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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  Love my car other than... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Steelerboy - May 16 - 2:43 pm

  Before I purchased this car, I did my thorough research on the market. Even made a marketing plan for school on this vehicle. This car was absolutely for me. Having owned a previous Honda, I assumed the Pilots reliability and quality would be as good as my CRX. To my dismay, Ive had an intermittent rattle noise in the dash that has not been repaired after numerous attempts at the dealership. Please be warned. Having that said, everything else in the car is wonderful and you wont find a better SUV under 30K.

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  NEW TO HONDA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By first time honda driver - May 14 - 12:47 am

  got a lease on the blue civic lx sedan nice car now much to look at in the interior why dont they ever match the overhead with the same color not black and white. moving on, for a base model a 5 radio is too small!! but the sound is pretty good,seats why not power seats? could have been better with leather my butt hurts driving 130 mile trip,road noise on the high way get ear plugs or turn up the raidio headlights should have been LEDS not halogen. cruise control very slow accelerating i mean you have to floor it and then set your desire speed but once you slow down and wanna go up on speed make sure you have some popcorns along the way. NO REMOTE START! COME ON!! no cupholders on the back seat or folding tray whos idea was for cups or bottles to go on doors? a rear power outlet would have been nice. suspension is cool!! small stering wheel very sporty and good grip and last the engine vibrates a little thats odd for a new car VERY GOOD GAS SAVER $25 fills the tank. SO overall i like the car but so may things missing it doesnt seem to be worth $20 grand

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  NEW TO HONDA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By first time honda driver - May 14 - 12:47 am

  got a lease on the blue civic lx sedan nice car now much to look at in the interior why dont they ever match the overhead with the same color not black and white. moving on, for a base model a 5 radio is too small!! but the sound is pretty good,seats why not power seats? could have been better with leather my butt hurts driving 130 mile trip,road noise on the high way get ear plugs or turn up the raidio headlights should have been LEDS not halogen. cruise control very slow accelerating i mean you have to floor it and then set your desire speed but once you slow down and wanna go up on speed make sure you have some popcorns along the way. NO REMOTE START! COME ON!! no cupholders on the back seat or folding tray whos idea was for cups or bottles to go on doors? a rear power outlet would have been nice. suspension is cool!! small stering wheel very sporty and good grip and last the engine vibrates a little thats odd for a new car VERY GOOD GAS SAVER $25 fills the tank. SO overall i like the car but so may things missing it doesnt seem to be worth $20 grand

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  NEW TO HONDA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By first time honda driver - May 14 - 12:47 am

  got a lease on the blue civic lx sedan nice car now much to look at in the interior why dont they ever match the overhead with the same color not black and white. moving on, for a base model a 5 radio is too small!! but the sound is pretty good,seats why not power seats? could have been better with leather my butt hurts driving 130 mile trip,road noise on the high way get ear plugs or turn up the raidio headlights should have been LEDS not halogen. cruise control very slow accelerating i mean you have to floor it and then set your desire speed but once you slow down and wanna go up on speed make sure you have some popcorns along the way. NO REMOTE START! COME ON!! no cupholders on the back seat or folding tray whos idea was for cups or bottles to go on doors? a rear power outlet would have been nice. suspension is cool!! small stering wheel very sporty and good grip and last the engine vibrates a little thats odd for a new car VERY GOOD GAS SAVER $25 fills the tank. SO overall i like the car but so may things missing it doesnt seem to be worth $20 grand

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  Fine under 73mph - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jeff Edwards - May 12 - 7:23 am

  I cant speak for the rest of the HRV line, but I bought my 2016 HRV LX AWD 6 weeks ago and like it very much...except when I get on the freeway and drive it 73 mph or over. It goes from a solid , smooth driving car to one that vibrates excessively. I took it into Racine Honda after 5 days and complained about it. They took it out for a "test drive" and the "service guy" said he didnt feel any vibration and suggested that it was a new car, tight suspension, etc etc. Car was fine in his opinion. Bottom line, not looking forward to any long roadtrips with this car:(

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  My 2 cents - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Maria Eriksen - May 11 - 11:27 am

  A great vehicle. Love the additional bells & whistles stepped up from the older EX-L sedans.

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  Very Reliable - 2000 Honda Civic
  By fyates - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 5 speed EX new in 2000. Been very reliable and has never broken down. Now has 52000 miles on it. I also have a 95 Civic EX with 126000 miles. The 2000 is larger yet has a taller softer ride. I prefer the sportier, stiffer ride of the 95 ex. The A/C is much stronger on the 2000 than the 1995.

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  Important Infos for Honda buyers - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Infos about Honda - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Honda fans for many years.For the past several years (from 1999),i have noticed HOnda vehicles have serious tranmission problems.I am not here to give bad reputation of HOnda products, but it is true.My sisters 99 Accord 4 cyl. has had problem with trans. eversince i bought it for her birhtday.More importantly, my 02 Acura TLS recently has transmission failure when i was ON THE HIGHWAY( THANKS GOD I AM STILL ALIVE. MORE INFO. PLEASE E- MAIL richbf2 hotmail.com.By the way, i TRADED MY ACURA TYPE S IN FOR A MAXIMA.

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  Get what you pay for. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By chipface - May 9 - 5:30 am

  This is my 3rd Honda. I have had many makes in between. This car looks great, has enough guts to get it on the highway and city merging, and it gets great mileage. We recently bought a Kia van, fully loaded, thought we would save some money compared to other companies vans. So far 2 recalls and the worst service department you can imagine. Pay a little more, get better service, and alot better resale value in the end.

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  Wheres the storage? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Ken69 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I was happy to have the Si back after a 7 year absence. Bought it almost sight unseen. Great performance. No shimmy in high winds and lots of power. No place to put anything, though. No coin box, no ashtray, power outlet doesnt take lighter. Seats cause acute bun-ache after long trips.