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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  Good car but instrumentation is outdated. - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Vishwas Abhyankar - March 26 - 9:22 pm

  So far the car has performed well but the instrumentation interface needs a complete redesign. It also needs additional sensors to monitor surrounding vehicular traffic. The user manual that comes with the car is poorly written and the tech people at the dealership are not trained to answer even the simplest of questions.

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  Different -- and Im learning to like it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By syracuse_jeff - March 26 - 5:23 am

  My wife really likes her 2013 CR-V, so the 2015 was on my short list when my ancient Saturn died. The biggest concern was the new CVT transmission, but after driving it for the better part of a month Ive pretty much gotten used to it. It certainly has a different feel, and for someone who has driven manual transmissions for 40 years, the mild vibration I get at low speeds reminds me of the "lugging" that would usually prompt me to downshift. But it didnt take long for me to get used to it, and now I hardly notice it. The car itself has been absolutely flawless; no problems whatsoever. Handling is even better than my wifes 2013.

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  DISAPPOINTED - NOT A TOYOTA - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By WLS - March 25 - 10:00 am

  DEAD SPOT IN THE TORQUE AT CRUISING SPEED. IRRITATING SHIFT AT CRUISING SPEED FOR ANY ACCELERATION. SHORT LEFT LEG POSITION. FRONT SEAT BACKS NOT COMFORTABLE AT SHOULDER BLADE HEIGHT IN CENTER. REAR SEAT TOO SMALL FOR ANYONE BUT A SMALL KID. RADIO/TAPE CONTROLS NOT FRIENDLY. WELL BUILT, SAFE, STABLE, GOOD RIDE AND QUIET FOR AN SUV.

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  GREAT car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Atreides096 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  One of the most comfortable and quietest cars Ive ever driven. Not necessarily a lot of "fun" (compared to something like a 350Z, or at higher ends, a Porche) but extremely enjoyable.

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  This is a good car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By K - March 24 - 12:06 am

  I enjoy this car. I have owned the civic ex 2008 for one day. I previously owned a civic but in August of 2006 I purchased a Mazda6. The Mazda was a nice car but It did not provide me a lot of Mpg. and the interior control panel was bland. Consequently, after owning the Mazda6 for 4 months, I decided to trade the car in yesterday for something more gas efficient. I am happy with my purchase.

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  Nice car, bad breaks - 2008 Honda Accord
  By krisroh1 - March 23 - 3:53 am

  Had to replace my rear breaks at 22k miles. According to Honda it is normal. I get about 24 MPG and 7500-9000 miles per oil change. Tires are in great condition after 34k miles on them, should last another 30-35k.

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  owned 3 years - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Sfic - March 22 - 8:32 pm

  This is a base model car, runs great. Had to upgrade tires because traction was poor in snow. Interior is plastic looking. If you are not looking for beauty but want reliability this is your car.

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  Honda Pilot Experience - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Fred Burcaw - March 21 - 1:40 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for 5 months and have driven 3300 miles. The vehicle is very well designed, particularly the interior, which can haul much cargo or many people. The third seat can handle two adults, but three would be quite uncomfortable. The ride is excellent, with a good mix between cushy and firm. My biggest complaint is that the vehicle only gets 15 MPG around town and barely 20 on the Interstate, not the 17 and 23 advertised. At least it does run well on regular fuel, which saves 10% of cost. The vehicle does have some strange clunking sounds on occasions, and the dashboard creaks and rattles at times. Overall, I would rate it 8.5 on a scale of 10.

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  Honda Pilot Experience - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Fred Burcaw - March 21 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for 5 months and have driven 3300 miles. The vehicle is very well designed, particularly the interior, which can haul much cargo or many people. The third seat can handle two adults, but three would be quite uncomfortable. The ride is excellent, with a good mix between cushy and firm. My biggest complaint is that the vehicle only gets 15 MPG around town and barely 20 on the Interstate, not the 17 and 23 advertised. At least it does run well on regular fuel, which saves 10% of cost. The vehicle does have some strange clunking sounds on occasions, and the dashboard creaks and rattles at times. Overall, I would rate it 8.5 on a scale of 10.

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  Design flaw in the doors - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Linda - March 20 - 6:38 am

  This is my third Accord. I cant say enough good about my 1997 and my 2007. I like my 2015 well enough, but I feel like some quality was sacrificed, maybe in exchange for the upgraded technology. Most notably, there is a design flaw in the doors. Whether I run my car thru the car wash, or use the do-it-yourself spray wand, soap and water collects under the bottom seal. After every wash, I have to open all the doors and wipe residual soap and water from the door jams and seals. Its like Honda wants the car to rust. My prior Accords paint held up really well. My new cars finish is already looking cloudy on the doors and fenders.