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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  black civic ex wifes(2001) - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mblaesing - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Civic ex sedan, fun to drive reliable gas saver. good buying and operational experience as a commuter and on long trips. Not as comfortable or fun to drive as vw new bettle, but less expensive to operate, more reliable,and dependable in the long run. great little car for point #A to #B. not a sports sedan but nice.trading in my vw bug for a 2004 Civic like my wifes

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  Good decision so far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ShelbyJason - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased mostly due to high ratings across the board & Honda reliability although we purchased extended warranty after owning a Grand Cherokee. Exterior appearance is nice and comparable to luxury sedans for the price. Accord is sporty but also suited for family. Un- lit steering controls not a big deal once you get used to them. Wouldnt suggest the black interior since it always looks dirty and I like clean, but thats what silver comes with. Hard to rate reliability at this point but Ive owned a Civic for 6 years and have never had any problems. Test drove the Camry-made us feel like old people. Also Mazda-6- didnt like it or the dealership.

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  My 2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn Duff - January 17 - 12:29 am

  Great dependable car! I came from a plush comfortable Car. At first the CRV was uncomfortable, but now I have adjusted. CRV is an excellent reliable Car! I give this Car a thumbs up!

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  2000 Honda Accord LX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HondaJ - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I like the large windshield as it gives you a better view of the road. 28MPG highway, 20MPG town. Problems with SRS system. Fixed at least 5 times. Most happened during warrenty period. It is expensive to fix. This was disappointing as everything else about this car is outstanding. Low reliability is for the SRS system. Otherwise a great car.

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  Pretty Pleased with My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Fresh1 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Small, Mid-Size and Large SUVs...I looked at them ALL for 2 years because I need AWD to get to my backwoods home in a wild northern climate. After much research, I finally decided on the Pilot. Picked it up from the dealer and spent the next 12 hours driving it 800 miles home. By the time I reached my own (unplowed) driveway, I was pretty happy with my decision. After the Pilot plowed through a foot and a half of snow on the 1/2 mile long driveway and slipped into the garage without breaking a sweat, I was in love. I had a great dealer experience, the car is truly a joy to drive - even after 12 hours straight. And, I can fit EVERYTHING in it!

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  2001 EX - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By FormRoller - January 9 - 2:00 am

  25K on my EX now. No problems, but the same is true of my 2001 Gran Prix w/ 37K-I think you can assume good build quality these days. With the exception of the fold in 3rd seat, this is not as pleasant or well designed a vehicle as the two Chrysler minivans I have owned. The sound system is especailly diappointing. A gas hog. My Chryslers did not age gracefully however, and if this van does, its worth it. If you trade after 2-4 yrs. go with the Chrysler. If not, give the Honda a look. If I had to do it again, I would have bought the less expensive LX model (the power sliding doors arent worth it) and gotten a good aftermarket CD player.

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  Great lil car! but... got tires? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Lessenjr - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Ok, so maybe its a little premature to write a review on my car already. I just purchase a new 2002 Civic Si about a week and a half ago.So far Ive been very pleased with my purchase. The car in Si form is quite eye catching.. especially my color (euro yellow). The interior doesnt bore me at all, especially the shifter position (which all my friends find quite exciting). The gas milease seems to be getting a little better now. The first tank sucked. Overall it is a very fun, compact, daily driver.

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  Wind nouse - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jose Vega - January 8 - 11:53 pm

  After 69 mph wind noise is very uncomfortable. It is very pronounced on the upper corners of the front windows( right next to your ears -shoulders and makes for an unpleasant ride

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  Ford Expedition Rear Impact - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jane - January 8 - 9:26 am

  I was driving north in commuting traffic in a.m. on the Garden State Parkway in the far left lane of the "Express Lanes" when traffic suddenly came to a halt. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me (who also missed hitting the car in front of them, & so on). Simultaneously, the car in front then changed to the right middle lane;in my rear view mirror an SUV behind me who could not stop in time. My vehicle was pushed into the left side guard rail, bounced off; spun around; crossed over 2 lanes to the right plus an exit lane; across the snow covered grass median & landed in the middle of the "Local Lanes". I walked out of my totalled car; the SUV driver: a broken hand an SUV totalled!

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  By no means a home run. - 2018 Honda Accord
  By manoj - January 7 - 5:52 am

  A lot of features attracted me to this car. The styling is great, Mustang inspired front, Audi RS7 inspired tail. Very roomy cabin and trunk. Semi-autonomous features that come standard, Android Auto integration etc. I have had the car for three weeks now, using it for a short daily commute and one highway trip. I am coming from a Toyota Prius and an Infiniti G35 before that. The car is far from perfect. I drive it mostly in Eco mode to conserve gas, and put it in Sport mode when merging onto traffic. Mileage I get is around 27 in the city, 35 on the highway. Things I miss from my previous cars: Having to fish out my key from the pocket (no proximity sensor), heated seats. Now the imperfections: Cabin noise at highway speeds, poorer quality sound system, static picking up local radio stations, creaking driver door latch, driver visor does not have an extension to block sun coming into your eyes, stiffening of the steering wheel combined with an overly sensitive lane departure warning causes me to have expend extra effort to steer to stay in lane.