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:

• 

  Actally a 2003 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gester - January 10 - 10:30 pm

  Overalll an excellent, dependable, well built machine. I dont ever get the advertised MPG (I never get better than 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG highway. I feel very safe in it and find it to be more reliable than anyother car Ive owned. Pepole are amazed at how much "stuff" I can pack in the cargo area.

• 

  I have returned to Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ex toyota driver - January 10 - 2:53 pm

  I drove Honda back in the early nineties and thought I would not return. The design until 2008 I though was just ugly. When I saw this at the auto show, I desided to consider it again. Shopped it heavy, and this is just the best value. I commute alot, so interior is important to me, and its leather is does not seem cheap (like others in this price bracket) and comfort is top notch. I got the EX 4 cyl. for I live in so cal, and the 6 is not necessary sitting in traffic : ). Decent accel, huge back seat for my kids baby seats/ large friends. Read reviews about loud engine sound... mine is quiet. Feels like a luxury car but for about 10 grand less (why buy Acura?), will not go back Toyota

• 

  My beloved Honda - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Mario94 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Serves duty as a commuter and a autocross and road race car (not to be confused with motocross or street racing, respectively!). Spot on reliable.

• 

  Great looks, quality and budget friendly too! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By 350zguy - January 9 - 8:17 am

  Bought my 2013 Accord Sport a few months ago, and have almost 6000 miles on it. The car handles really well, and averages about 27 mpg in town and about 35 mpg on the hwy. This Accord looks great - all black, and good fit and finish. The suspension, handling and brakes are perfect for my driving tastes. The dealer experience was super, too - I traded in my 2012 Civic EX with only 25k miles (it had been a huge disappointment).

• 

  Another Great One From Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By CJ Mund - January 9 - 6:12 am

  I had a 2011 CR-V and thought about trading it in for Crosstour. Im glad that I waited, because I purchased the HR-V this year, and it is a classic Honda vehicle. The thing I love about the HR-V, other than its roominess, is the fact that it actually feels beefy. I was not expecting to sit up so high, but there really is pretty good clearance on this thing. We also own a Fit, and there is considerable height difference in the two. I recently drove it in downtown Seattle, and the thing can turn on a dime. The handling and the drive are wonderful. The Fit has such bad road noise, so I was hoping the HR-V wouldnt follow suite, and it doesnt. Its very quite at 70 and even 75 mph. I have been getting about 33 mph on my commute to and from work. Overall, I love this car. I dont see too many of them on the road yet, so a lot of people will stop and ask me what kind of car it is. Love it.

• 

  great car - 2000 Honda S2000
  By bob123432343 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  get car very fun to drive

• 

  Tough to beat - 1999 Honda Accord
  By mdwitty - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 5 years with no problems. Compared to a camry, it runs a little loud, but it looks a lot better!!

• 

  Great Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - January 9 - 12:13 am

  I had a American van it was in the shop every 3 months for one thing or another. I am on my 2nd Honda Van neither one has ever been in the shop for any repairs Just oil changes tire rotation thats it Thank Honda keep up the good work and ill keep buying them.

• 

  Hondas MDX - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By AP SAC CA - January 8 - 11:13 pm

  Just picked up my Pilot yesterday, love everything about. My Parents have 05 MDX and the only big difference is the bluetooth capability, memorizing seat adjustments and with the Pilot your saving about $7-8k dollars.

• 

  Just Bought the Elite - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Elitist - January 8 - 4:23 pm

  I found the Pilot brochure confusing. The included options list implies that the Elite has everything the other models have plus more stuff. Not quite true. It does not tell you what is left out, so its not completely clear what you are getting. Lane Watch is included in lesser models and I expected it should also be on the Elite. It isnt. Some reviews dislike Lane Watch because it takes your eyes away from the road. The Owners Guide is inadequate. Photos are too small. Honda should include a full size Owners Manual. Sure, you can go to their website and download the 679 pages and print it yourself but for a $50,000 Elite, youd think they would give you one. The Guide shows an option that the Elite should have but doesnt. That is Folding Mirrors. This option would help to protect your mirrors from damage by folding them inwards. Even though the Guide covers it, I did not see it listed as a feature on any of the models. I have yet to use the shifting paddles. I have not found any information yet on how to use them. Ill keep looking. Though not stylish, the Elite is very comfortable and has a lot of cargo space.