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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  Cool Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Coupe man - February 5 - 12:26 am

  Ive had many Hondas, but I am especially pleased with my new silver Coupe EX. I just got it last week. It is cutting edge inside and out, fun to drive, and a great value. I got mine for only $17k plus destination charge and it is loaded with features. It looks, feels and drives like a car that would cost a lot more. Add to that the fact it delivers outstanding MPG. Honda wins again!

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  Smooth Operator - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Sammy in LA - February 4 - 10:43 pm

  I purchased my Crosstour last week and I guess I should say "we" got it since my husband has driven it more than I have. I was driving a 2001 Toyota Rav which I loved for the practicality and gas mileage but hated the lack of luxury. I had been set on getting the Infinity EX but after driving the Crosstour and seeing all the features with the EXL model I was sold. The only thing we liked more on the EX was the clock. The backseats in the Crosstour offer so much more space and comfort. The cargo area has the cool storage underneath, where the spare tire is on the EX. This car is very luxurious without the price.

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  My 1st AWD SUV. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Tso - February 3 - 10:48 pm

  I want to spend my money wisely. I have spent a lot of time to do the research and test drive. Honda CR-V is the answer. I bought 2016 instead of 2015 because of the vibration issue that I have heard from the Internet. I love the mpg, handling, leg room, internal space and cargo space. Hopefully, it will last 20+ years like my Toyota Corolla.

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  Where Is Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve - February 3 - 9:38 pm

  This is the 3rd Honda we owned, but we have big reservations about this one. The fit and finish is not so Honda- like. Many of dashboard panels rattle after the first year-maybe caused by the Honda installed alarm system? The plastic cover over the rear seat hinges keeps on coming lose. The worst of all, is the wind-shield. It cracked twice without any reason. The first time while I was driving it. Sounded like a stone landed on it when there were no car of truck in front of me. The dealer insisted that it was caused by a rock, and not a defect! But then it happend again 3 months later. Now I drive around with a cracked windshield that I wouldnt fix, and I am telling everybody about it.

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  Best Car EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jake C - February 3 - 5:16 pm

  Forget the nay say! This car ROCKS!!! My Mom bought it for me as a gift when she found out she was terminal :-( I went from a 95 Taurus with 200K and rust up the doors to a 2008 Civic w only 12K! I love driving this car! Only complaint seems to be the gas mileage, way better than the American junk Taurus was, but not as good as my old Honda CRX. The stereo sounds best with really heavy metal like Slayer or WASP or Satyricon. On the highway this thing cruises with LOW ROAD NOISE despite others complaints, I dont get the "road noise" complaint maybe its cuz compared to my old heap this car is a Rolls Royce! Honda makes superior cars and I will drive this car for years. Thanx Mom! I love you!

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  Went from 2007 Fit Sport to HR-V EX - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Dan Dormio - February 3 - 10:22 am

  I knew basically what I wanted but did not know what would give it to me. I looked around and had never heard of the HR-V until I was looking at a CR-V and remarked to the salesman that it was bigger than I wanted. He asked if I had looked at the HR-V. He had one. I looked it over and the salesman and I took a test drive. It had the magic seats that I really liked in the Fit. It was bigger, which I was looking for, quieter, nicer ride, etc. The features were excellent although the USB, HDMI, and 12 volt power supply are inconveniently located. At the time I was driving my F150. I took it home and came back with my Fit. I then took the HR-V for a ride by myself. I took it home and got my wife and we went for a ride, curvy road, highway, etc. I just had to have it back before the dealership closed. This was a Saturday. I bought it the next week. I just returned from a trip where I drove from Arkansas to Maryland and back. I have no regrets. The car performed fine in every respect, ride, comfort, mileage, etc. The automatic climate control is wonderful. I filled up in Cumberland, MD and stopped for the night in Morehead, Kentucky with still about a third of a tank of gas. I filled up when I left Morehead and had a third of a tank or so when I got home. I used the Honda Nav app that I downloaded to my IPhone as my GPS. I carried my regular GPS along just in case. The Honda Nav App was great. A $60.00 down load, an HDMI cable, a lightning adapter from Best Buy, and a USB charge cord for the IPhone to keep the phone charged and forget the regular GPS. It runs through the 7" display. I am extremely pleased with the HR-V, price, features, ride, everything. I had no problems in the mountains in West Virginia or Maryland. I mostly left it on economy the whole trip until I hit the mountains and then I turned it off for the the extra power. Car did fine.

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  Honda Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dick Mosbach - February 3 - 5:26 am

  worst interior finish I have ever seen in an automobile. Doors did not fit, rattles, generally poor fit and finsih. Not what I would have expected in a $27,000 car.

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  Still going - 1996 Honda Civic
  By D - February 2 - 7:29 pm

  Just hit the 10 year b-day of my 96 ex civic. I have 150,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully.

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  Just had to buy a Honda again..... - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bill carter - February 2 - 5:03 pm

  I have owned a Honda CRV for the last three years and put 85000 miles on it. It was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I started looking at the Honda Pilot about a year ago and finally decided to purchase one. I absolutely love it. I really like the styling of the vehicle. Both the exterior and the interior are modern, well thought out designs. The vehicle has a number of features that you would expect to find on much more expensive SUVs including XM radio, wonderful leather heated seats, and heated rear view mirrors. It is rock solid on the road with an excellent engine. Great SUV.

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  I didnt know I needed a CR-V instead of an Accord - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Olson - February 2 - 2:27 pm

  Lifetime drive train warranty at Aberdeen, Honda