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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  Big Bang for the buck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jd - December 19 - 1:03 pm

  Before buying this car i test drove V6 mustangs, 350z & some other sport coupes. keeping in mind the reliability,fuel economy,resale value & price i am glad i made the right decision. Fun to drive specially when the Vtec kicks in car sounds like a Ferrari :).

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  Not suited for long term rides. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Vittorino Veritas - December 18 - 1:10 pm

  I like the car over all, 74k miles and counting, no leaks or glitches so far. I drive it hard since I work with two ride-sharing companies. The biggest drawback is the space in the backseat and the lack of setting to get the driver seat just right. I do love the fuel economy, the eco button only means you have to break harder but I dont see significant savings on gas, which is a lot to say for a car that fills up with $22.00 bucks or less and drives for up to 500 miles HWY. (I done it). The only thing I would change on the car is the legroom in the back a couple of extra inches wouldve been great and again the driver seat. I spend about 10 hours a day in it and believe me, is not a ride in the park.

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  Very good car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By buckaroo1234 - December 17 - 4:53 am

  Bought new. After 30,100 miles have 50% left on front and rear brakes and 40% left on original tires. Tires are rotated every spring. Note that i am easy on the car. Trouble with the power seat track on drivers side which has been fixed. Slight rattle with glove box...thats it. I have had two new v6 Hondas since 1999 and have found them to be very reliable. I cannot speak about the 4 cylinder brakes, or OEM tires. You take care of the car and it will take care of you. Brake hard and late and drive race car style and expect to replace the parts faster.

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  Great but forgot a few little things - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JohnBoy53 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Downsizing from a 2001 F150 S-Crew, it took some adjusting! This little SUV appears to be a very good vehicle. Solid, well designed and nimble. Several things that coulda/shoulda been included are: 1) tethered gas cap so you cant forget to put it back! 2) tinted top of windshield. (I thought all cars had this) 3)12V power outlet that works with ignition off so cell phone can charge uninterrupted. Other caviat to consider: Road noise is excessive. (I was surprised about this) I do recommend this SUV. Overall it is an excellent value!

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  My 2nd Honda... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By 2HndaOwnr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The fake dead-pedal is poorly designed for your clutch-foot. The EX manual has no armrest in front! The stereo is too far away for anyone shorter than an NBA star - changing CD tracks requires you lean over as if you are getting something out of the glove box. The front seats could use more bolstering. The carpet is awfully cheap. The headliner rattles. The power windows on the CR-V wont operate in the auxiliary key positions. IÂ’ve experienced some torque steer under high-powered starts. The stereo needs more power. The tailgate is rather unwieldy.

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  1998 Accord EX --- Good, Could Be Better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By majjikdick - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The Accord offers good value, but I am not without some complaints. Despite mainly highway mileage, only 26 mpg with 4 cylinder --- not good. Have had problems with cruise control since delivery. Dealer claims no problem and after 3rd attempt refused to do anything more about it --- so much for acclaimed customer service. Finish on alloy wheels has tarnished badly and has actually "peeled" off --- again, my loss. However, the car is very dependable and offers a comfortable ride. Interior is very nicely designed and car offers driver a sense of control and confidence.

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  Fun and Practical for this 23 year old - 2008 Honda Civic
  By cagekicker17 - December 16 - 9:56 am

  So far I have close to 2000 miles on the odo. Its a fun car to drive given its size. I have been averaging 26-28 mpg with city driving. I really like the fact that the civics now come with a 5 speed tranny. I use to have an 01 civic coupe and my new one is improved all around. The wipers are neat too. They have air foils on them so you get a better swipe of the wipers as you are moving because it presses against the glass. My next vehicle well be a civic si or maybe the diesel if they bring it over from Europe.

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  Try it before you buy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Jason304 - December 15 - 12:26 pm

  I had originally focused on 2005 Honda Pilot EX-L and got a price $27624,00. Before I put my money down, I did test drive on 5 Honda Pilot (2005 and 2006) on both local and highway speed. Under 65mph, they were very smooth. The engine ran very quiet. I have to say that I loved this vehicle very much when driving under 65mph. But when the speed exceeded 70mph, the steering wheel started vibrating. 70mph – 80mph range was the worst. All 5 Pilots had the same problem. I couldn’t tolerate that vibration. If you are willing to buy a Honda Pilot, drive it on both local and highway.

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  Odd changes for the interior. - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Chicago suburbs - December 15 - 2:39 am

  I owned a 06 Odyssey for 11 years and 202,000 miles, loved it. Never had a problem with it outside of regular maintenance. I recently purchased a 2014 with 13,300 miles from a returned lease. Its a b eautiful van ( on the inside, it is a minivan). But some odd changes have been made. What was the removable " magic seat" in the 06 now has been replaced with a leave in seat that folds down to provide cup holders and inside armrests to the second row. Without it staying in, there are no armrests for the second row. Another odd omission is the removal of the small hooks in the cargo area to hang groceries, we used that all the time in the 06 to keep bread and other fragile items safe from the rest of the purchases....small but odd differences from the 06. But definitely not a deal killer. Overall the ride is great, except for the original Continental Tires. For the midwest these tires dont offer enough quality traction in wet/ colder weather.

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  change window washer and gear shift - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By teeny - December 14 - 3:03 am

  I love love love my pie in the sky. But everytime I try to put it in gear I accidentally turn on the wipers because their so close and similiar. Also I would love to see Honda sell some beautilful colors in their car line. Im use to american muscle cars and love the brighter and hotter colors.