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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  SUPER reliable car for being 22 years old !! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Gene T. - December 11 - 11:44 am

  I purchased the 1995 Honda Accord 26 months ago with 104k for 3,330.00 and I wasnt sure if I paid too much. I did a lot of research and most of accords at that time were going for 2500.00 and they had 180k - 300k miles on them. So I bought this car and over 2 years later I only had to replace one break bulb (3.00) and a muffler that my friend helped me repair ($77.00). Overall the car is extremely well-built for its age. Its one of the cleanest cars Ive owned. The car came with new tires, battery, water pump, spark plugs and caps, new wipers and timing belt. The cars transmission still shifts smoothly and I have been getting 28 - 32 MPG. I would recommend one that has had some of the repairs done and appears to be in good condition. I hope my 95 Honda Accord can last a few more years since its my sons first car. thank you, Gene

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  Love my CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Harriet Watring - December 11 - 8:43 am

  Got my CR-V in Jan. and recently took it on a road trip and loved the ride. Got 29-30 miles per gal on the trip, but around town only getting 17-18. It is easy to maneuver and fun to drive. I had two previous Hondas, both Civics and love the step up to the CR-V.

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  Best $ Ive ever spent - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Sweet P - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The Prelude is GREAT!! The front seats keep you from sliding while handling crazy curves in the road. The long digital dash gives it a space-age look. The availability of after market parts is good too.

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  Pilot Review - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Nancy - December 10 - 2:53 pm

  Great Car, fun to drive. The interior was really well thought out. The Pilot feels solid and handles very well. I looked at several mid size SUVs and this one was the most spacious and family friendly.

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  The best Honda Coupe - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Doc_Honda - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over a year and a half. The seats are very comfortable, yet they still hold you still in a sharp turn. The engine is quiet when you want it to be, and when you get up into the higher RPMs the engine lets out a wonderful distinctive growl. The handling is superior compared to any car in its class, yet the car rides very smooth. I have driven this car hard everyday for over 71,000 miles without a single problem. The sound system is the best I have ever heard in a Honda... and I should know... I own 5 of them (89 CRX DX, 97 Acura Integra GSR, 02 Civic EX Cp, 89 Accord LXi, and this 98 Prelude).

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  Too bad they dont make them any more... - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By EN - December 10 - 2:00 am

  What a wonderful minivan! Comfortable, roomy inside/not too big outside, reliable, drives like a car, extremely versatile. Its a pity that Honda succumbed (very successfully at that) to US market pressure to build this models successor. This model had the highest J.D. Powers customer satisfaction index ever, indicating it struck a sensitive chord among a number of buyers. I, for one, have loved it from day one, and intend to keep it for as long as it runs (judging from past experience with Honda, that will be many years to come).

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  Ilove my Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jkelley - December 9 - 8:26 pm

  I had A 2003 Civic Hybrid, that got wrecked. I looked At other Hybrids, however I decided to go back with a Civic even though I had a pretty good wait to get one , had to order from Japan. It was worth the wait.

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  First truck for Honda...and for me! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By gonzo1124 - December 9 - 9:40 am

  Always wanted a truck, not for heavy hauling, off-road riding, but for everyday stuff like picking up yard supplies, moving household stuff, transporting my motorcycle, camping, maybe towing a small boat, bringing a big TV home, etc. Have tested other small to medium size trucks and was not sure if I could have them as daily drivers. Then this came along. Drove it for a while and I knew that this is what I had been waiting for! Not a SUPER HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK or a 4X4 DIRT DIGGER, or a 10-TON PULLER, but a more civilized truck that I can also use as a car. I have been driving it for over a month now and enjoying every minute. Thanks Honda for building what I was looking for.

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  Great upgrade - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Wilke - December 8 - 10:18 pm

  This is our fourth Honda, we traded our 2011 Odyssey on this new Pilot and wow what a nice upgrade. The SUV drives great, it has some great safety features with plenty of power balanced with efficiency. We drove a few other SUVs prior to making this purchase and pilot is great value for your money. All the reliability of a Honda with some luxury features that just outshine other vehicles in this price range. Perfect for our family moving out of the mini van stage. Still plenty of room if our College/Career aged Sons join us on a trip or if we need to haul any gear. But a very respectable ride for work and pleasure, love the features of remote start, adaptive cruise, and lane keeping. Really nice for day trips for work or weekend getaways.

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  The Best SUV I Found - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Autumnriver - December 8 - 9:22 pm

  I had an 8-year-old Ford Escape and was looking for a new mid-size SUV. I researched them all, and ended up test driving the Kia Sorrento, the Ford Escape, the Honda CRV, and a couple of Hyundais. After the test drives I narrowed the field to the first three, in that order. I then reluctantly eliminated the Sorrento (a very comfortable car) because it was larger than I needed, did not get particularly good mileage. (I found that all of these SUVs are rather similar in body style and basic features; all were good to drive.) I then test drove the Escape and the CRV again. Both were excellent. The Escape had a bit more power while the CRV better gas mileage and a better ride. The determining factor was the overall package: the CRV-EX had all the features I wanted, such as adjustable cruise control and Android Auto, while the Escape lacked the former unless I went to the Titanium, the top (and most expensive) model. I decided on the CRV and have been very happy with my choice. The car has everything I could ask for. The ride is luxuriously comfortable, the steering precise and the engine is peppy enough for the way I drive. Im getting over 30mpg with mostly city driving. The interior is well appointed and the car is a pleasure to drive.