, tinted windows etc. at no extra cost or hidden add on charges. In the city I slip into spaces that other vehicles have to pass up, Yet I have plenty of trunk room and fold down seats that allow me to carry Xmas trees if necessary. I have owned muscle cars (71 SS 396 Nova) and the civic on the highway has enough pep when you need it, also, no mechanical problems at all since Ive owned the Civic.

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  No Regrets! - 2008 Honda S2000
  By rcman - February 27 - 11:50 am

  Drove the Z4, 350Z, Boxster S, Miata, and Sky redline. Went with S2000. Best car decision Ive ever made. Loads of fun to drive. Very comfortable even on a 3-hr trip. Excellent build quality. Very usable trunk (w/spare). Top notch handling and accleration. I dont see any problems with lack of low end torque. You get two cars in one: Shift at <6k and its a tame roadster, shift at 8k and its a road hungry beast. Gets lots of attention (esp w/top down). I look for every opportunity to drive it. Its my daily driver and couldnt be happier.

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  My first Honda, and what a truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John Molinatto - February 26 - 8:56 pm

  This vehicle is amazing! When I drove it off the lot, I didnt want to stop driving it. It has everything that I was looking for in a truck. A ride that is unbelievably quiet and smooth, controls that are easily accessed, great fuel economy for a q-cab 4x4. I keep saying wow everytime that I drive it and I can tell that its a feeling that I will continue to experience every time that I hop in and turn the key.

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  Safe, reliable, and oh so sweet! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By joeyjoejoe - February 26 - 4:37 pm

  We have been driving our new VP AWD Pilot for almost a month now and absolutely love it! We decided to take the plunge because of the horrible weather weve been having in the MidWest and we also plan to start a family soon. Ive owned many Hondas, so owning a Pilot was always a goal of mine. I have to say that it has delivered up to my expectations hands- down. We plan to add a few extras like a towing package, all season floor mats, and a remote starter in the near future. We only went with the base VP model without all the bells and whistles and everyone still compliments on how nice and luxurious it looks. We were comparing the Pilot to many other SUVs and it easily beat them out.