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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  Best of all worlds - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Brian - March 7 - 8:48 pm

  We replaced our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica (boat) with this truck and are loving it. The Pilot is so much lighter on its feet and nimble in the urban jungle. Driving is quiet and smooth on all roads and its great in the snow! Wife loves that it heats up quick on sub-zero MN winter mornings. Husband loves the acceleration and visibility from sitting up high in the cockpit. Kids love the DVD and parents love the wireless headsets for quiet long trips to grandparents.

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  I love my CrossTour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gnew - March 7 - 8:10 pm

  This my 2nd Honda, I just went to the CrossTour from a 2006 Pilot and I love it. It drives great and handles like a dream. I am a sales guy on the road and wanted better gas mileage, Room and comfort, I got all three with my Crosstour. The Navi is easy to use and it can get out of its own way on the highway (something the Pilot had trouble doing). The looks are Just outstanding, people walk up to me and wow is that a Honda! I cant be happier with my CrossTour.

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  6 months and love my Fit more everyday - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Luv My Fit - March 7 - 5:33 pm

  So it looks tiny from the outside (inside its surprisingly roomy) , and its kind of ugly in an endearing sort of way; but the more I drive this car the more I love it! It is the most functional, fuel efficient, and fabulously fun car I have ever owned. My step-mom has a convertible Saab and my father has a Mercedes S class. You know what? I prefer driving my Fit better than driving their gas guzzling money pits! The Fit corners like its on rails. If you know how to properly use the paddle shifters, the car will straight out fly (because its so light). But if youre stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, just drive it as an automatic. Its unique, easy on the wallet, and flat out fun!

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  Not Trading 2005 for 2008! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ABQGeo - March 7 - 5:04 pm

  Ive had 2005 EX V6 for over 3 years now and have decided to hang onto it for a few more years, because I think the new body style is ugly! Right before the warranty expired, the whole transmission needed to be replaced. Challenging myself to get the highest MPGs I could, I recently achieved over 37 MPGs on a trip on the highway, never exceeding 65 mph and being very gentle on the accelerator. Cant beat that for efficiency! Other than the transmssion, Ive had no problems with the car, so Im hanging onto it. Compared to American sedans I drive at work, the steering and suspension feel "alive" and connected to me.

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  Practical, but no more - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Sam - March 7 - 1:53 pm

  This car is quite practical, but has had a decent number of repairs. It gets good fuel economy (upper 20s) and is a sound car. However, if you are looking for a quick car, youve come to the wrong place.

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  Why not an accord! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By shawn taylor - March 7 - 4:36 am

  This is my first Honda, it wont be my last either. It was clearly a decision made on quality and reliability. Honda screams that clearly. My decision has been 110% correct that I bought the perfect car under 30k.

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  Worst car Ive ever driven - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Joe Meteye - March 7 - 1:26 am

  Bought two months ago- cant get rid of it fast enough. Absolutely hate this vehicle. Terrible engine, horrible ergonomics, all around horrible car.

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  Love my Honda! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Amber - March 6 - 7:26 pm

  This is one of 2 Hondas I have owned. I have also owned an Accord that I sold with 250K. I bought my Civic new in 2001 and I have over 120K on it now. My grandfather would not let me park my foriegn car in his drive way even though the radiator was built locally. I have had zero repairs. I dont follow the maintenance schedule, and I have beat it up a little. It is a zippy little car for heavy traffic but powerful enough for highway traffic. I use synthetic oil. It isnt as comfortable as my old car (Pontiac) and the timing belt maintenance was expensive, but I am still extremely happy with it. I plan to drive it into the ground and I will probably buy another.

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  Bought It and Love It - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Donna in New Mexico - March 6 - 3:52 pm

  I was driving a 98 Honda civic HX around town and a 2002 Acura MDX for the interstate. It was time to consider just one car that would satisfy the features of my old cars. I usually buy used but decided to look at the 2017 Honda CRV. I briefly considered the RAV4 but vetoed that. The reviews of the CRV impressed me enough that I bought it sight unseen and no test drive (who does that!). I got the color and model I wanted. I now have a little over 2000 miles on it and have been very satisfied. Pros: not cramped. I was afraid that coming from the MDX the CRV would feel cramped but it isnt bad at all. The trunk area handles my large dog easily. Really like the ease of dropping the rear seats forward. Like the ease of console and touch screen. Everything is within reach and intuitive. There is enough power to pass on the interstate. Was pleasantly surprised at the quietness of the ride and ease of steering. I live in rural southwest so keeping a car clean is a challenge. The desert sand color doesnt show the dirt like some other colors would. Overall it is big enough for the interstate but small enough to drive around town. The capless gas tank was a welcome surprise. With all the technology and ease of pushing buttons I laughed out load when I found the manual lever to open the gas door. Over all the safety features are awesome. Cons: I had real wood in my Acura so could have done without the plastic wood. Just doesnt work for me. The cruise control doesnt hold well on the downhill. It creeps up to 5 miles over the set speed. There is an uneven surface on the back seats when they are let down. I lower them for my dog and the fabric stretched out of shape when she stood on the seats. I am not too crazy about the leather covered steering wheel. The stitching is bothersome.

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  The best car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Jadwiga - March 6 - 3:18 pm

  I own this car for 11 years, and if it ever give-up on me the next one will be Honda CR-V. Except for changing things like tires, brakes, and oil of course, nothing ever stop me from driving it. It is the best car not only for the money, but because it is the best.