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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  Great Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MAS - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, great style, comfort, performance. Owned a 91 Accord, and it will take a lot of persuasion to get me to buy a different brand.

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  Great Value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sailor - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and I must say the best. I only have 1000 miles on it but so far everything is perfect. Great value for the dollar and a terrific dealership. I have driven a Camry, Altima and a couple of domestic sedans but this Honda outclasses all of them

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  Even better than my 2005 EX-L - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tom McColl - June 3 - 10:51 am

  The new Pilot is hugely improved in every aspect over the outgoing model. I find the looks are much nicer than the outgoing boxy model, which I didnt like compared to the original Pilot design it replaced. I had my 05 Pilot EX-L for over 11 trouble-free years and 168K miles. The new 16 blows it away for gas mileage. Ive been getting way better than EPA estimates. My old Pilot was typically 17-18 city and around 22-23 highway with a best of 25 mpg. For first 2,000 miles, the new Pilot returned 22 mpg city and 27-28 highway mpg with one tank a legitimate 30.6 mpg in ECO mode! Keyless key system is great. I wanted a Black Forest Pearl EX cloth AWD but the only one that finally showed up was one with Homda Sensing, $1000 more. I got it. The sensing is okay but to me, its a bit of a novelty and I find to get the best mileage, I dont use it nor do I use cruise control if the roads are not flat. XM radio is great, as is the other electronic features. I hope they last.

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  Love the car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Geosh - June 3 - 5:10 am

  I got an LX Sedan (didnt want the sunroof on the EX) and LOVE the car. Plenty of room for all my friends, well, 4 of them anyway. Car is very comfortable and the gas mileage is fantastic. The only thing I wish was better is the AC. I live in Phoenix and it takes a little while for the AC to overcome some of the 115* days we have. Once it gets going, or on cooler days, it works perfect. Overall I love the car and would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Great choice for a small family - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sahi - June 3 - 3:30 am

  Good choice if you have one child and have occasionally visiting family. Gas mileage is decent in its class. Doesnt feel like I am driving a SUV .. handles like a car.

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  Function and form over performance - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Drew - June 3 - 1:25 am

  I was focusing most on function in my next vehicle, and since I do a lot of highway traveling, this car is basically ideal if you want any significant cargo capacity without sacrificing MPG. Looks good as well. Pros: 1) Amazing gas mileage. My actual mpg is significantly better than even EPA. Average 33.5 so far, but get 36 plus on highway at 70 mph 2) Interior is well done and cargo capacity for a vehicle this size is excellent. Recent emergency required loading of commerical dehumidifier, 4 carpet blowers and large wet dry vac and everything fit fine. 3) CVT is better than I expected and I dont have any droning issues unless under full acceleration 4) Handling is better than my 2010 Rav4, but not to CX-5 levels (but close). 5) Back seat legroom is fantastic given the size of this vehicle. Only real sacrifice you give up in space is the width of the seats. 6) Radio and bluetooth work great Cons: 1) Road noise - While wind noise is minimized, there is a shortage of dampening material. Rough roads and rain come through fairly loud for a honda, but its not to the level of annoyance. 2) Merely adequate acceleration. While it doesnt impact or bother me, if you are looking for great acceleration or easy highway passing, this probably isnt the car for you. MPG advantage, in my opinion, more than makes up for it. I understand the EX-L with paddles improves this though (I have the base LX version) 3) Material quality - compared to older vehicles, the quality of the cloth for seats and carpeting material are less. However, on par with other cars and compact SUVs in this price point. Thin so potential wear problems. Need to invest in mats, car seat covers and trunk liner to preserve them. 4) Inability to add a hitch at this point.

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  My second Element in 6 months - 2005 Honda Element
  By WSMSTR - June 3 - 1:17 am

  We bought a 2007 Element which is phenomenal in bad weather, so when the chance to pick up a 2005 model arose, it was a no-brainer. This is a different kind of SUV. Youre not going to go tearing around corners with it, but you will enjoy cruising on long rides.

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  Love My Honda But Mileage is Horrific! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By HondaOwner07 - June 2 - 9:46 am

  I just purchased the 2007 Honda Accord 4 cylinder VP. I had it for two days when the AC delay needed to be replaced. Which was no big deal, but the gas mileage is absolutely horrible. Ive been getting about 18- 21 MPG. Get this, I travel 85% highway. Im very disappointed in the mileage. I thought for sure I would at least get 28-31MPG or more since I drive mostly highway. Other than that, great car! I would recommend the car, but make sure you are aware of the mileage.

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  Top of the line - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnny Hunt - June 2 - 8:23 am

  The absolute, best vehicle I have ever owned. Driving it is a pure pleasure. I have owned toyotas, fords, and isuzus in the past. No other vehicle can hold a candle to my 2005 Honda pilot L ex,navigation. I love this SUV!

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  Awesome 2006 civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ron dino - June 1 - 5:46 pm

  Sporty, long trips comfortable, great mileage, needs more power for passing and entering highway, what is the little window for???? Tire noise, have to change tires.