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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  Nice car for the money - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Michael Turner - June 27 - 6:18 pm

  Consider upgrading to leather seats for the adjustability. In our experience Honda leather seats look like [non-permissible content removed] after about 6 years. I like cloth seats so I opted for the ex, but after a month in the car I wish I had more adjustments on the drivers seats. Other than the seat issue I like the combination of nice features and the lower cost of the ex model. Looked closely at Mazda 3 and Subaru empreza. Ruled out impreza, similar equipped Subaru cost more, did not need or want all wheel drive. Mazda was close second and nice car for the money but the closest dealer was just a Hassle to get to and the Honda had more zip from the turbo charged motor.

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  Honda is alright! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mike T - June 27 - 4:26 pm

  I like the car. It is fast and sturdy. I traded in a 1997 Infiniti Q45 to save on gas and it is saving me almost $100 per month. I bought it used and it still feels like new. It was Honda certified which gave me some piece of mind. I definitely recommend buying this car if youre thinking about it. I rented a Ford Explorer SUV and my accord car has more rear passenger room than that thing.

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  Youre winner and still champion... - 2010 Honda Accord
  By hardten - June 27 - 12:40 pm

  Lets get real. For the past 3-5 years every midsized sedan has mentioned the Honda Accord in its advertising. Yes, there is a reason for this! As a 2006 Accord owner, my wifes 1998 Toyota Camry was recently rear ended and totaled while waiting at a stop light. What to buy? Camry? Way too many problems at this time and boring styling. 2011 sonata? Too new and unproven. Hate being a new model Guinea pig. And my trusted friend says Korea still not quite there yet against the Japanese. Altima? Definitely not a Honda. Push button ignition! Big deal! As a 58 year old "old school" driver there are some new gadgets I could care less about. Chevy or Ford? No thanks, I would Rather buy American. O

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  A Must Have - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy - June 27 - 11:08 am

  I have had this SUV for almost 9 years and have had no problems what-so-ever! I highly recommend this vehicle for everyday use. The only minor thing I had to replace, besides the usual tires, oil and filters, was the rear-differential fluid (at 100,000 miles) because it made a grinding noise when maneuvering tight turns. Great gas mileage between 23 and 26 city. It handled snow great! It also has child-safety locks for the back doors and windows. I would purchase another CR-V in a heartbeat, but dont particularly like the exterior of the newer models.

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  Love my pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - June 27 - 4:26 am

  I love my Pilot. I strayed from Honda with my last vehicle being a Toyota. I thought the quality were similar. I was wrong! Owned Hondas since the early 90s and never regretted it once. I feel extremely safe in my Pilot. Quiet ride although it is still a truck. Very little leaning taking corners at higher speeds. Really holds to the road. Extremely roomy and comfortable. If you are trying to decide to buy this vehicle, do it. You wont regret it.

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  love my honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By YOWHEREIBE - June 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST MINIVAN, I ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND IM LOVIN IT.IT HAS A SMOOTH RIDE.NO PROBLEMS YET. THE DEALER SHIP WAS AWESOME FRIENDLY AN NOT PUSHY.

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  LOVE THIS THING - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MALIK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  ITS WELL DESIGNED. THIRD ROW IS ROOMY AND COMFY. EASILY SEATS 3 ADULTS.HAS A LOT OF FEATURES LIKE HEATED REAR VIEW MIRRORS AND HEATED SEATS. EXCELLENT HANDLING ON THE ROAD AS WELL

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  Wada car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mastergs - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 1 year and it still gives me joy. I still have to park it a work where I can see it out the window and keep an eye on it.

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  Love it, would own one again and again! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dani - June 26 - 8:03 pm

  Im a die-hard fan of Honda cars, Ive own several of them and none has ever given me any reason for a major complaint. My current 02 EX V6 coupe is no exception. It is reliable, fun to drive, stylish, comfortable, affordable for all that it has to offer. Although it is an Accord, this coupe body style is not "bland" at all. It is unique and rarely can be seen on the road. While the combined average mileage of 25-26 miles/gallon isnt excellent, the V6 gives exceptional power to the drive. Keep up the oil changes and the engine will never fail. Excellent value for the price, exceptional car for its class.

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ft. Wayne Indiana - June 26 - 1:26 pm

  So far so good with a recent purchase of the Honda ridgline. The vehicle handles and drives well. I recently towed a large boat with it and it handled it like a champ. Very well engineered. Kudos to Honda.