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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  Get your Moneys Worth. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ML.pha - December 13 - 12:06 am

  Ive owned my Civic for just a bit over 1 yr. now. Not ecstatic, but Im satisfied with what it has to offer. GREAT on fuel! Not to small or too big of a sedan and the price is worth it for what youll be getting in the long run. Look how great 94 civics are running now days, right? They look almost as close to nice as Acuras TSX- for what your paying for a Honda Civic, it will be well worth it in the future. Im still enjoying.

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  Honda Experience - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By sharon - December 12 - 9:00 am

  We bought this car and immediately took a long trip. We loved it. It hugged the road and was very comfortable to ride in. We had it packed with Christmas gifts and had lots of room left.

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  Great except seats - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - December 11 - 8:13 pm

  Rides beautifully, feels solid. Love the electronics, power liftgate, sound system. Acceleration seems fine for a vehicle of this size. Have not noticed a consistent road noise problem, occasional loud tires on certain pavement types. Only real complaint is seats-too aggressively bolstered in back, near juncture with seat back. Either need less aggressive bolstering there, or perhaps seat should be wider in back. Still experimenting with cushions/alterations of upholstery.

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  Satisfaction - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JeffbowMoyer - December 11 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for reliability,reasonable pricing,good looks,and pretty good performance,then the honda/crv is a pretty good bet.Its also pretty comfy.

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  starlight - 2013 Honda Civic
  By lleonard - December 10 - 3:23 pm

  shop around

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  My Paint Blotchy Too - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard M. - December 10 - 9:13 am

  I read a posting on 9/7/2006 about blotchy silver pearl paint on their Odyssey. I too have the same color and noticed the same thing on my van. Only when you view the van on a bright sunny day and at an angle that you can see the blotches. I also went back to the dealer to complain and they told me that its very common with silver cars. They even showed me 3 other new vans on the lot and sure enough, they are all the same. But, I dont see the problem with my neighbors 2005 Sienna also in Silver. I am wondering if it has something to do with the pearls in the Honda paint. Otherwise I am very happy with the van. Wish that the gas mileage would be better, getting 17mpg city.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Paulj - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from an individual who kept exemplary records. It looked like new when I got it, although it had 51,000 miles on it. Ive had few problems with it.

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  Should Be Better - 2008 Honda Accord
  By CKW - December 8 - 2:36 pm

  Compared to the 00 LX-V6-A4 and 03 EX- I4-M5, the LXP-I4-A5 is not as quiet or smooth riding. I would rate the new LXP being very good overall instead of excellent. Even though the chassis is supposed to more rigid, LXP makes loud popping/cracking sound when going over bumps, especially when car is cold. Lean back hard on the driver seat back would occasionally result in a cheap spring popping noise. Even after 3,000 miles, I feel a strong downshift deceleration during first cold shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Stepping trans selector from park through 1-2-D seemed to help eliminate this harsh shift. Hood failed to latch completely on first day home. Need to get trunk lid hinge squeaks fixed.

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  Good Car, but Quality Issues - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Keith - December 8 - 7:40 am

  Generally a very good car. Great gas mileage, comfortable seats, decent acceleration with the 5spd manual, fits in tight city parking spots. The quality has been a disappointment. The map light didnt work from day one and way more annoying was a constant rattling from the rear passenger curtain airbag, also from day one. Dealership had my car for 4 DAYS and although the rattling has lessened, its still there and very annoying. Seems Civics are hit or miss. Some get great quality cars, and some have them in the dealerships for service in the first month. Dont test drive any model. Test drive the car youre actually going to buy and check out everything!

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  Happy Honda Days! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Chris S - December 7 - 11:24 pm

  Great car! My only complaints are: Lane departure doesnt seem to read properly so I turned it off. Went off constantly when I was well within my lane. Chalk it up to buggy new tech perhaps. The "brake" warning feature is nearly as unreliable. Interior engine noise during acceleration is a bit loud. The audio touchscreen buttons are a tad small, making touching accurately while driving a bit tedious. That said, excellent gas mileage coupled with plenty of power. Very well appointed vehicle. Only 2 months in and very happy thus far.