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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  Superior car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dawn - March 5 - 11:36 am

  The 2005 Honda Civic Sedan is is car that is economical because it has excellent gas mileage and can last well over 200,000 miles. My car looks like a sports car with the new design and red color, but at a fraction of the price. It rides very smooth, is comfortable and spacious. The VP has many great new features including a CD player, AC, and automatic. It has great reaction time and drives well.

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  1000Miles and counting - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By teegala - March 5 - 11:27 am

  I got the car 2 weeks ago and drove around ( Houston to Dallas trip) too. I was driving like a grandma for first 300 miles ( really low acceleration) and there on my friends drove it for 300 miles with full acceleration ( 10+ power bars). At the end of 1000 miles I got 39.2 mpg ( good I would say). Ride is comfortable for the long drives). Once I hit 60mph instant mpg drops to 36 and if I take it beyond 75mph it improves. Touched 85mph with just 3 power bars and ride is still feels smooth ( low noise).

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  A great little truck - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John Maz - March 5 - 10:30 am

  Have had this truck since October 2004 and so far it has been great. I love it.

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  I love my hybrid! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mjoann - March 5 - 9:40 am

  We put over 35,000 miles a year on this car, and are absolutely delighted with our gas mileage and fuel savings. We love the color, a pearlized blue that only comes on the hybrids, and we love the cute style. Most of all, we love helping the environment with a fuel responsible vehicle.

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  Owned my Honda Pilot Touring for 33 days - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Shawna - March 5 - 3:29 am

  I purchased a 2016 Pilot Touring after my 2014 Pilot Touring had electrical problems. It was the worst decision that I have made. After 33 days, while backing out of my garage, I noticed a large puddle of fluid and drops leading out of the garage. I took the vehicle to the dealer the next day. On my way to the dealer, the transmission started slipping and there was a squealing noise. I was terrified, and knew that it was the transmission. After 2 hours at the dealer, they determined that it was the transmission, and that they would need to order a part. It would take 3-4 days to get the part and fix the car. Yes, FIX THE CAR, that I had owned for 33 days, and had paid $45,000 for. I told them that I did not want the car, and that they needed to give me my money back. They offered $39,500. So, I was going to be out $5,500 for a defective vehicle. I demanded to speak with the manager. After nearly 6 hours at the dealer, with my two kids, the manager offered $44,000. In total I was out $1,300, but was too tired to fight. Chalk it up to lesson learned. I now have no car, a stained garage, am out $1,300 and have to start the car shopping process again. Shame on you Honda.

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  Fits Me Perfectly - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tricia - March 4 - 10:32 pm

  This is my first Honda. I bought it to replace a Ford Explorer because of the gas prices. I still wanted a vehicle I could throw a bale or two of hay in the back and this fit the bill. I fell in love with it immediately. Its a blast to drive and the stereo system is great! I think its comfortable and peppy although I have to admit I havent even used the paddles yet. I only drive about 7 miles in it a day and have to say the gas mileage hasnt been what was expected. As for the armrest, yes that stunk but I had a custom one made for about $100 and its not one of those plastic ones from Hong Kong. It looks custom. I highly recommend it all my friends and my stepmom is even considering one

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jim kent - March 4 - 3:56 pm

  This is my 5th Accord and totally different than all previous ones. Honda has outdone themselves! A great driving machine and quite comfortable.

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  Cross Tour- Accord on Steroids!! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By shoes4 - March 4 - 3:26 pm

  Just picked up our 2011 CT EXL, after test driving (3) Subarus, Legacy, Forester, Outback EXL- which was the best of those three Subs. Stopped at our local Honda Dealer and took out the CT EXL- Everything about the CT blows the Subarus away..Fit, finish, ride, all Honda quality.. Owning a Honda is like money in the bank.. they have the highest resale value of any car.. why? because Honda makes one of the best cars in the industry. period.. The CT is a joy to drive, we are looking forward to a long relationship with the our CT. They cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for... Keep up the good work Honda!!

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  No More Hondas for this Family - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Busy Mom - March 4 - 3:06 pm

  This is our second Odyssey (first was an 04) and it will be our last. Main reason for purchase was improved fuel economy from the VCM transmission and it has performed horribly (avg 15 mpg city) which is where most of the driving is done. Dealership says they need to have it for 3 days to simulate fuel economy before they will evaluate to see if problem exists with VCM, but they wont give us a loaner! Have had both the fuel pump belt and the fuel pump replaced already, and it only has 19,000 miles. We are 5 time Honda owners (two Civics, two Odysseys and a Pilot), and this will be our last. Looking at Toyotas next! Someone needs to introduce a hybrid minivan to the US market!

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  The perfect all-around vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HondaPittsburgh - March 4 - 3:00 pm

  Bought in 2006. Drove I-90 from Erie to Buffalo for 15 months. With Michelin snow tires never got stuck, never had to slow down much in the winter. Ive had 8 adults in it comfortably and 5 of us on vacation. Hauls people and their stuff. Great seat flexibility. Incredibly comfortable highway car. Consistently gets 20MPG. Havent spent a dime of unexpected maintenance in 48000 miles. Road noise issue goes away once you replace the Bridgestone Duelers. Feels incredibly safe. Feels a bit big at first but easy to get use to. If I could only own one vehicle - and it had to do everything - this would be it.