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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  Best Car You Can Buy For Your Money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Zambinina - June 22 - 9:08 am

  I bought my car used with 41,000 miles on it. I have been driving it for less than three years and it now has over 130,000 miles on it. I am a pizza delivery driver and have driven this car to 34 states and it has NEVER broken down on me. I have never done anything to it besides routine maintenance. I can drive it from San Antonio, TX to Houston, TX and back on one tank of gas. I can not stress enough to you how dependable this car is. I will never buy anything that is not a Honda again.

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  Drive it like you stole it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By axtran - June 22 - 4:03 am

  Phenomenal car, drives like Hondas S2000 while providing four doors and four seats to compliment low insurance costs and practicality. The shifter looks like its too far to the right but it is perfect, the handling is wonderful, very comfortable racing seats. Many compartments for storage and very race-car invigorating driving experience (sound and pull). Dream car for a "tuner" and a practical choice for cruising with friends around town.

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  Miles per gallon as advertised - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rockyone - June 22 - 2:53 am

  While I have owned the car only a few weeks, it is delivering overall mileage of 50-52 miles per gallon. I did notice that the "MPG" display on the dash is consistently about 1-2 miles per gallon less than that I actually calculate based on mileage and gallons to fill. I am extremely pleasedl.

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  Catruck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Centermid - June 22 - 2:46 am

  It rides like a car, but has the capability to carry objects like a truck. It is easy getting into that most trucks in this class. No complaints so far. There is a very small pool of colors. The dealership only had 3 Ridgelines and if you wanted one you are stuck with the colors available.

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  ItÂ’s all about design - 2006 Honda Accord
  By RAB - June 21 - 2:10 pm

  To me, the car just feels right – the seat (power leather), handling, road feel, I4 power. On the typical bad roads in my area, the ride is a bit harsh. Better tires than OEM Bridgestones may help. Fuel mileage is amazing for a car this size. I have not gotten less than 31 mpg and have gotten as high as 38 mpg! Who needs a hybrid?

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  Good & Bad - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shawn - June 21 - 11:01 am

  This vehicle typically gets rave reviews. I have a few gripes. The interior plastics grow old quickly. Too many rattles and road noise in the cabin. Pluses are a smooth auto transmission, convenient tumble forward rear seats and excellent side panel rubber molding to prevent door dings. My CR-V had a failed drivers seatbelt, replaced free (after waiting a month) and an airbag recall. Very poor MPG- expect 18-19 on average in combination driving. If youre used to driving a sedan this vehicle takes some getting used to. As far as reliability, it has been all Honda-no problems.

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  4th one and will continue to buy - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Elaine Graziano - June 21 - 10:10 am

  This is our 4th Honda, and, because of the quality, resale, and reliability, we will continue to buy Hondas.(Our first was an 88,had 380,000 miles, and sold for $1400!)We were going to wait and buy a used Pilot, but the demand was too high, and there were too many people on the waiting list. We just couldnt resist and bought our 2004.We put alot of miles on our cars because of family living far away, keep our cars,and we dont try to keep up with the Joneses.Our Pilot has made driving very enjoyable and makes us feel very safe on the road.Our first grandson will be born next week, and I feel great about his safety with us! Roomy,efficient,safe,reliable, attractive--Id love to get another!

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  Honda CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By azzam - June 21 - 9:19 am

  I purchased my Honda CRV2015 on Dec.2014.I thought i was getting really good deal.It never even crossed my mind to do research, didnt think twice about about buying it on the spot either.After taking it out on a test drive and everthing was working smoothly,i took it home.However,everytime i arrive at a stop light/sign,the car vibrated vigorusly when i start to accelerate.I took it back to the dealer and at first they refused to acknowlege the problem I was experiencing,but later they admitted to receiving complaints about the same issue.They told me that they would give a call once they find a solution to it and fix the car.I didnt expect this much hassle after buying a Brand new car. >:(

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  Just bought 2005 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By unlvtom - June 21 - 12:50 am

  I bought my 2005 pilot just under a month ago. Originally I purchased the Pilot for its 8 passenger capacity and just thought of it as a good people hauler. It is a very fun SUV to drive. I still have a grin on my face everytime I drive it. I traded in a 95 bmw 325is(very fun car) and I have no regrets. After a month of owning it. I love the way it drives. I do have two compliants though. I cant seem to find the perfect position with the power driver seat. And the steering column shifter takes getting used to. I like have the extra storage space between the driver the passenger seat though.

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  Oregon rain loves the CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - June 20 - 3:33 pm

  We love to drive this Honda. Weve owned since early dec. then we got the snow and rains. It has handled the wet/snowy roads just great. We cant wait til we can take it on a real road trip this summer. The mpg for us is 25 city-30+hwy. We dont feel like were missing a larger more powerful engine, this 4 banger is zippy enough for us old hippies!