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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  Great car!!!! Very sporty - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 28 - 3:18 am

  Love this car!!

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  Great car!!!! Very sporty - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 28 - 3:18 am

  Love this car!!

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  Great car!!!! Very sporty - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 28 - 3:18 am

  Love this car!!

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  Great car, jury still out though - 2005 Honda Accord
  By eak - November 28 - 1:43 am

  I have owned Volvos all my life(37 yrs.) and I am extremely impressed with this cars safety record; a large reason why it won out over the Camry and any American sedan. The 4cyl. is plenty peppy enough and the interior design is very ergonomically friendly. The 6 speaker stereo was a pleasant suprise. Overall this car drives beautifully in any environment with plenty of power especially when stepping out to pass at 65-80mphs. It is so quiet that I actually was doing 90 and didnt realize it until I looked down at the speedometer! Whoops. Jury still out at only 200 miles on the car.

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  We love it!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Keith Moore - November 27 - 8:46 pm

  We traded our 03 Pilot EXL for an 06 EXL with DVD. The Pilot has definitely improved and we were extremely satisfied with our 03! More standard features now offered (sunroof, heated seats, 6 disc in-dash CD, etc.). The drive is better than ever and the improved interior cosmetic changes (dash light color - never liked the green!, leather surfaces, improved A/C vents, etc.) are welcomed changes, in my opinion. If you have/had any drving experiences with previous Pilots, youll definitely like the 06. Would still like to see memory seats, back glass windshield open separate from the tailgate, lighted steering wheel controls, and 17 inch wheels (still looks top heavy with 16s).

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  Prelude Love - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Morgan - November 27 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my Prelude used at about 58K miles. Took her in recently for 105K service and still going strong. While the ride can be stiff, you get excellent road feel. The rougher ride dosent seem to matter on long trips. After driving a rental recently I really missed my precise handling and road hugging Prelude. Great long-term reliability. Fun to commute to work in or tool about town in on a lazy weekend.

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  My 2004 Honda LX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Leahcim - November 27 - 1:56 pm

  Honda lives up to its reputation in that this car gets great gas mileage as well as good reliability. No major problems with my car which currently has 58000 miles on it.

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  Great fun car- No issues - 2000 Honda S2000
  By ksixbey - November 27 - 11:15 am

  I will by a new one if I can give up this soon to be classic.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By stratcat99 - November 27 - 7:53 am

  The best part is the mileage. You just cant beat it. It has a sleeker feel than older civics that I have driven. Seats are very comfortable, and I fit well in it. I am 6 5" so that was surprising. I love the look of the new dash. I got the manual trans, and I like the feel of the shifter. The car surprised me with the amount of power it had off the line, but the power noticably diminishes the faster you go. I am getting about 35 MPG, so I am very happy with that. I also like the Aux input for the stereo. The system sounds good, too. I highly recomend it.

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  Wow...what a car...the Honda 2018 CR-V ! - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Jake - November 27 - 12:17 am

  We just purchased a Honda 2018 CR-V......perfect in every way, especially safety and a proven, excellent track record over the years, as reflected in Edmunds reviews!