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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  Pilot w/Piston Slap - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot w/Piston Slap - May 7 - 6:41 am

  I got a great deal on the Pilot and thought this was going to be a great new car. After purchase I noticed a noise when it shifted gears when cold. Two dealers said it was piston slap and all Honda had it. Funny it didnt make it when just revving the engine.

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  Honda Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tom - May 7 - 4:13 am

  I have the vehicle for a week now and I am having a lot of fun with it. I got 31 mpg so far with city driving with the a/c on. Fit and finish is good but no better than any other car out there. I dont feel that the fit and finish is up to Honda standards. I got the EX coupe with dealer installed mud flaps, all season rubber mats and trunk mat and interior lighting package which has a bunch of blue LED lights under the dash. It is quite a light show at night.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By OConnors - May 7 - 2:20 am

  We just got the CR-V 2 weeks ago and so far it has met and exceeded our expectations!! The car looks great in black and performs well above what some critics have noted. Plenty of up and go when you need it especially with a 4 cyl and great gas mileage. We are happier every day we drive it. Almost bought a bigger SUV but so glad we went with a CR-V

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  Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Gail - May 6 - 11:57 pm

  When it came time for me to buy a new car, my son talked me into test driving a Honda CR-V. I absolutely fell in love with it. For the price, it has more amenities than any other car I test drove (and I test drove lots of different cars). I have the LX- L model with the rear view camera, navigation system, and great stereo system. I am averaging 25 mpg this last year, city and highway combined. Around town, I usually get 21 mpg, but on the highway, I get as high as 31 mpg. This was also the best gas mileage posted on any car I drove. I cannot remember when Ive enjoyed a car so much. One thing that impressed me overall was I was not exhausted after driving a long distance!

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  Honda 2002 GX (CNG) a sweetie. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By cng USER - May 6 - 10:33 pm

  This is a sweet little car to drive and very economical at the current price of gasoline. I have a used home pump which fills the tank overnight. My price per gallon equivalent at home is about $1.53 per gallon equivalent. Because the fuel is so clean, oil changes at 10,000 mile intervals could probably be delayed further. I have had essentially no major problems with the car. It has saved me a really large amount of money--especially now that gasoline is going for $4.72.

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  Id do it again! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By CoryinTX - May 6 - 12:01 pm

  So I purchased my 97 Accord about 3 years ago. Since then Ive only had minor things to replace (both knobs for the A/C, timing belt & water pump, radiator, brake pads). I absolutely love my car! It has just about 115K miles and it still runs like a dream. This is the 3rd Accord that Ive owned. The car is 11 years old, but Im willing to bet that its got another 150K miles left on it. The backseat is just ok for long trips (say my friends) & the front seats arent that bad either. Could use just a little bit more leg room after 5 hours on the road (my partner & I are 64") & some extra lumbar support for the driver would be nice. All of these are minor issues though. GREAT CAR!!!

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  Fun to Drive - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Wadley Destin - May 6 - 11:48 am

  Thanks to Jeffery Parham at River Oaks Honda, I was able to purchace the Honda Accord Sport 2017 in Crystal Black! This car is very fun to drive, great on acceleration, and good on gas. This car looks great inside and out, and a lot of great features that are included like the bluetooth and dual climate control makes it a comfortable ride.

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  Our approval rating - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By P Mattson - May 6 - 9:04 am

  This vehicle is a delight to drive. It holds the road very well. We like the separate temperature controls for each front seat. I makes for true comfort. It many outstanding features such as the best security with airbags. Many storage areas and ease in getting in and out. Its perfect for a family as it has more seating area. Sports fans will love the ease of tailgating parties since the hatch opens to a perfect height to place your food. We keep our dogs bed in the back and she loves going with us everywhere. Our only complaint is the noise factor. We dont hear our CDs as well as we should because of the road noise. Other than that, we love this car and find it hard to part with.

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  Once again Honda was the right choice - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bob - May 6 - 3:56 am

  This is the 4th Honda our family has owned. When it came time to replace our 97 Accord I thought it wold be an easy choice, buy another Accord, but looking at the new Camry and Hyundia I began to have doubts. After driving the other cars the choice was simple, the Accord was the better car.

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  Best Truck on the Market! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Fredrick Barber - May 5 - 11:50 pm

  I can only say that I am a 33 year old man that swore that he would not buy a non-american truck. Honda changed that after I personally drove every truck on the market I could except the Ridgeline. I have been stationed in Iraq so I never knew that Honda started building trucks. I had my mind made up to purchase a BMW X5 until my brother told me about the Ridgeline. I could not believe how much "truck", "SUV" and "High" end car Honda stuffed into one vehicle. It takes ten minutes to name all of the features. It is clearly the best truck on the market for the money...even if it cost more.