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:

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Reed - November 17 - 1:13 pm

  I too did a whole lot of research before I bought this car. I bought a 1996 Honda Accord brand new and I have always been very happy with it. I would have bought the CR-V sooner but I wasnt that fond of the color selections. I have never wanted a red car but purchased the Tango Red Pearl. It is gorgeous! I love the way it rides and handles. The short turning radius, the back up camera! I just cant say enough good things about this car. So far the gas mileage just around town is in the high 20s I wasnt even expecting that.

• 

  great car but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By frank - November 17 - 11:00 am

  Have two 2007 Honda Civics. They run great and get great mileage. The only drawbacks are the front windshield is impossible to clean as the dash barely leaves any room on the driver side. The head restraints can be irritating at first if you lean back in the seat. After a month of constantly bumping the back of your head you learn to sit up straight.The car is great around town but is not the most comfortable on long trips. Car has been wonderful other than that.

• 

  honda prelude si 2.3 - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By justin - November 17 - 6:53 am

  all and all its a good first car but if speed isnt important to you then its a great car.

• 

  Great car in any price range. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JJ - November 17 - 5:16 am

  This car is for my wife, she wanted an automatic 2 door that was fun and easy to drive. After test driving MazdaÂ’s 3, it was obvious to us that the Civic was a better product, we put our order in for an Atomic Blue EX with Navi and got it 2.5 months later. This car is very nice, the short wheelbase is noticeable, but not annoying. The suspension and steering is tight and precise. It is very easy to drive, and backup, blind spots are minimal. The blue lights of the split dash are easy on the eyes, and the navigation system is simple to use and operate. This car has made me consider a Si for myself.

• 

  Less Than Expected - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dubs - November 17 - 5:05 am

  This is the first Honda vehicle I have owned. I previously had an Acura, which I enjoyed other than a dashboard rattle that the dealer could never find and, thus, never eradicate. After some research, it seemed as though the Pilot Elite would essentially get me an Acura MDX while saving some money. Not so fast, as I am finding out. I am not having problems with the 9 speed transmission as others have, and mechanically, everything seems to be okay. However, the interior is not comparable to an Acura, in my opinion. The leather isnt as soft and the dash and door panels, while not plastic, arent as "cushy" as the Acura. I didnt buy an Acura, so I accept these downgrades. This car reminds me in some ways of the stuff old Detroit (the "Big 3") used to put out. Some things were okay, some not so much. My Elite rattles and vibrates even on pavement with only slight imperfections. Some of the body parts needed aligned. The fan circulating the air for heat and defrost sounds like it has a bad bearing as it squeals when it runs. The dealer wont replace it since it still "works". The navigation unit is weak - it tells the driver to make a turn when the car has already passed the turning point. It seems to be off by about 75 feet. The parking sensors are next to useless and the auto braking for collision avoidance activates for no reason at times. As I said, this is my first Honda and most likely will be my last. I may even trade the car in soon and take the "loss". I traded an Infiniti in on the Elite after being less than overwhelmed with the performance of the Infiniti. I have to say that even "stepping down" from a luxury model to the Honda, the Elite is much less than I expected it to be. And, I dont consider myself all that demanding. Just give me value commensurate with the money I am spending. Unfortunately, this Elite isnt doing that!

• 

  Honda Civic - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Peter - November 17 - 3:06 am

  Usually spending 200 USD/YEAR for repairing. It was eating 10 liters/ 100 km in city.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Joseph - November 16 - 1:31 pm

  Overall a great vehicle, lots of room. But lacking in better gas mileage, however I did know that I was buying a SUV. Lacks body style, wheel are boring. Vehicle looks much better with 20" rims and chrome grill. However I would not pass this vehicle buy if you have a family and still what to be a bit sporty.

• 

  The best choice in small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mycle1000 - November 16 - 11:30 am

  As of now we have about 3500 miles on our CR-V and we are totally smitten with our purchase. We compared the Rav4, the small Jeeps and some others and figured we got the best value for the money with the EX model. Mileage is in the mid 20s hiway so far and we assume it will improve as the drivetrain loosens up a bit. It is mostly comfortable for drivers and passengers of all sizes, with plenty of leg- and headroom, and nice seats.

• 

  Dramatic change for the good - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dr. Alan S. Altman - November 16 - 4:36 am

  More solidly built, more rugged, larger, more confortable, and better performance than any other Accord and Camry that I have ever owned or driven in. Will buy no other brand in the future. Have driven since 1960!!! The new (American) Accord is a luxury car that provides the greatest value for the dollar on the highway.....PERIOD!!!!

• 

  Honda Civic will stay with us - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Bob - November 15 - 10:32 pm

  Weve owned 8 new Honda vehicles over many years. Right now we own a 2002 CRV and our trusty 1999 Civic with 105,000 miles on the odometer. This Civic runs as well now as it day on day of delivery and we are constantly amazed at the high quality of Honda products. Although we really like the new 2007 Civic, we cannot think of one reason to let our 1999 go. We change the oil(s) and do regular maintenance on this Honda as weve done on all of our others which have NEVER failed us.