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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  Dont get this car in Pearl or with Leather - 2009 Honda Accord
  By JavierDiaz4 - January 5 - 7:56 pm

  I love my accord. Its my third accord actually. But this one must was the black sheep of them all. I have a discolored rear pearl bumper that I have become accustomed to. Looks the worst when it rains since the car is pearl white. The bumper is more like a creamy color. But now the inside is bugging me, the arm rest looks like junk, the leather is bubbling up really, really bad. Soon its going to all become lifted off. Theres actually websites talking about this issue all around the web. Honda says its not covered by warranty. They quote me a price, which is over 20% more expensive than I can get online. Why would they charge to fix this since its obviously a quality issue.

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  Great car. Ugly as sin. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dan Moore - January 5 - 4:46 pm

  Love the car overall. Interior is nice and all the features are within reach. Snappy response and is smooth and quite even at 115 mph. Kids dont try this at home.

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  A garage salers DREAM VEHICLE! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mallow1 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Weve driven this 5,000 miles so far, and are very pleased with the Pilot. The only problems so far are the uncomfortable headrests, and the fact that the seats dont recline fully as they do in a Dodge Caravan. We bought Honda for its name, though, because weve had good luck with them in the past - our 1991 Honda Accord has 250,000 miles on it and is still going strong!

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ando - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for two months and I absolutely love it. Its roomy, comfortable and fun and easy to drive.

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  First timer and proud to own it. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Espeedy - January 5 - 10:00 am

  First Honda ever and after much research definitely made the right choice. Great styling, very good handling and lots of interior room. High seating position is very nice and gives a great view over smaller cars. AWD is reassuring. Short throw shifts are very sporty as are the seats. Fold down, reclining and sliding rear seats are fantastic.

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  UH-OH TRANNY PROBS :-( - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bonorch1 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 2 1/2 YEARS.ON VACTION IN JULY THE TRANSMISION STARTED SLIPPING AT HWY SPEEDS AND OVER THE COURSE OF A WEEK STARTED TO SLIP WHILE SHIFTING.THE TRANSMISION WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRENTY WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISION.I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER I WAS GETTING A NEW TRANS AND THAT HONDA NEVER USES REMANUFACTURED UNITS.WHEN I GOT THE PAPER WORK IT SAID REMANUFACTURED.WHEN I ASKED HIM HE SAID HE NEVER TOLD ME THAT EVEN THOUGH MY WIFE AND SON HERD HIM SAY IT.BUT THEY CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT BECAUSE ITS UNDER WARRENTY.THIS CAR HAS ONLY 18,000 MILES ON IT.ITS BEEN A WEEK WITH THE NEW TRANS SO FAR SO GOOD.

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  I love my honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Gina Houser - January 5 - 2:40 am

  Although I have only had my honda for a few days now, I can already tell that it is going to be a great car. I love the way it rides and the look of the honda civic. It gets great gas mileage and it is fun to drive.

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  Love the Ridgeline--Dumber than a box of rocks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tweed Ross - January 5 - 2:04 am

  I just got my new Ridgeline and I love it. I had to wait a long while to get an RTLE-E because having a opening back window was a "deal breaker" for me. Two things Honda engineers really missed. 1) All models should come with an opening back window (it doesnt need to be power). 2) The tonneau cover is really superior---but Honda does not have a locking tailgate. Why is totally beyond me!

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  Great mpg - lacking on weight - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ruth Mixon - January 4 - 8:04 pm

  For the most part, the Honda Civic LX has been a fun car to drive, great mpg, 30-33 in town and 40-44 on highway. Almost as good as my motorcycle. Driving in windy and snow conditions can be tricky so slower speeds are the answer to keeping it in total control. If going on long distances in the winter, be prepared to drive 10 mph lower than other cars. Windy conditions can make you hold on pretty tightly. Light on the rear end makes snow driving a big hairy. The bucket seats can be a bit uncomfortable on long distance driving. Otherwise, its a great car and a money saver.

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  Replacement of 10 year old Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Simply Dave - January 4 - 5:02 pm

  Seating and comfort are great. Still dont have a 12v power outlet that stays on. Oh well