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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  7yrs plus NO Problems reliability - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Civiclover - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in college in Jan. 1996 - it is Feb 2003 and I only replaced the muffler (due to the Chicago winters). This car is TOPS for Quality and Reliability. It HAS 159,000 miles on it and I expect 250k problem free miles. Love it and will keep it as long as possible. One wash every so often and it STILL looks new!!

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  7yrs plus NO Problems reliability - 1996 Honda Civic
  By CivicLover - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in college in Jan. 1996 - it is Feb 2003 and I only replaced the muffler (due to the Chicago winters). This car is TOPS for Quality and Reliability. It HAS 159,000 miles on it and I expect 250k problem free miles. Love it and will keep it as long as possible. One wash every so often and it STILL looks new!!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Mackie - February 12 - 12:43 am

  We just got this car, and after driving it around town and long distance I can truly say Honda hit a home run here. The handling is phenomenal, and at 25 MPG it certainly has a good balance of zippiness and decent mileage for a 4 Cyl. The restyling has made the interior, especially, a cross between a Honda and a VW or AUDI..very classy.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mr. Montana - February 11 - 11:36 pm

  After testing several mid-sized utes traded in my 04 4-runner. I have owned Hondas in the past so expected the quality. What surprised me was how solid, and capable it feels driving on rutted out, washboard dirt roads-a big plus for an avid kayaker/mtn. biker/all around outdoor enthusiast in western Montana. On road handling was good enough, but much improved with a set of aftermarket 18 in wheels and upgraded tires, and still rides smooth on and off road! Factory side steps and rack help break up a somewhat frumpy design, and along with the aftermarket wheels gives the pilot a much sportier demeanor. Im really impressed with the quality, technology, and overall driving dynamics.

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  Great Coupe - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JAVAD - February 11 - 7:26 pm

  Traded my 2006 Lexus IS250 for a 2008 Acoord coupe I4. Boy no regrets at all. I see some frustradted people here who are not that happy with the new Accord. It is all in your head if you belive that your car is fun, you will feel that. I love my coupe inside and out, great looks and very responsive engine for a four cylinder. And great gas mileage averaging 28.5 on regular gas. Easy to get in and out on the back seat. Very comfortable ride compared to my Lexus. I would recommend anybody shopping for a new car. Great car, looks and plan to keep it for a long time( I have cahnged 6 cars in 5 years)

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  08 CRV EX - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By crv139 - February 11 - 4:33 pm

  I have over 1200 miles on the vehicle so far an i am averaging 20.5 mpg. When the vehicle breaks in I can see getting 22 mpg in the City maybe a bit more when I start to use asmoil after the first10,000 miles. So far very fun to drive and handles great in the snow. It is alot more comfortable then the 06 crv ex I had. For the priced it a great vehicle for those who want an SUV.

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  Follow up after ownership - 2017 Honda CR V
  By opensky1 - February 11 - 7:34 am

  I wrote my first review based on test drives. I bought the Touring model, loaded, and even added back up sensors and other accessories. I couldnt get what I wanted in my home town, so I bought it in another town while staying with my Aunt and Uncle. They loved it so much they went and bought the exact same car except for the color! I traded in my 2017 Mustang convertible for it (at a huge loss - 58% after 7 mos.), but it was worth it. The Mustang was great in every way except one - I couldnt get out of it. I am a retired senior (68) and it was taking a toll on my joints. My aunt also has knee problems and loved how easy the CR-V is to get in and out of. They traded in a Lincoln Town Car on it, and my uncle appreciates the large number speedometer. This car has a luxury feel, rides smooth and quiet, and has all the driver assist features that I want of the available ones except for a front parking sensor. It is amazing in rush hour stop & go traffic, great in rain. I expect to have it a long time. I think most seniors would benefit from this car, EX model and higher. I wrote about testing the competition (RAV4, CX-5, Escape, Forester, etc.) and there is no comparison for me. Give it a test drive next to other similar ones lilsted above in the same day! Then you will know where you want to spend your time and cruise the blacktop. For me, CRV was a major standout.

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  My First Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Carlo Kemner - February 11 - 4:16 am

  I have had this 2009 Pilot for two months now and it has been so far the best I have ever owned. The ride is great and the fuel mileage is better than I excepted for the heavy SUV. My wife also likes this SUV and rather drive the Pilot rather than her Lincoln Crossover. Overall the 2009 Pilot is a great SUV. I replaced a 2006 F150 with this 2009 Pilot EX.

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  Corner like you always wanted to - 2001 Honda S2000
  By WV S2K - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been amazingly fun, the gears are meant for thrilling accelleration. Gas mileage is impressive, I get around 30 mpg hw/25 city. Cornering is great with the factory tires, and gets even better when you load on some Z rated tires. The ride can get rough on long drives, but this was clearly not the intent of the vehicle. I bought this vehicle because I did NOT enjoy the "family car" feel of the Z3, TT, and other competing models, not to mention this car cost many thousands less! 2 sets of golf clubs fit in the trunk! These seats hold you so tight you dont even feel the turns and focus on your driving!

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  civic are great, but better if stick - 1995 Honda Civic
  By johnny_gizmo - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I needed a car and without hesitation I bought a civic, too bad it wasnt ex. I bought the car 3 months ago, and everything is great, except for that it does not bring a clock and tachometer. My auto civic is great, but after driving it as a stick-shift it runs even better. The interior is great as well as the body. Too bad Honda is moving away from sleek-looking cars to building spaceships on wheels. But if I had to buy another car it would definitely be a 1992-00 Honda.