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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  Cool Car--Car salesman Sucks! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nocrv4me - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I liked the car overall. I did not purchase it though unfortunately because the dealer lied to us about the price all the way up until we were about to sign the contract, by an amount of nearly $2000.00. Luckily, I found it while getting ready to sign the final contract. I kept asking to see the price that I was being offered for my trade in and they said, "no problem, your trade in will be at that price or more." This was a LIE! Just a reminder to anyone out there--be sure that you like your carsalesman or woman from the beginning. If you do not, dont hestitate to switch.

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  Hondas are good.. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hc_ca - September 14 - 10:00 am

  So far, Ive got 2000 miles on my black LX. I like it very much! It handles very well, is stable, safe, and accelerates just fine. Its very comfortable to drive and most accessories work flawlessly. The ac can take forever to cool a hot interior, but when the interior is cool, it works great in any weather. All the controls are also very easy to use and have a good feel. A few things on this car need a little improvement, but overall Im very satisfied. Defects from day 1: -off center steering wheel (fixed under warranty)

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  SUV Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sacha - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The car in general is great, especially if you get all the upgrades and only chose the Saddle color for the interior. The leather will as I have seen in many 03 pilots lose its shape and have lines on the sides. The saddle color will minimize this visible lines. The Pilot is deffinitly not sound proof and you will hear the wind hit the windshield. Apart from that I really love this SUV

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  It works - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By guy44 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pilot for three months and have been very happy. I love the functional interior and large cargo area. I find that it meets all my needs and the EX Black is better looking then most of the other colors IMHO.

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  Good car bad radio and dealer - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Hello y - September 10 - 10:00 am

  The accord is a very good car. I purchased a 4 banger so power is low, but fuel mileage is very good. Quite a bit of road noise. Great suspension and brakes (abs w/ex model). Car seems to require very little maintenance, unless you follow the dealer suggestions which will bankrupt you and probably do more damage than good to a very well assembled car. Rear seating is average and trunk is small. Radio reception is very poor and I was very pleased to find out the dealer could have cared less. Their loss as I no longer have the car serviced there and will not repeat purchase.

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  Godd Value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Big Joe 11 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is not a street racer but it is very fun to drive. The price and the usual reliablity of Honda made this an excellent buy!

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  BZZZZZZZZZZZZZ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By danandjeanne - September 5 - 10:00 am

  BZZZZ, thats what I hear in my left ear as I drive. I took it in for warranty service and the initial thought it was something that had ot be spot welded behind the drivers door. Didnt work so they installed a new door panel, didnt work so now its back in for a new door lock assembly. Its annoying having a 3 day old car in longer than I have owned it. It also needed an alignment after i took it in for the first warranty service which they attirbuted to it being transported on a truck. Otherwise I think it is a great car, but I havent really had a chance to enjoy it yet. I also noticed a bit of vibration coming off the gas pedal and a subtle whine.

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  not so good - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jazzchip - September 4 - 1:00 am

  New 6cyl Accord Lx. Wind noise is very noticable at higher speeds. Road noise is terrible at all speeds. Hard riding. Rattles at 4m miles. My 95 Accord was a better car.

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  Another Gas Guzzler - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By pittardm - September 3 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this van to replace a full- size Chevy Express conversion van with an 8-cylinder engine. I was hoping for much better gas mileage with the Odyssey than I got with the big van. It hasnt happened. The very best mileage Ive gotten with the Odyssey is 14 mpg, combined highway and city driving. I usually get around 12.9 mpg in the city. (I got better average mileage with the big conversion van and also with two previous 6-cylinder Acura Legends -- a 1989 & a 1993.) Im hoping something is just wrong with the van and they can fix it. Its a fine van otherwise.

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  Best First Car Ever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Lover - September 3 - 6:44 am

  My mom bought this car brand new in 2005 and gave it to me for my 16th birthday in December 2015. My Mom struggled giving me this car because she loved it so much. I love the car so much, the gas mileage isnt the best in the whole world but its not bad, especially taking the size into consideration. I can easily fit 4 friends in the car no problem. The car didnt start to have a lot of problems until about a year ago when it hit 80,000 miles. Since then, weve replaced the radiator, the head gasket, control arm bushings, and spark plugs. It totaled about $2,500 but keep in mind that besides tires and brake pads, we havent had to do anything else the entire 11 years weve owned it. This is a great starter car and I would recommend it to anybody. Obviously get a pre purchase inspection anyways because every car is different.