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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  Very Economic and fun to drive ! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By wirito - October 8 - 7:16 am

  I simply cant get enough of this car. And its been already a year and a half. With 30.000 I have not had one single problem. The feel of the car is very comfortable, steering wheel is very easy to turn doing so with just one finger. I average about 50 miles a day and I can honestly say that it is very economic. I like the fact that the car locks itself and alarms after maybe 30 seconds. Note that this only happens if the car if off. If is on, dont worry about leaving it on and going out for a smoke while it warms up. Great car to have if you are looking for a fast, fuel efficiency, not to expensive car !!

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  SUV Convert & 1st Time Foreign car owner - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Darren Buck - October 7 - 11:50 pm

  My wife and I drove a Chevy Tahoe before we bought this van and loved our Tahoe. We said we would never own a minivan. So far, eating those words has been sweet! We decided to look at minivans since we have two kids. We drove the Toyota, Chrysler, and the Honda. The Chrysler guys did NOT want us to leave and after 5 minutes at the Honda dealership, we knew why. The Honda is hands down the winner. We have driven 1,000 miles and I am amazed at the comfort, performance, and handling. This van will move! Dont pay sticker. We waited 6 weeks, but Western Motor treated us well and discounted over $2,000. We bought the subwoofer, front nose mask, and HD floormats at dealer cost, no install charge

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  Wind whistles - 2016 Honda Civic
  By LM - October 7 - 10:24 pm

  Im really irritated by the poor window/door seal on the drivers side. At 50+ mph you can hear the wind whistling, like the window is cracked a tiny bit. The dealer and Honda America say its just a characteristic of the vehicle, but my 2015 Civic doesnt do this, nor my 2007 Civic, nor my 2005 Civic, nor the 2002 Civic we had previously. Test drive at 50+ with the radio off and listen before you buy this car. I wish I had. There is no fix at this time. By the way, Im guessing at MPG below. I havent actually checked that.

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  Love it! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By czsohc517 - October 7 - 3:59 pm

  I have always loved the Prelude and its design. My mom had a third gen and I liked it, so I decided to keep it in the family. This is my first car and it has greatly exceeded my expectations. I have big plans for the car and have already done much to it. Soon the engine will have a revamp with cams, p&p, type- s pistons, etc. I have already upgraded the suspension (a little lower and stiffer) and boy, I thought it handled like a dream before, now it is no problem to take turns quickly and worry-free. And, although the interior was all black, it gives it a clean look and you can always give it a twist with the Prelude Type-S Seats (leather/suede with red stitch) and OEM Honda aftermarket part

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  absolutely disappointed with mpg - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By pcates - October 7 - 11:58 am

  I read all the reviews on the Pilot they were wonderful and then I bought one - a 2007 and I hate it. The gas mileage is terrible, I hate how car mfg lie. I get 11-13 city and most on the hwy is 20.5. The dealer keeps making excuses for the poor mpg. I have already had a intake senor replaced - it did not help. So what good is the ECO light staying on to cut out the cylinder so get you better mpg. What JOKE! My husbands F150 gets more consistent mileage then the pilot. Will never buy another Honda (this was my first and last)

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  It worked for me, and I love it! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By CallMeFairmont - October 7 - 8:06 am

  I bought my 2001 Civic in June, 01, and it has been perfect since the get go. I was smart and bought the 5-speed, because an automatic with a 115 HP engine is not as quick. This thing moves. It wont win any races, but it is plenty to get me going on the freeway. Its pretty roomy, unless you are over six feet tall. Oh, and the Accord does not offer any more leg room for any seat. I am six feet tall, and I love this car. Plus, it looks great, especially with my Thule racks on top. It looks like a Passat or other European sedan with the high rear end, but I only paid 13,900 for it. I recommend it, and I havent had any problems. A great car.

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  6 month update 08 civic lx 2dr coupe - 2008 Honda Civic
  By steve - October 7 - 5:10 am

  I purchased this car mainly for the good gas mileage and reliability but it has turned into so much more. This car handles like a go-cart, and is very fun to drive. It really is a sports car with great reliability and fuel consumption. The ac blows very cold and the stereo is great. I owned a BMW 3 series car about 5 years ago and this Civics handling is so much better at half the cost of the BMW...

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  My racing days are over... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Di - October 7 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months of hints from my husband I finally took the Odyssey for a test drive. I was reluctant to be seen in a mini van after owning several Accords, Civics, CRXs and Integras. But I wanted more room for the tax deduction (aka new baby) so I kissed my youth goodbye and took it for a spin. Very impressed when compared to other minis I tested. After owning so many Honda products I guess you have to "dance with the one that brung ya". Hondas have always been reliable, never ever been left stranded for any reason.

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  Won on technical merits forgot to consider styling - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Phil Larson - October 6 - 6:25 pm

  Needs USB ports in back seat area. Needs volume control. LKAS needs to be better. ACC is a really great feature but should be smoother. I think I would like to be seen more in a Jeep Rubicon, or even a Jeep Grand Cherokee but the Pilot beat it, the highlander, and the Explorer in all the measurable categories.

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  Its OK but some issues - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gliattitd - October 6 - 3:31 pm

  The car has been very reliable. I have had to replace the drivers side window motor twice now, I hear others have this issue as well. Like some of the other reviewers, min is at 99,000 miles and my transmission is starting to act funny. I hope I dont have to replace like they did!