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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  Loved my little honda hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Janeen - April 1 - 4:43 pm

  I had this car for 1 year, drove 11k, bot used w/7k and sadly hit a large deer on the highway and totaled it. That said, I was not hurt in the accident. Airbags did not go off, but have heard the sensors are in the bumpers and they were not damaged. Glad they didnt, as Im petite and may have been hurt. Car was fun to drive, could have had more pick-up, but did not bother me and with the mpg, you cant have your cake and eat it too. Commute into Boston, noticeable difference in mpg in the cold. ~30 city mpg in the winter, ~36 summer, 40- 48 highway depending on length of trip, road conditions (inclines, etc.), and speed. Best mpg seemed to be cruising around 72 mph. Miss this car.

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  All But The Mileage - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Paul - April 1 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned four Hondas, all have been great reliable cars. In this new addition, the gas mileage is a crime. There should be a law to prevent misrepresenting gas mileage this much. This 4 cyl CRV is getting about the same mileage my 4X4 Toyota Tundra Pickup go when it was new. 17 MPG driving the same roads.

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  big enough for a big guy - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Bob Schroeder - April 1 - 4:31 am

  We shopped around for quite awhile until we found what we wanted. The honda crv- exl is easy to get in and out for my 6ft4inch frame that weighs 310 lbs. Through edmunds . com we were steered towards Ziegler Honda in Kalamazoo. I got my final out the door price and other dealers could not match or come close so we purchased from them even though they are 70 miles from our home. There was no pressure and so far they continue to come through on questions, plates etc. Sales person gave us a specific web site to go to that answers many questions on operation of the vehicle. We are getting up ;there in years and this vehicle and dealer meet our current needs. Vehicle rides nice, has good visibility and steers fine. With so many various controls it is hard for an old man to remember everything but we are getting there. I would purchase again.

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  So far so good - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By keltnera - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Traded in our 2002 Odyseey for the 2005. We were going on our third transmission at 51K on the 02. So far so good on the 2005. The 2005 is just as great to drive. We love all the upgrades like sun roof, second row windows that go down, and the third row folds down even easier without removing the headrests. I also like how the third row is split and that there is seating for 8 now. The lazy-susan seems ackward to get to and havent really used it. The double glove-department is an intersting consept. I really like the big knobs on the dash and the shifter on the dash. The illumination of the dash is great, especially the day display, unless your headlights are on.

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  Excited by the Pilot?? NOPE! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Pilot - April 1 - 1:53 am

  My husband insisted on the Pilot 06. I am NOT impressed and a bit disappointed. The car gets nowhere near the reported mileage... poor at best. The controls are awkward, the seat on passenger side is uncomfortable and non electric. The seat belt alarm never stops. The nav system is impossible to use and has no return feature... very inconvenient and overpriced. I would never encourage anyone to purchase the vehicle. I think Honda missed the mark. I will get out of this car ASAP. I want to know why the gas mileage is so poor and the A/C takes too long to cool down and the wipers are difficult to trun off or change speed. Do not buy!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By damatsam - March 31 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this vehicle after my daughter bought a CR-V. The ride is very smooth, better than expected. Wind noise is a little annoying, but you get use to it. Gas mileage is not all that great. Overall, I am very satisfied with my vehicle.

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  2005 Honda Odyssey EX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Accords&Odysseys - March 31 - 10:45 pm

  This van has lots of horsepower and speed. I love this van! Its unique and doesnt look like any other van. Everyday I drive this van, I feel like drag racing. 255 HP is damn good for a minivan. No problems and I have 28,000 miles on it now. The only complaint I have is its hard to see the gas gauge with the steering controls in the way. Usually in a car youre able to drive and look at the gas gauge, in the van you wont notice the gas gauge till the last minute. Otherwise feels like your floating.

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  Totally Awesome!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dana - March 31 - 2:06 pm

  First, I would like to say that I can not believe that I am in a Civic. I had owned a 96 Civic, before I just purchased the Lx 06 Civic, and it is totally redesigned in a classy way. It handles the road so smooth, and so much fun to drive. The price is just right for all the things that you get. I can see why it was voted Motor Trend car of the year!!

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  intial impressions are great - 2009 Honda Fit
  By lipomaman - March 31 - 11:06 am

  Having had the car for two days and 200 miles, this is an initial impression only. It took a bit of time to get the steering wheel and seat adjusted to me but now my only comfort complaint is lack of leather. The manual is VERY forgiving and took a bit of getting used to as the fit replaced a Porsche 944S2 Cab 5M. Handling is tight. Good visibility. GREAT use of space with the variable seat positions. The AVG MPG display has me pegged at 40.4 with 25%city and 75% hwy and was at 41.8 after the first 120 miles of 95% hwy driving. Cant argue with that. My wife and Au pair love it and think its easy to drive. Ill addend this if anything major evolves over time.

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  Atomic Blue - 2007 Honda Element
  By Bergie - March 31 - 11:00 am

  I have the base model LX and I am very pleased with all the features. It is very smooth, lots of pep, handling is great, and I average about 24 mpg. This is my third Honda and the quality and reliability of all of them has been outstanding.