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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  Not For Everyone, But Perfect for Me - 2005 Honda Element
  By Reid - July 23 - 12:15 pm

  This vehicle isnt a perfect fit for everyone, but you should consider it if you need lots of cargo room in a small package, you need a car thats easy to clean, you arent a speed demon (acceleration is only fair and RPMs run pretty high even at 65 mph), you have to deal with snowy roads on a regular basis, you want a vehicle with a plethora of interior storage compartments, and youre poor (or cheap) enough that youd rather sleep in your car than in a hotel room.

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  Best mileage, fun car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nsteevo - July 23 - 11:10 am

  I love this little car! It has as much room as my 96 Camry did. I can fit my 10 speed bike in the back with the seat down. It was a good buy pricewise too. I am planning to put 300,000 plus miles on it.

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  What a VALUE! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ChicagoCommuter - July 23 - 7:23 am

  Seriously, reading some of these petty reviews makes me realize that NO CAR would make these picky people happy. Heres a REAL REVIEW. This car is everything you would want in an everyday, modest car. The car is comfortable and QUIET. Even in Chicago, Pothole-laden roads..bumps are feather light and I could fall asleep driving. The Hands free is great. Had to buy a new phone since my old one wasnt compatible. No big deal The car is huge and very comfortable. My lower back was sore after a 5 hours drive to STL. Body wasnt used to seats like if you bought a new mattress. I get 27 mpg - 31mpg. Take the time to break the car in correctly. be gentle.

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  Dont Trust the Mileage - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kitsinni - July 23 - 6:53 am

  Dont buy this car for the gas mileage. My car is getting 19 MPG 50% Highway 50% City driving. Dealership says not their problem, Honda of America says not their problem either even if the actual mileage is half the estimate it is not their problem. Extreme glare from the dash on the windshield. IF you buy this car you better be lucky, some get 35 MPG some get 19 MPG and if your one of the lucky ones to only get 19 Honda doesnt think there is any problem. I owned a 2003 KIA Rio Cinco before this and it got better gas mileage then this car, cost $10,000 brand new and was only rated at 25 city 32 highe .. and it got better. Do NOT buy this car for the mileage you will be sorry

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  Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tammy - July 23 - 2:16 am

  Great car with great gas mileage. Who would expect anything less from Honda. The only drawback is the lack of a real spare tire; however, there is room for one if desired. I had a moon roof added to mine because they dont include one as standard equipment - I was told its because of weight. I cant say that Ive noticed a mileage difference because of it.

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  Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By djb - July 22 - 10:33 pm

  We bought our Pilot in July and already have over 14,000 miles on it. We have previously owned civics, accords, and an odyssey. We purchased the Pilot because of the positive track record we have personally experienced with Honda. We have not been disappointed.

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  Great car overall, but it has its quirks... - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Tyler - July 22 - 8:05 pm

  The car is comfortable, has excellent acceleration, but the part that I am not very fond of is how terrible the audio system sounds in the Touring trim. I just bought this new 2016 Honda Accord Touring V6 and immediately turn around and install new speakers and an amplifier. Other than that I dont really have any complaints about the car. :)

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  Great reliability and price - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Roman - July 22 - 9:31 am

  This is my first Honda car and Im trilled with my choice! I bought it for the legendary Honda reliability and did not regret it for a second. Pilot drives pretty good if you take size of this truck into consideration. Performance on snow is unreal. In the winter, I park in the biggest pile of snow I can find, and Pilot gets in and out without any problems every time.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Travis - July 22 - 8:27 am

  The 2016 Civic base model seems more like a luxury car than a Civic. Even 2.0 liter base engine has a lot of punch and the CVT transmission is incredible. The steering is tight and it holds the road like a BMW. Yeah I just said that. In fact I park mine next to my neighbors Mercedes Benz, and mine definitely is the winner in looks and performance, and costs more than half as much. At $20000 financed and $2000 down, this car is the best value thats ever been on the market. I stand by that 100%. I drove Toyota, Mazda and Kia before I made my decision and the closest models where the Mazda 3 and the Optima, but for overall road hugging fun, looks, performance, reliability, lasting value, and dealer support nothing beats the new Civic. Let me talk on dealer support for a moment. I got life long oil changes, 7 year 100k mile electronics warranty, and all the road side and mechanical and power train warranties that come along with it. Plus most Honda dealers dont mess around. They do their job and give you the support you need in a timely manner. That includes their service station. And though I got the 4 door it looks sportier than my dads 2008 coup. A lot sportier. Drining it is fun as heck, to the point youll grind your teeth when your going below 55mph, so get a mouth guard. I got fabric seats as well and usually I hate them, but these are high enough quality I really didnt mind and actually like them. Its also very comfortable to drive. On long trip I usually take my Trail Blazer. Which has a lot of comfort but my shoulders and back start getting stiff after 6+ hours of driving. In the 2016 Civic the only discomfort I get from long drives down the Oregon and California coast, and thats highway 101, is when I have stop driving. Driving in the back roads of the Willamette Valley is even better. The electronics are cool too, the blue tooth actually works like its supposed to, so the hands off calling is actually nice and easy to use. I have a Samsung Note 2 and it connects flawlessly via usb for mp3s. Sound system is good, not great, but thats not really what Im into. Oh and the Silver Lunar paint job is the best Ive ever had on a relatively cheap car. Its so good, I cant believe its not from the Accura decision. Im honestly trying to think of a negative. Yeah you could spend more and get more horse power, but 7 seconds to 60 isnt bad with the base engine, and Ive timed it several times. Its like 7.25s, but for 19500 starting price how is that not awesome? The same for all the electronics, even the base model has a backup camera, and for a few dollars more, you can get the accident and lane assist, which is cool, but I didnt feel it was necessary. The 2016 Civic really does deserve car of the year.

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  I love my CR-V! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jfuhrman77 - July 22 - 8:16 am

  My CR-V is so comfortable! Already took it too the beach, covered the inside with sand and it cleaned up so easily it looks brand new again. Went camping for a weekend, able to pack all of the supplies we needed, 3 kids in the back and still had room for more stuff. Brightness of headlights is wonderful. Smooth ride. Changing gears was a breeze, like Ive always been driving it. The safety features are wonderful. Gas mileage is OK, but that is because I am coming from a coupe. Ive caught myself going 85 and not even knowing it. It has so many unnecessary features, that it makes this SUVvery necessary.