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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  Fix Display & Tires and you have a winner!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brenda - August 12 - 9:39 am

  I just loved this car when I seen it. I had been looking for 3 months and test drove just about everything. I commute so I had to have a car that was good in gas mileage. The only downfalls I have had is that the Phone on the Display has had issues since day 1. When attempting to make a call, it will freeze, screen goes black and you cannot get back out of it until the car is turned off or I have had to take it dealer for them to battery reset. No software updates yet and I bought mine in Dec. 2016, so I have had it 7 months and been to the dealers 4 times now. The other issue I am having is having to put air in the tires every month since I have bought it. Especially the back tires, one time it will be the rear drivers side and the next will be the rear passenger side. Dealer said yesterday that they found a nail in rear drivers side, gonna cost me 200.00 to replace but couldnt find anything wrong with the passenger tire and could not give me any explanation on why I would have to put air in it. Other than that for the price and mileage, I got what I paid for since everything is basic in it, no extras, not even an option..

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  Purchased my Honda CRV for tow ability with RV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Ed Degenhart - August 12 - 9:29 am

  Tire monitoring system is a nuisance as it keeps coming on and tires are ok. Fuel efficiency is fantastic. Honda makes a very reliable car. Electronic features are so so. Have towed the CRV behind my motor home. Its light and hardly notice the weight being towed. Honda is making a mistake not offering the older version transmission in the 2015 CRV and beyond. It has a unique capability for being towed and utility when on the road camping. They would sell more cars if they offered the transmission version that can be towed.

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  Too bad you cant buy em new anymore - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Michael of C+M - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The first can I ever purchased new and a good choice at that. What every "big- muffler" Civic Si wants to be when it grows up. If you have to transport kids or more than one adult, forget it, but if your life permits such a car, go for it. No major defects, but would sure like it if the dealer could find and silence the sunroof squeak and figure out why the front suspension creaks and pops on warm days like my knees on cold days. BUY A K&N FILTER!!: $20 for a regular replacement is robbery. $40 for a K&N and its the last air filter youll have to buy.

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  Great Family Hauler - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mgraze - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a Pilot to replace an Olds minivan. Light years ahead of the van in refinement and quality and holds 1 more person too! A bargain compared to Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander and roomier than both too. Incredible ride and comfort. Interior layout is great-everything is were it should be and operates smoothly. One last thing- dont let the dealer set you up for paying full sticker by telling you how in-demand they are. They will deal on these!

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  Honda Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By purplehaze - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted reliability and that is exactly what I got. The last car I had was a dog (95 Dodge Intrepid). The AC failed, the trans died, the interior trim fell off, and the electric windows. With my honda everything runs smooth.The gas mileage isnt as high as I hoped it would be. I was expecting 23-25 mpg instead its 20 mpg.

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  What is Hondas problem? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Morbid2600 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Can someone tell me why the Hybrid has very few options? The colors are limited along with things you cant get, like a sun roof and spoiler. And why is the antena in the middle of the roof toward the front? The normal rims on the hybrid look horrible.... Why couldnt they just put the technology in a normal civic with the same standards, and sence they didnt why is it more money then one with all those other options... This factor just ruins the hybrid part for me, Id rather just stick with a normal civic and get all the cool extras.

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  Rough Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DKG - August 12 - 2:00 am

  "Its like riding in the back of a school bus." was the comment from our teenage daughter. If your thinking of buying an Accord, be sure to take it on a bumpy highway. On the route my wife takes to work, she cant drink a cup of coffee or even talk on her cell its so rough. Looking through the rear view mirror is equivalent to that of an idling Harley.

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  95 4 door Civic EX - 1995 Honda Civic
  By peterpaniam - August 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fantastic except if you air conditioner compressor ever goes out on you, you will have hell finding another one. Apparently Honda makes them with various different manufacturers of the part, so you dont know what type to put back in unless they tear it apart first (3 day job) and order it. Very expensive to have work done since everything is crammed under the hood everything has to be removed to service anything. Otherwise, great car!

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  Overall, seems to be a good choice - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Chris H. - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Civic LX for one month now and it seems to have been a good choice for a car under $17,000 so far. The Civic ride is relatively smooth compared to the VW Golf (felt every bump on the road with that "tight" suspension) and Nissan Sentra. Acceleration is less than the Golf and Toyota Corolla, but better than the Sentra and for me, adequate. Gas mileage has been hovering in the 30-35 range so far, okay, I guess in this sad American car market where only a few cars can even come close to that. A couple of things starting to bug me which Ill touch on below

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  dependable buddy - 2000 Honda Accord
  By fred hoffman - August 11 - 6:34 am

  good running car