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 odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Meikel Poess - October 2 - 8:50 am

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  Excellent Value - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Excellent Value - October 2 - 7:10 am

  The best small SUV for the money. Safety features, better looks, more power. I compared the RAV4, Forrester, and Escape. The CRV won hands down. Plus the resale value and reliability exceeds the others. The CRV is more polished, looks timeless, and is easy on the wallet. I sold a 2001 CRV for $7500. Thats value. Thats another reason why I bought another CRV. Plus it looked better than the last generation. Just change the oil every 3K and youre good to go.

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  Loving my Pilot! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Pam Vinson - October 2 - 6:08 am

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  Great looking car but very poor ride comfort - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mark - October 1 - 11:09 pm

  I bought the car in May with great price. The leather seat was great compared with cloth seat. The styling seemed to be more sporty than previous year model. Handling is great. However the ride comfort was not good. It was very stiff compared with my sons 2014 Sport model. I was told that because of the 19" wheel and the tires. In order to make the ride a little bit soft, I was told to lower the tire pressure and it is a little bit better but not perfect. I was told to down size the wheel to 17" or 18" and a bigger side wall types of tires. I wish I had known this before my purchase. I should have bought the LX or the EX version. Road or wind noise is louder than previous models. Overall the car is great.

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  2006 Honda CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jomilee - October 1 - 4:00 pm

  Nice mini SUV, but Rear visiblity is Hinder by the spare tire. Do not rear end anything. the bumper cost about $500 apiece w/o the paint job. Bumper are all fiberglass no foam or hard metal to protect the body. Check ATF before you leave the dealer, mine came without any. not a drop. Honda replace my tranny with a remanufactured tranny and extended my warranty. But I feel my CRV is not the original vehicle. REMANUFACTURED ??? Whats that?

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  Driver seat stinks - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dericfic - October 1 - 1:36 pm

  Everything is great except for the driver seat. Very uncomfortable. I hate how many reviewers wrote the same comments but STILL recommend buying it. I wouldnt EVER buy a Honda again. The seat is a killer on my back.

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  Great Honda Except The Transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Love My Honda - October 1 - 12:08 pm

  I purchased Accord LX 4dr V6 brand new back in Nov 00 as a 01 model. The v6 engine is so smooth you wont even notice unless you press the gas pedal hard to the floor, then the muffler resonates. Available supercharger upgrades by Comptech makes the car even more fun. I am putting a lil over 75,000 Mi by now (Sept 06). Thus far no problem with the car except the transmission kinda hunting when I press the pedal hard to the floor.I am planning to keep the car for another 5 yrs since I love it plus all the memories Ive had with the car so I will add comptech supercharger to upgrade the power. Probably gotta check the transmission too. Maybe need an overhaul. I am getting 21-24mpg combined.

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  Great Mileage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brien - October 1 - 8:46 am

  I purchased a Civic Hybrid a few weeks ago and have put ~1880 miles on it thus far. The mileage keeps getting better as you learn to drive it. For the 1880 miles I am getting an overall of 46.3 mpg. I do a lot of highway driving, but amazingly, I usually see the mileage go up after I get off the highway. I have curbed my "need for speed" on the highway (usually travel somewhere between 62 and 68 mph - I used to drive my Audi at a steady 74 mph when I wasnt speeding)and am really into trying to get the maximum mileage. Ive totally enjoyed driving it while the gas prices keep going up. Makes you feel like you made a good decision in getting it.

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  Great if not for a bad transmission - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By David - October 1 - 7:55 am

  I really want to enjoy my 2016 Honda Pilot but I cannot ignore the fact that my car shutters at 35/45 MPH and jolts during deceleration. My local Honda Dealership said they found wrong with it and it might be normal car characteristics. That sounds like a cop-out up for a terribly made car... Very disappointing!

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  Great Fun - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - October 1 - 12:50 am

  This Truck is a wonderful in between for people who want a truck and need room for a family. I was real suprised with the way it drove. It rides almost like a car. I was also able to take it off road and was really impressed with the way it handled. I think Honda gave this market exactly what it needed.