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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  2005 Honda Insight CVT - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Ryan B. - June 6 - 7:14 pm

  I purchased this new from dealer to help offset my high miles that I drive. Excellent car, lives up to its fuel efficiency claim.

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  Honda Insight Hybrid - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Richard - June 6 - 11:17 am

  Excellent in all respects. Just over 8700 miles. 63.4 MPG overall combined city and highway mileage. Can make easy 74 MPG on commute at sea level at 62 MPH less in the mountains. 0-60 acceleration not great, but quick off the line. As reliable as any Honda or Toyota. Turns Heads! Fun to drive, sports car handling. Can run with the BMWs on I5 using the Electric Motor Boost as passing gear (staying in 5th) and still get 58 MPG.

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  A great car - 2002 Honda Insight
  By dan ginsburg - June 6 - 7:52 am

  The Honda Insight is fun to look at, fun to drive, and the gas mileage is outstanding (I have gotten 50 mpg since I bought the car). It is best with the 5 speed manual transmission.

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  My new sports car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By D, Cochrane - June 6 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car after driving 4 door sedans for years as a caregiver for my folks. Ive in the past, driven Hondas and always loved them..never had any reason to take them back in for any type of noises, etc. I love this care even tho Ive had it such a short time. It is very sporty...was a showroom floor model. A bit sportier, with all the bells and whistles that I really didnt need, but get many compliments on it and just having lots of fun with it. My 90 yr. old father even enjoys it!!! Would never own anything but a Honda again in the future!! I know Ill get even more enjoyment out of it this fall and winter, as Ill be able to utilize my sunroof. The stereo is awesome also!

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  Ridgeline #1 - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dawn Pulver - June 6 - 5:23 am

  It is a a great vehicle, a nice split for my husband and myself a cross between a truck and an SUV. Very happy with it and love it!

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  So good I bought another one! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By rkharr - June 5 - 9:41 pm

  Just traded in my 2003 with 189,800 miles. What a workhorse! Replaced the battery only in three years of ownership. I highly recommend this vehicle as a company car and personal vehicle. Between work and my 7 year- old twins I could not ask for a more practicle vehicle. Im 200 mi. in on the 2006 and like the volume controls on the steering wheel and the addition of side curtain airbags.

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  Poorly Engineered Driver Comfort - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John cannella - June 5 - 9:19 pm

  If you like the comfort of sitting on an airliner in coach, you like driving this vehicle..The lumbar support is minimal. The leather seats are cheaply contoured and result in butt shifting/sliding on cornering. The center armrest is practically stuck to your rib and super thin so that I find my elbow constantly slipping off.. and Im thin.. If your a little chunky (like that annoying chubby guy often next to me on the plane) your arm/elbow will be swinging in the breeze. Honda in its infinite "wisdom" however gives you a nice wide center armrest in the backseat. And so if technology ever allows you to convert this vehicle to a driverless one , youll be quite comfortable in the back seat !!! Daaa!!.. what the hell is that about Honda "engineers"???.. Dont you guys ever drive these cars in prototype after those pin head engineers draw the pictures.. The steering is hair trigger and tends to wander on the highway.. When you buy a stepped up edition (like I did) youd expect a CD player to be standard...To my (stupid) surprise, not on this vehicle ! Thats extra and then only comes again in the 2nd row seat..???? The suspension sucks big big time.. Im a long time 4Runner owner and am used to a truck ride and so I certainly didnt expect a luxury car ride. However this vehicle takes bumps really really hard.. The truck (crossover?) is peppy but when driving stop and go in traffic it feels like its in a very low gear and I find myself checking to see if the lever is in fact in drive.. The 2nd row seat back portion folds forward with the push of a button. However thats when the work begins.. You then have to use a manual lever on the side of the chair and keep jacking and jacking it to get the seat to fold down to cargo level.. When the seats do finally fold down, theres a huge gap (hole) in the cargo area.. Whats that about Honda? The only positive thing I have to say about this vehicle is that I love the storage compartment in the far rear cargo area.. Overall I wouldnt classify this vehicle as a truck even though it rides like a cement truck..In fact its basically a bigger version of their CRV.. My advice if you want an SUV ..Look elsewhere... If I had it to do over I would have stuck with a 4Runner.

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  See for Yourself - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SmoothRide - June 5 - 5:33 pm

  The car is quiet, smooth and handles corners and hilly roads well. Love the upscale, stylish exterior. Gas mileage is as advertised. And adequate acceleration for city driving. My only concern is the quality of interior fabric for seats and plastic. Scratches easily. Recommend buying the car with leather seats for durability.

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  Very happy so far - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cecexo - June 5 - 9:36 am

  Have my Honda for 8 months with no problem. Glad I made this choice. The car is somewhat big, so parking may be an issue. The only other thing is road noise. Otherwise - comfort, quality, MPG, appearance are superior. Get used to VSM, which did not like in the beginning.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Liz - June 5 - 1:37 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2002. My first V6 and it drives like a dream. I have a lead foot and do a lot of fast breaking so Ive had to replace the brakes and rotors 3 times since I bought it. Original tires lasted 80K miles. Changed all the belts after 100K miles even though it didnt need it. Maintenance on this car is a little pricey, but so worth it. This car is so much fun to drive and its a hot little car even if its not a sports car. After I wash it, I still get compliments even after owning it for 4 years. People whove known me longer still ask, "did you get a new car?" I worry about buying a new car when this one dies. I dont know if any other car will live up to this one.