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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  Love my CRV 2002 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cigarbnd - November 4 - 10:26 pm

  So far so good. Very punchy w/new engine. Gets on highway effectively. Choice of interior fabric not too good. Wish they offered leather...Handles well in bad weather..snow/ice and rain. Love the new design and room/comfort. Sold my Tahoe/Chevy and havent missed the room. The new CRV is suprisingly comfy and roomy. As much room in cargo as a jeep cherokee. Gas mileage is lower than expected, but Ive only got 2500 miles...so it may improve w/mileage.

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  Honda has set the bar high! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matt - November 4 - 12:14 pm

  Ill keep this short and highlight what I love and what I dont. 1. This car is surprisingly quick, yet capable of 34+ mpg on the highway. Ive even seen 35+ if I keep my speed around 65mph 2. Beautiful car. I will freely admit that previous versions of the Accord look like grandma cars. Not this one though. Very, very sharp. Im not a huge fan of the Acura-looking grill, but it doesnt take anything away from the package. 3. Very comfortable seats, well laid out interior, tons of technology and safety options. Some flaws - the stereo system in the top of the line model should be MUCH better than what it is. Very unimpressed with it thusfar. Just poor sound all around; the sound quality Id expect in a $20K automobile. Ive actually considered replacing all the speakers with aftermarket options. 4. The cylinder deactivation provides a huge boost in gas mileage on the highway, but occasionally have some odd pedal feedback when my foot is lightly on the gas. It also, as expected, makes the car a bit unresponsive - especially on hills. 5. Some of the safety features like lane-departure and collision avoidance are bit on the annoying side. I actually shut off the lane-departure system. Navigation, carplay, etc are all great options, although the dual-screen arrangement seems redundant. Paddle shifters, or a manual mode for the transmission would be a nice plus on the V-6 model. Guess you have to buy an overpriced Acura for that though. 6. The drivers side mirror needs better blind-spot notification - for now, its a modified view on the side mirror, while the passenger side has a camera. WTH? Just put sensors on both sides? The camera is a nice addition though. Again, probably something to separate the Honda from the Acura.. All things considered, this is a great car. Very quick, agile, and beautiful to look at. The low spot is the stereo and the rather unresponsive engine once cylinder deactivation kicks in. I give it 8.5 stars out of 10.

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  Honda Accords Are the Best! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By JoAnn - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Honda for 6 years, not once have I had any problems with it. It still handles great, the body is in great condition, I havent even had to change the battery yet! The mileage I get on gas is a bonus!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By IBR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Paid right at MSRP with a lot of haggling between 3 dealerships on the last day of the month. Love the truck. Love the room. I didnt need the towing ability, I just needed the space. Rides great, is quiet and handles just fine. Hwy and city driving is very comfortable. Quality craftmanship. Even the plastics dont appear to be cheap.

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  Another satisfied buyer - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By FITZ - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Pilot for 2 weeks. MSRP plus $500 (great deal for Hawaii!!) Great ride. Great comfort. Great looks. Great sound (DVD and music.) For those that complain about a non-sporty feel, go pay $8k more for an MDX or $18k more for a BMW. Sound vehicle. Decent gas milage (18.25 for first tank.)

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  Extremely Reliable Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TiderInsider - November 4 - 7:43 am

  This car is superb. Absolutely no problems. Has 27,000 miles in 18 months and no problems. I get 35-38 m.p.g. on highway and >25 in town. American car makers are in big trouble trying to compete with Honda and Toyota.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By djbe - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great Car/SUV not too big, not too small and its fun to drive!

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  Howards opinion - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By howard - November 3 - 1:33 pm

  This vehicle is excellent all round. It is the best van in the market. Plenty of power and very comfortable.

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  Totally Awesome - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTDjr - November 3 - 3:10 am

  I am a former Chevy guy who has gone 100% Honda in the last 3 years. Own a small company and have 4 Civics, a CRV and 05 Odysses. Had to get this Truck and love it beyond anything else I have ever owned. Fun to drive, turns head with its "grow on you" styling and people coming up and asking all about it. XM Radio is really great and super sounds. I have used it as a truck and love its versatility. Golf clubs fit below the bed and step in height is perfect. Look forward to years of driving. Redrock pearl is the color to get. My wife likes that this winter the heated seats will come in handy.

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  Another Great Honda Ownership Experience - 1995 Honda Accord
  By JAW - November 3 - 2:00 am

  My 7th Honda purchased new, 1st I held onto for a long time. Performed so reliably, I bought it after lease was paid. Spends most of its time in my garage or Omaha airport parking garage. Oils changed/tires rotated every 3k miles. Munfacturers suggested maint schedule is followed. 2 biggest "repair" items were a new battery and 4 tires in 2002. All my expenses since first acquiring: Cleaning $563.61 Fuel $1607.28 Insurance $5579.21 Lease/Loan $18498.15 (incl interest) Registration $1560.82 (incl license) Service $1444.50 TOTAL $29253.57