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:

• 

  Good Car...Comfort Questionable - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ben - June 25 - 6:33 am

  Decided to get rid of the gas guzzler and get MPG champ. I was not disappointed. I see about 36 MPG up from the 15-16 I was getting before. A few things wrong though. Back deck rattles a bit when playing music, which I didnt expect considering hondas usual build quality. And the E- Brake placement is annoying. I have to place something between my knee and the brake to stay comfortable on my 40 mile commute. Overall a good car, but comfort is not that great. The EX came with everything I wanted in a car for a pretty decent price, I do not regret the purchase.

• 

  Another Great Honda - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Vince - June 25 - 3:08 am

  I have only had my new Pilot for 2 weeks but love it so far. The handling and motor is very good for an SUV. I am still learning all the new gadgets but really like the lane assist feature. Wish there was a CD player, but knew it wasnt there when I purchased it. Sound system is good not great. The only real complaint I have is the arm rest ergonomics for the drivers seat. The adjustment for the right arm of the drivers seat is poor, otherwise the seats are very comfortable for trips. Overall great vehicle and would purchase it again. Plus a shout-out to the team at Rivertown Honda - Great to deal with again

• 

  Excellent Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Midline - June 25 - 12:33 am

  There are only 2 complaints I have for the Odyssey. The location of the gear shift—obtrusive. Auto sliding doors sensitivity. Let me explain: the gear shift is in a weird spot, between the steering wheel and the radio controls. Usually, it would be connected to the steering wheel or below the radio controls. Because of that difference it takes getting used to. Then the two sliding doors will not operate if vehicle is not in park or if you pull the handles the wrong way. The car system will "beep" if not handled right. Although it may be viewed as a good safety feature, it becomes annoying when others are not familiar with the van. Everything else about it is great!

• 

  Just right!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By JerseyGirl - June 24 - 9:11 pm

  Perfect vehicle for 20 yr old daughter. Stylish, Safe, Reasonably Priced & Comfortable.

• 

  Perfect car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kim - June 24 - 6:28 pm

  My car has had zero problems from day one. I do the oil changes at the dealership, and every other time I rotate tires. I do all the maintenance check ups, and thatÂ’s it! A wonderful car!

• 

  Best All Around SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By JBrown - June 24 - 5:30 pm

  Nice sized interior for a small SUV. Theres plenty of headroom to spare for an averaged sized 6 guy even with the moonroof. Lots of cargo carrying capacity. Car like handling. Good power from the small quiet and smooth running engine. Smooth shifting transmission thats idealy suited to the engine and vehicle. Good fuel economy thats equal to or better than most small cars. I replaced my 99 CRV with this one and I plan to keep it for a long time.

• 

  Great little car - 2006 Honda S2000
  By jmorts - June 24 - 2:46 pm

  It is the most fun car we have ever owned. It seems that the suggested corner speeds in the twisty curves are underated by a factor of 3. Restaint must be used with the S2000 or you will be arrested! I keep reminding myself this is only a 4 banger with no turbo.

• 

  Always Fun, Especially Passing Gas Pumps - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Scott - June 23 - 7:23 pm

  I am getting better mileage than what it is rated at. I am at 49MPG combined 90% Highway 10% City. I drive 45 miles each way to work on all on highway in Denver. Today though the best 550 miles with 1/4 tank still left and 90 degrees all week long. I only spent $1500 in gas for 2006 and that is 35000 miles and 3 trips to Oklahoma, 1 Nebraska. In 2005 I had a 1997 Saturn and spent $2900 and no trips, just work and around town and only went 26000 miles and gas was much cheaper then. Everyone who tried to talk me out of the Hybrid now wants one. But if you buy a Hybrid a Civic or Prius is the only way to go.

• 

  Honda Odessy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By wuscmom - June 23 - 5:26 pm

  The minivan is only a month old but is way better than our 1997 dodge grand caravan.

• 

  96 Honda - 1996 Honda Accord
  By 96 honda - June 22 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased my Honda in Aug 1995. I have close to 186,000 miles. It has been a reliable vehicle, but of course now that it has more miles on it, it is starting to cost a pretty penny for repairs. I had problems with the power windows and locks after about 5 years of ownership. Ive had more problems in the past 2 years with the high mileage. Ive replaced the radiator, axles, oxygen sensor and a list of other things. My paint has worn and I was told that it is a paint defect. I know other people with the green car with the same problem. I cant complain because Ive had the car for almost 12 years with no major problems.