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:

• 

  great car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By denise - August 9 - 11:26 am

  i have it for 5 months and already im very satisfied......i love honda its very reliable and suits my needs in every way......you have my vote

• 

  2004 Accord LX Rocks - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jack - August 9 - 2:16 am

  Great navigation system, its what you see advertised now on the Acura TL. Fun to drive and to talk to! Fast off the line and great on the highway. Ive been getting about 24 mpg on average with the V6. Everyone who has driven in my car has had very nice things to say about it and are floored by all of the "toys."

• 

  A More reliable Merceds C Class - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dave92029 - August 9 - 12:23 am

  My 2009 Civic LX feels as good if not better than my previous Mercedes C Class cars. The Civic is all grown up, providing plenty of comfort and space. The build quality is exceptional. This car feels very solid yet eats up the local mountain roads. The handling feels planted and sure footed. The steering response is positive and easy to judge. Pure pleasure on a twisty road. My only complaint is the radio. The speakers lack dynamic range. They sound muddy. I believe that the LX is a 4 speaker audio without a tweeter. The bass and mid range are also not very clean and sharp. I have tried to adjust the bass, and tweeter but the speakers stink! I love the Civic, except for the speakers.

• 

  Really Fun to Drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Armstrong - August 8 - 8:27 pm

  I forgot how much fun it was to drive a manual transmission. It handles and drives beautifully. I averaged 47 mpg (according to the trip computer) both ways on a recent trip. The keyless entry and start its really nice. The electronic parking brake does take some getting used to though.

• 

  This Pilot is a Pleasure to Drive! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By IonasDad - August 8 - 5:59 pm

  I have had the Pilot Elite for almost one year now and have over 16,000 miles on the clock. Mostly city driving but have made trips from Cincinnati to Chicago, South Carolina, Tennessee, cross country to Glacier national Park and Washington State and recently to Georgia. The car performs well, I am getting over 26 mpg on highway driving, the adaptive cruise control is magic. Rear entertainment system kept my daughter entertained for 3 weeks over the summer. Dealership is GREAT and, when I had a strange noise coming from my wheel in Keystone, SD I had a fantastic dealer experience in Rapid City where they fit me in and removed a stone from brakes! The car is comfortable to drive, really LOVE the cooled front seats in the hot humid summer, great visibility and good looking too! I could moan about the GPS or Pandora interface but expect that Honda is just as impatient with these issues as we are. I would definitely recommend this family vehicle. Loads of space, too, for visits to Home Depot!!

• 

  I love this car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By joebob - August 8 - 10:00 am

  owned this car 4 and a half years 94,542 miles later still like new. giving to my daughter. it will be her first car. Oh and by the way yes i bought another honda.

• 

  Best Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By JimmyFarm - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I have heard, as well as read that the Honda Odyssey is by far the best minivan available. After much research and many test drives on other minivans, I have found all of this to be true. Without a doubt, the Honda Odyssey is the minivan benchmark. Anybody considering a minivan purchase owes it to themselves to check out the Odyssey.

• 

  pilot the leader - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By .RAJU THOMAS - August 8 - 10:00 am

  exciting experience, great fun, family car!!!

• 

  Si Sedan or bust! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Si_ower - August 8 - 7:40 am

  Ive owned Lexus, BMW, Toyota as well as various other cars. Thus far my 2007 Honda Si sedan has been the best purchase Ive made. This car seems to keep on surprising me. Its fun to drive and has remarkable accelleration. Its just plain fun to drive as well as beening a serious eye catcher. All this for around $20k? Who in their right mind wouldnt want it? This car simply rocks!

• 

  Great Reliable Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By John - August 8 - 7:37 am

  Im the second owner of this car. It has 180K miles on it and is running perfectly. Great gas milage with 30/35 city/highway and a very comfortable commuter vehicle. It is easy to maintain (oil changes, filters, fluids, plugs, etc.) and is very reliable.