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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  Delighted customer - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Hisham mozaffar - October 27 - 4:35 am

  Well thought out - vastly improved interior and materials compared to earlier CR-Vs. I was initially scared that the 1.5 liter turbocharged engine would struggle on family trips especially in comparison to our previous V6 equipped Odyssey. Sure, it lacks slightly when it comes to low end torque but it had no problem keeping up with traffic on a recent trip to NY which included steep sections on the interstate with 4 occupants and lots of luggage!

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  I love my new hybrid! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sulako - October 27 - 4:00 am

  I bought my 2006 civic recently and I think its great. It sips gas, its zippy and I enjoy the small refinements Honda has made since my 2003 30th anniversary edition Civic. I never get tired of watching the engine tach go to zero when I come to a stop, and I have had no problems with any of my previous Civics, so Im expecting the same with this one. The only thing Id like to see is the GPS package available in Canada - its not even an option, which is too bad cause I would have gotten one for sure.

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  05 Civic LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jeremy - October 27 - 3:33 am

  I purchased a 05 Civic LX with the 5-speed about a week ago. I really enjoy it, but if you can afford it go with the EX for the extra power. They get equal fuel economy, but at a $3K premium it might be worth it. My LX is ok but I do long for the V-TEC, and the moonroof. I would recomend the Honda service plan. It cost me $1K but is bumper to bumper for 5 years or 100K miles. The coupe is a lot of fun to drive, it is sporty but a little under powered. This is the second Honda I have owned, and have nothing but good things to say. Very reliable, and very good with resale price. Check your insurance rates before you buy. There are a lot of security features i.e. computer chip in the keys.

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  Problems with blue tooth connectivity - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Sam G - October 27 - 2:07 am

  Vehicle works well overall. The biggest nuisance as u probably have read is the infotainment system which is not as user friendly. The blue tooth works ok using Siri to connect for phone calls, but for my music it is staticky and I have not been able to connect to Pandora for a long time no matter what I do. Taking it in to se if they have a patch to fix it and will update rew again later. Wish honda would take notes from the uconnect system in my grand Cherokee; Works way better and very user friendly.

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  Its a kick - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JJersey - October 26 - 7:26 pm

  Purchased for Honda reliability, previous Accords. Vehicle is the best all around pickup Ive owned as far as exterior and interior quality. Power train is great with front wheel drive normal driving and rear kick in when needed. MPG could be better but it still beats my previous Dodge and GMC pickups. Since I dont need a truck as much as before this Ridgeline is definitely all that and more.It drives like a sports vehicle with a definite feeling of stability and road handling is excellent. It is definitely a good choice for anyone that wants quality but only needs a truck on a part time basis. Its not a "Hard line truck guy" type of vehicle, but more for the DYI.

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  3 yrs and counting... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By esteeze - October 26 - 4:14 pm

  Have had my CR-V for 3 years now, and it has generally been an excellent vehicle. It is used mostly for daily work commuting (about 25 miles round trip), in a hilly, city environment. Also used as 2nd vehicle to carry our 3 kids, and for carrying tailgating equipment (during football season... Roll Tide!).

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  Excellent car, but creaking headliner - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RockvilleBear - October 26 - 3:30 pm

  Good points: many thoughtful interior convenience features; excellent center console design; excellent acceleration and handling; comfortable seats; great disc brakes; nice courtesy lights everywhere; powerful A/C and heating; in short, many more luxuries than my previous 96 Civic DX which was manual everything. Note: I purchased the Accord w/manual transmission intentionally because I love the control, and I like the Accords manual shifter as much as I liked my old Civics manual shifter. I really dislike automatics.

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  Great Look, Ride and MPGs - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sgas24 - October 26 - 12:06 pm

  I am 41 yrs old and purchased my Civic 1 year ago yesterday and it is the best car Ive owned. I drive 75 to 80 highway miles to work each day and truly enjoy the ride and definitely the fuel economy. I travel above the speed limit and still average above 32 mpg and when I decide to take it easy, it averages around 36-38 mpg. The Bridgestone tires are not as bad as some may believe, I have 26K on the factory set and have rotated at every oil change (every 8,200k) and they still look to have at least 50% tread remaining. The 1.8 L engine provides great economy, a quiet ride and will surprise you on the open road as to how fast you approach that third digit on the speedometer.

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  Yowzah! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By dreddy - October 26 - 10:13 am

  Bought with 9K miles after searching for 2 mo (5spd was hard to find). This is easily the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. Engine holding up well despite my frequent visits to redline and beyond. Fun to drive. Generally very happy with this car, but could use more power.

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  Great Performance - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Amy Moyer - October 26 - 4:50 am