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:

• 

  Good Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Yanky79 - December 19 - 1:23 am

  Great vehicle, especially considering this is a minivan. Honda did right by including all the options in a single package. While the design may not get you noticed on the highway the interior comfort and included amenties are a huge benefit. Not requiring premium fuel (like the Sienna) and having engineered the interior were the items that gave this van the edge over the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country. If you are looking for a people mover and desire the amenities of most newer cars, this van comes highly recommended. Honda has the racket down to a science with the allocation of new vehicles, keeping the price artficially inflated. Working a deal close to invoice=VERY tough

• 

  05 Honda Pilot w/leather - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By jim007 - December 17 - 9:23 pm

  Just the right size SUV for a family of 4. Have had no problems after 17,000 miles and mileage is OK at 19-20 avg.. To carry 4 mt bikes installed hitch myself and fairly easy to install. Overall very pleased but I wish the road noise was less.

• 

  Nice little work car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Robert T. - December 17 - 7:36 pm

  I originally went to the dealership to buy an EX model with the navigation option but as soon as I saw the Si, I had to drive it. I got reeled in by the sound of the exhaust which is mellow but strong and not "boy racerish". The 6 speed is silky smooth. The car is not fast by any stretch of the imagination. I have had cars that made 350hp with plenty of torque and this isnÂ’t one of them. I was never under the assumption that I was buying anything more than a Civic to use as my primary work vehicle. It is a nice, sporty looking, decent performing compact sedan but you dont notice the performance until you get above 6000 rpms. That is where the little 2.0L really shines.

• 

  Not what I expected - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wayne - December 16 - 8:13 pm

  After researching the CR-V, I thought it would be a great vehicle. After only several months, it has been in the shop 4 times for problems with the sunroof rattling and the drivers side back door rattling. The CR-V is a pretty loud SUV for interior noise. I wish I would have taken the time to drive it more when I was test driving. I also find that my left foot is cramped while driving. Space is very limited for comfortable foot placement. The drivers seat lacks lumbar support and the headlights do not have an auto function.

• 

  Awesome Car. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Frostbyte - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I am the owner of a modded 95 D16z6 SOHC coupe. Alls I have to say is the D series motors that come Stock in this car can be really fast. There are many bolt-ons and also Turbo and Superchargers that they make for this car. I would advise looking into that.

• 

  Purrfect - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Senor Den Gato - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had mine new since 03/00. Have 28k miles. Replaced rear deck speakers within month. ECM replaced under warranty after Check Engine light came on. Only other thing has been oil changes. Starting to get hairline cracks on side of driver seat leather near top release. Dealer told me this is common & they will replace. Seems prone to hood marks from stones, etc. Excellent highway car - but youll need a radar detector because youll go too fast without noticing it. Over 70-75 mph you will get wind noise. Id be hard pressed not to buy another Honda or Acura based on my experience. Wife just bought a 03 TL.

• 

  Good value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jjpcat - December 16 - 10:00 am

  unacceptable suspension, especially the rear one. Not so comfortable front seats. Too tall. Looks unbalanced. In term of value, few challengers could come close. But you give up quite a lot of comfort for this value.

• 

  Was great, but after 15k problems appear - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jordan4308 - December 16 - 2:16 am

  I have 15k on the car. AIR CONDITIONING IS HORRIBLE. I live in Colorado where we have had 20 days of 90+ heat. And when I drive the car home, the AC STOPS BLOWING COLD AIR whenever the car is stopped (w or w/o autostop). Honda manufacturing & my local dealer have confirmed "THIS IS THE WAY THE CAR IS DESIGNED. In order to get the AC to blow cold air, the engine must be above a certain RPM." Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is to be sitting in the blazing sun at 5200 ft with no AC? It sucks. Thats why I bought a car WITH AC. Turns out I must rev at the stoplights to have AC. Really disappointed with Honda. wish I had known this before buying.

• 

  review of my 2012 civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By yann grenier - December 15 - 10:33 am

  Excellent millage 32-45 mpg, excellent safety and road handling but very low to the ground, has no clearance in the snow or on uneven roads

• 

  Buy an HRV, hire a PT or Chiropractor - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jessica - December 14 - 2:06 am

  I really love this car and have wanted to purchase it since its first release. This year was my time to do so because my Civic was totaled in a hail storm. I have realized, now, that my middle back pain started when I purchased this car. Ever since the purchase of this vehicle, I have had constant middle back pain on the right side. I have just purchased a support pillow to use in the vehicle and hope it helps, but after a 4 hour trip (with frequent stops) my back is still hurting with the pillow. My next step will be to visit the doctor and, although Im fortunate to have great healthcare, $70/week on PT visits is not something I have in the budget, especially now with a car payment.