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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  Honda Number 10 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By 10 Hondas - July 19 - 8:23 am

  As you can see Ive owned many Hondas over the years. I also dont put much stock in a review of a car after just 2 days of ownership! Ive had this car for 10 months and it is absolutely great. Boring looks, but a sweet ride. The V6 has plenty of power for flat Ohio and the roads here are the biggest reason to ever complain about ride and handling, not the car itself. Its significantly bigger than a Civic (Honda # 9) and while I can live with the bland look, itd be nice to get Civic-like gas mileage. On the other hand, I feel much more safe and secure in inclement weather driving the Accord. Room for 5 easily and quieter than the Civic too. This is really just about the perfect car.

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  i love to drive now - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jenny - July 19 - 7:16 am

  My husband and I own 3 hondas and for me this is the best car I have ever owned.I get so many great comments on it so I always refer the people to my salesman( great guy too)I love the dash color and I find it easy to see.It has a very nice smooth ride.I highly recommend this one.

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  Good car with few kinks - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By DJ - July 19 - 7:16 am

  Really like the Odyssey, it drive more like a car than a minivan. Only complaint is that the Climate Control cannot be in Auto mode while Recirculate is on. As a result have to choose between climate control and recirculate. If I choose the former, exhaust fumes enter the cabin, if I choose the latter, the glass fogs up. Also, the USB Audio can only read drives upto 16GB! Other than that, been happy with the vehicle.

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  Intially Very Impressed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By shaymasdaddy - July 18 - 8:43 pm

  Got tired of paying BMW maintenance and traded in my 01 525i for a white EX-L sedan this past weekend. I am very impressed with the build quality and the handling. The leather interior interior has a high quality feel and should last a long time. The stock stereo has a nice full sound. I did compare it to the Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Sedan and despite what the specs say, the Civic EX-L feels larger inside from a front and rear leg room perspective. I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend it over the Mazda 3 and the Corolla.

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  The car is unbelievable - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By NETZ - July 18 - 5:53 pm

  Traded in my Â’07 Accord EX-L for Crosstour EX.. The car is unbelievable. I was originally concerned with giving up the EX-L trim, but with the std feats on the EX it was still an upgrade from the Â’07 Accord. The car is very responsive to the road and has great handling. Plenty of power to get you up and moving. The interior is well laid out and has plenty of upgrade features. There is a ton of room both in the front and rear. I love the styling. It turns heads where ever I go. Blind spots do take some getting used to. A perfect blend of the Pilot and Accord. I believe Honda is trying to get some momentum on this vehicle and I was able to negotiate pretty heavily.

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By JudoFab - July 18 - 5:46 pm

  Just got an 07 Pilot EX-L RES. It feels very safe, the handling is very impressive. Having owned a couple of big and small SUVs, I was amazed by the fact this car does not feel like a "flipper", with the pilot I dont get those butterflies in your stomach when you take a turn or going over the bridge and its windy. The interior is very stylish, the XM rocks (one of the things I thought I didnt need untill I had it). Already got a chance to drive it on the snow handled very well. Lots of space, easy to fold third row seat. Lots of cup holders, cargo space, and lots of space in the front to put those items you always seem to have lying around in the car, sunglasses, tissues, maps, etc.

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  my favorite car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Chuck Black - July 18 - 4:46 am

  In 31 years of owning and driving cars, including trucks, a 4wd wagon, and a sporty hatchback, this is most definitely my favorite. I am averaging 45.4 mpg overall in mostly short city driving. The electric motor gives a peppy assist on acceleration, and the frugal 1.3L engine barely sips the gasoline. It is a civic so it is a fun car to scoot around town in, and it is a honda so it is reliable. As sort of a nerd I enjoy the new technology and the instant MPG readouts. And it is satisfying to try to do something to ease our countrys dependence on foreign oil. It is a fabulous car and I look forward to the days ahead when all car models are offered with hybrid technology.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chris - July 17 - 2:20 am

  I drove a 99 Civic EX before this and the difference is amazing. The acceleration is fantastic! Ive added the V2 CAI and Borla Exhaust and it just adds so much to the driving experience. Oh, the noise! I try to find the smallest excuse to go out and drive it... its that much fun! So far Ive got 27,000 miles on the car and havent had any big problems yet. The brakes are starting to shudder a little, but then again they arent this cars strong point. Everything about this car is smooth. The gear changes, the looks, the interior. This is a great car. I just wish they made more aftermarket stuff for it.

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  view from the drivers seat - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jim LaRosa - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I saw this in 2000 I knew I wanted it. THen In 2002 when I purcased it I didnt know what was in store for me! I had only seen the outside of this car but this a lot more to it. I think the dashboard is coolest thing. And when your shyifting through the gears and get up to max hp it is so cool!! And can you believe it only has a 2 liter engine. All in all The Honda S 2000 is the best car. Vroom vroom

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  Virtually Perfection - 2003 Honda Element
  By E4me - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The manual transmission makes driving around town as much or more fun as in my 2-seater 320 HP beast. The 5 speed makes the E peppy and responsive, and in close traffic you cant go fast anyway! It really surprised me as a spunky and responsive little car which is fun to drive - as well as perfect for loading and unloading for shows (trade shows and art shows). The diminutive size makes it perfect for getting in and out for loading and unloading at shows. A 10 on all counts!