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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  reliable bullet - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Andre5150 - March 29 - 2:43 am

  I just bought an s2000 not too long ago planning to modify it. When I first got it I noticed that it was very fuel efficient, light already so it didnt take much to move it, and it drove quick for a 2.2 liter. I was very familiar with the s2000 before because I build and race cars. I own a 527 hp 02 wrx, and the honda is my second race car. My honda has tons of potental to produce extreme amounts of horsepower without a turbo or supercharger, It handles great on the track, mountains, canyons, and streets. Very effecient as far as delivering the power to the ground because its so solid and light. Speaking from experience this is the best performance roadster under 60 k.

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  You dont have to pay MSRP. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By supercrv1 - March 28 - 9:16 pm

  We were going to buy a 2001 and when I saw the 2002 and drove it I knew it would be perfect for us. Had to order since it is a FWD and that took 6 weeks. My wife drives it most of the time and she loves it no complaints so far.

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  Honda Lover - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof2Boys - March 27 - 11:46 pm

  This is my third Honda purchased within the last 6 years, as always, Honda never ceases to amaze me. I started with the Civic, a great small car, then the CRV, a great SUV, but this Odyssey has made me see how wonderful it is to drive a full size vehicle. I did not think I was ready for the whole "Mini Van" thing, being only 29, but this is not like any other mini van on the market. The second row windows even roll down! It is like driving a luxury automobile at an "average-Jane" cost. Once again Honda has done an AWESOME job.

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  My Third S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Tikigod27 - March 27 - 8:38 pm

  As the headers states My Third S2000 for a good reason you simply cannot find a better car for any amount of money. I now have a 2006 Laguna Blue and everyone from sidewalk shouts to parking valets at the finest establishments all say the same thing: That is a sweet ride! Everything about this car is fantastic except the MPG...but everything has a fault or two! I recommend this car for anyone but please test drive it as it is truly a rough riding sports car.

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  GREAT CAR, FUN TO DRIVE! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By joelsbarbier - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best deal we have ever had for a car! It has maintained its value very well, and been completely reliable. And its a lot of fun to drive!

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  i love it!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By zuzus - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I first saw Element back in January.I fell in love with its quirky look that reminded me of all the funny little cars in Italy.Got mine last week after doing tons of research.Every person (even the "cool" friends)that has chuckled or razzed us quickly changed their minds once we showed them the inside. It was supposed to be for me, but now we are fighting who gets to drive our funny little family mobile. (He likes bragging about what a "bang for our buck" deal we got).It reminds me of the 1971 VW Van I grew up in. How could I resist a car that puts a smile on my face? My 3rd Honda-wont buy another brand again-especially Mitsubishi!

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  I love my new Civic!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Larissa - March 27 - 8:46 am

  I come from a Honda family, so the new Civic was a natural choice. It looks beautiful inside and out, drives well and is an all around fun car to have. Everything about it screams quality. It looks much more expensive than it is. The only thing that bugged me a little bit was the "check fuel cap" warning came on for no apparent reason after having the car for only a few weeks, and it took about a week before it finally went away. That was the only glitch so far, and it wasnt even a real problem. I highly recommend the Civic to anyone!

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By mrm - March 26 - 10:01 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2010. I have almost 190,000 miles on it and have had to put no problems with it whatsoever. I drive it for work so I put a lot of miles on it. No major repairs (other than an $400 oil pan after Walmarts service technicians ruined my oil pan after an oil change). Now, I take the car to repair facilities that I trust and I have not had any more repairs. The only thing that I do faithfully is keep up with regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire replacements, brakes and batteries (have had to put two batteries in it). I took the car on a 7-hour (14 hour round trip) road trip with 180,000 miles and no problems at all. It is very reliable.

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  Buy this car - now! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg Gagne - March 26 - 8:03 pm

  Just picked up 16 Touring. This thing is sick. I cant believe the negatives reviews on the tranny! Are you people nuts? Stop overthinking and just drive the damn car. The 9-speed is sweet. The touch screen is sweet. Who cares about fingerprints. The touch is seamless and responds beautifullly. No hard knob to control volume? Anyone who cares about that is too old to appreciate modern tech. Thats akin to complaining about not having a CD player. The Garmin looks nice but I just use Waze via Bluetooth. No I dont get the graphic but the turn prompts suffice and if they dont I can just look down to see whats up. Waze is just so much better than any Nav. Search capabilities are remarkable and who doesnt want to know about 5-0 up ahead? Bluetooth integration is perfect. Streaming The Dead through Pandora never sounded so good. Leather is very nice and I simply love this car. Technology is slick, although my prior car was a 2005 Acura RL, so Ive had proximity sensors for key fob for quite some time. People, dont buy a Highlander...dont buy a Grand Idiot Cherokee (way more off-road capability than most of the chumps buying it would ever even begin to know how to use)...dont buy a Yukon (unless you bought a boat you cant afford); buy a Pilot (2016 that is- the prior ones sucked). If youre intelligent and want a sick family SUV to make memories in, buy this car now! You can thank me later.

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  Minor Issues - 2005 Honda Civic
  By eagleor - March 26 - 4:23 pm

  Purchased two and a half year ago with only 5 other HCH in Portland, OR at the time. Like all Hondas this car is forgiving and well engineered with YTD mpg 46.1. Just received recall notice to reprogram IMA computer and keep the car from running "too lean". (Wonder how mileage will change? --thought lean is good in a Hybrid? :>) MT seems best suited to Pacific NW hills.