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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  95 Honda Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By alacy - September 4 - 4:27 pm

  This car is fun, comfortable, reliable, awesome. One of the best compact cars of all time

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  weekend warrior - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By blue5 - September 4 - 4:26 pm

  After 200 miles of driving, I have no regrets for getting this truck. This truck has the right blend of luxury and performance for everyday driving. This is my first truck and it was made for the weekend warrior.I like the Tacoma but the ride was a little rough and interior was slightly spartan. Ridgeline is pricier but it has all the SUV features.

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  One great automobile! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Michael - September 4 - 10:43 am

  This is the first Honda Ive owned and I love it. I love the EX-P model because it has the painted body clad molding that matches the SUV. Its fun to drive and has a lot of room in it. I have more room in the front of it than my wife has in her Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The gas mileage so far hasnt been as good as I expected but it only had 3 miles on it when I purchased it. I hope the more I drive it, the better the mileage will be. All together I love this SUV!! I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Another great Honda - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Matt.N - September 4 - 4:00 am

  I am bias, love Honda, 6 of them so far and 2nd CRV, they are reliable, easy to maintenance, best of all the handling is of one the best for "low" end vehicle. Tested drive Hyundai Tucson, Santa fe, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX5 (bad), and Subaru Outback which better handling a bit but slower acceleration. I like how Honda hugs the curve at high speed, responsive. Test drive like this to see how the vehicle can help avoiding accident, as expected, turning radius is small. The vehicle can steer itself through gentle curve at highway speed, even at late dawn. 30MPG @ 80 MPH, 28MPG @ mix city/hwy. Capless gas tank is cool, hope it is ok for a long time. 25700 CRV EX AWD + 800 dealer fee (makeup profit fee) 100 doc fee + state mandatory fee

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  2016 Honda CR-V Touring - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kristy Miller - September 4 - 12:48 am

  Love this vehicle. Very quiet ride, good interior space and "peppy" engine. I am 5 2" short and the seats adjust well, except for the head rest which has no adjustment. The on screen computer/navigation system doesnt seem to be very intuitive. Sound system is pretty good. I do like the keyless entry and automatic trunk open and close. Insurance Institute for highway safety rated this vehicle as "Good" (highest rating) along with a great resale value. I traded in my 2004 Chevy Trailblazer for this vehicle and other than the size and weight difference I am very pleased with this vehicle. 9/12/2017 update Still LOVE my CR-V the only trouble I have had is a 7.5 fuse blown that took out the back lights, dash lights and hi-beams. Replaced fuse and its good to go!

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  Tough to find a better car at this size - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Orly - September 3 - 6:55 pm

  We shopped for almost a year before we made up our mind on this car. Cars we considered : Toyota, Acura, Lexus, Volvo, Nissan. We got out of a 2012 Odyssey Touring Elite and wanted to keep the space but make it a little more grown up. All other choices are great but here is what we found: All other cars a pretty much useless in the 3rd row for adults but I being 62" fit in the back seat comfortably in the Pilot. There is actually space that you could load something with the 3rd row up (Most other cars had no space at all). Very spacious front row seats , better than in the Odyssey for people with long legs. Safety equipment is off the chart. For a car with a factory entertainment system its hard to find a lower price. And for all the people that say this looks like a minivan, go look at it in person. It is much better especially with the 20" rims on it. Trust me I hated driving the Minivan, this is a welcome change. The pick up on this car is outstanding, I have to drive it in eco-mode to not speed! Car handles very well, no idea what people are saying about a bad handling, FYI this is a big and heavy car but it handles great. It has electric steering which has multiple upsides but one of the downsides is some disconnection with the "feel" of the road, maybe thats what they are talking about? This car is more quiet when driving than my $60K Lexus. Quality inside is outstanding for the cost. Some suggestions for improvements. Flip down armrest to be a little stockier. It isnt flimsy but it looks it. Maybe its just mine but the transmission is a little jerky on the downshifts. I will have it looked at, maybe Im just too picky.

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  My new "Yellow Tweedy Bird" - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Sue Johnston - September 3 - 2:20 pm

  I love Honda and I love Honda Fits. I had a sport model for 8 years. Did like it better as it had fun wheel rims and much more speed. For some reason they discontinued this model. The new one is fine , but it doesnt get the gas mileage that it said on the sticker. I dont think its broken in enough yet however; so I am reserving judgement on that right now. Seems to be a lot roomer than the old one. Miss the boxes in the wall in the trunk area from the old one. The other thing is the "junk" box between the 2 front seats is very awkward to get into. The top raises from the front and you cant see inside. I think it should have opened on the side. Also very small, like it was an after thought. The seat fold down in the back is much easier than the old one as you dont have to remove the headrests to put them down. I also like the cup holder on the dash by the steering wheel! Very convenient to grab a drink without looking down! I do wish that the windows would come tinted as some of my friends new cars did. Has lots of plugs for the tech stuff. Even one in the "junk" box. It does have a lot of road noise. I have read that you can have soundproofing put in. I may have to look into that. Otherwise, so far its another great purchase.

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  Exactly What I Wanted - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DocHoyle - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I did weeks and weeks of research before I bought my Accord, and so far I am very happy. I compared the Accord to the Mazda 6 and the Oldsmobile Alero, the Accord had the best resale and quality for the money.

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  Great truck - favorite vehicle ive owned so far - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tracy Nickleson - September 3 - 7:47 am

  I love the truck. The touch screen is a little finicky sometimes, but its the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned, to date, in regards to how it hugs the road, and how it envelopes my body. Every day, I find myself looking for excuses to drive someplace.

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  30K miles and excellent so far - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Great Civic - September 3 - 5:30 am

  I will have about 200K on this car in 4 years...have driven 30K so far and there are no issues what so ever. I get 38-41MPG combined (improved from 35 when purchased). The car handles well and is very comfortable with the exception of the location of the E- brake. Be very careful...this bothers me personally on long trips. No issues whatsoever at 30K. The Goodyears are crappy and wearing down. The stereo has one speaker that vibrates (I dont care). System sounds decent enough. I can plug in my ipod, love that. Stick shift is smooth and very sweet with adequate power. This car has been exactly as desired so far. I expect the build quality to stand above most other brands.