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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  Very Pleasant Purchase - 2002 Honda Accord
  By smokin - November 12 - 1:06 am

  Ive had the car for about 3 months and put on about 3,000 miles, including one out-of-state trip. Car drives and handles very well, providing great comfort. The only disappointment is the mileage: about 20mpg vs the 26 that I had expected. Otherwise, Im extremely satisfied with the car.

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  Priceless - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Nancy - November 11 - 5:10 pm

  I test drove so many SUVs. It came down to the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. There was no comparison. It drives like a dream. You have to be really careful though when you are sitting in it and its running because its so quiet you might think its off and turn it on when its already running. Buy one now. You wont be sorry.

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  Great Vehicle, but dump Michelin - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By No Va Dad - November 11 - 1:10 pm

  This has been a great vehicle for us. The styling and handling of the van is excellent. Build-in features, even on the base model we purchased, surpass expectation. However, and this is an expensive however, the tires are awful. The OEM Michelin tires have been nothing by trouble and are expensive. Weve been through 2 already at $150 a pop and about to replace a third. Ive never had some much trouble as I have with these Michelins.

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  Loving the Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By speff - November 11 - 3:11 am

  All is great. Hard to believe that much car for the money. It has all the toys, great performance, and great gas mileage. Lovin it. One caveat...Apple CarPlay is not 100% reliable. It crashes or gets bugs every once in awhile. It could be more reliable. Great when it works.

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  Economy yes, not fun to drive, loud! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pmcg - November 11 - 1:16 am

  I bought this CRV for reliability and economy. This car has performed these functions well. The gas mileage is slightly lower than the EPA estimates. The CRV is great in the parking lot, small and maneuverable. The problems are these: This is the loudest car Ive ever been in. The road noise drowns out all conversation. The seats are very hard and make long drives even more uncomfortable. The car even looks kind of wimpy, too. The fuel indicator also shows empty when there is more than 25% of a tank left.(the tank isn big to begin with) After 3 years I have had enough. I will trade off a little mileage for comfort and styling.

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  Great sporty coupe!!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Shaun - November 10 - 11:36 pm

  This is a great sporty coupe that looks great, drives great and even smeels great. I bought this car about 3 weeks ago and I am very happy with my decision. I have averaged 27 mpg so far. It drives great and with the 5 speed it is really fun to drive. If you dont need a sunroof, cd changer, and powerseats go with the LX! Cheaper and better resale value!!!

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  Bad Truck - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By disgruntled - November 10 - 8:44 pm

  This is by far one of the worst vehicles that I have ever owned. This truck overheats. The heads went bad the vehicle is a total disaster. Seats are uncomfortable. Interior lights, light up on their own. Would not recommend the car. Would not buy again. I have owned Hondas in the past and this is by far a poorly made car.

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  Honda is FIT 4 ME! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Fit4ME - November 10 - 12:10 pm

  Love the car. Reviewed and tested the Chevrolet HHR, Scion xD & xB, Mazda3, and Nissan Versa. I went to three Honda facilities until I could stand the salesman! Good pickup, and ride. Arm rest for the passenger would be nice! Wish I could have the stability control without having to buy the navigation unit. Getting between 35-37 mpg after 1100 miles of driving in the first two weeks of ownership. Would highly recommend this car to anyone wanting a little fun and saving some $$ on gasoline!

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  my ridgeline is a lemon - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline Lemon - November 10 - 10:58 am

  My Ridgeline has been in the shop 5 times and counting. The dealer has been somewhat reluctant to believe my problems, until I took the shop foreman for a test ride. Problems include: 1) trans light 2) trans light again 3)instrument cluster replaced - resulting in 4) squeaky dashboard 5) dashboard now squeaks in two places... Honda regional representative will not give you a straight answer or tell you who her superior is. I HOPE TO LEMON LAW MY RIDGELINE, GET MY $ BACK, AND WILL NEVER BUY FROM HONDA AGAIN !!!!!

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  Feel Good - 2007 Honda Fit
  By JG Presson - November 10 - 10:56 am

  This was the first car that I truly feel good about owning. I feel good about saving money the Fits exceptional fuel economy mitigates my 80-mile/day commute. I feel good about protecting the environment the Fit is a low emission vehicle. Finally, I feel good while I am driving it, because it is simply fun to drive.