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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  Would Buy Again - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By V McDevitt - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Have taken many, many 6-10 hour trips with 4-6 adults and van was GREAT (lots of room for all!). Drives solid (youll know when you test drive -- nothing else like it!) Reliability has been pretty good but the squeaky brakes are driving me crazy. Doors are heavy would have gone w/power doors given choice again. After market security/remote entry system SUCKS (Code Alarm) -- have to be right beside car for it to work. Wish it had more bells and whistles. Im looking for a new car/van/SUV with the power, space and gas mileage of the Odyssey, but with more bells and whistles. Not sure anything better is out there ...

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  I Like My Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Roshel - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice family car. The driving seat and steering wheel is very comfortable.There is enough space in the backseat of the car. The backseat of the car folds up to get more space in the trunk. I really enjoy driving this car.

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  Never a CR V in my sights!!! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jim M T - August 23 - 12:38 am

  I never owned an SUV and never wanted one!!!!. My VW Golf (loved it!!!)lease was coming to an end and l looked at Mini Cooper, Mazda 3 and Impreza with an eye to getting something with a little more room ,yet fun to drive. The 2018 Crosstrek caught my eye since it was built on the 2017 Impreza platform with great reviews and a cargo area designed to meet our needs. I was about to buy the Crosstrek when a mechanic friend suggested I check out a Honda product. On a lark I went to the dearlership near me and tested the CR V-2017. I was sold. The solid feel behind the wheel, the acceleration, the cargo room, the numerous bells and whistles, gas mileage and the automatic closing feature on the lift gate sold us . It was priced very close to the fully loaded Crosstrek. I had only one problem after purchase --road noise coming from the tires. The Bridgestone tires on the car did not get high marks from Tire Rack and others. After two days I called my salesman to ask if I could swap out the Bridgestones for a set of Michelins and pay the difference. ---72 hrs later I had the Michelins on the car--what a difference--no road noice, better in wet and snow condition for a small out lay of cash.

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  Honda knows their stuff - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Family - August 22 - 8:23 am

  My wife and I love this vehicle. We have taken it snowboarding in Lake Tahoe already and it drives up and through the mountains like a dream, it handles curves solid and rides like a luxury vehicle.

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  Never givin up!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By BEERIEYUN - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I luv my civic. Last year my license plate read "CVCMNDD"=CIVIC MINDED. Bought this car used back in 94 with 48,000 miles on it. It now has 161,000. Just had the alternator replaced at 160k and the a/c compressor at about 90k (my mechanic told me it was a dealer installed compressor, not one honda put in). This little baby began my love for Honda vehicles. I currently own a 01 Odyssey as well. Also had a 95 accord wagon ,98 Odyssey and 00 accord.But through all those other Hondas I just couldnt part with my civic. The accords are real nice but I feel the civic is the perfect little getting around town car.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Dave Q - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Insight for 2 and a half years now and can honestly say it has been the best car I have ever owned. I have 67,500+ on the vehicle and have zero mechanical problems. I did have to replace a tire @ 22,000 miles (hit a piece of metal in the road). I decided to replace its mate on the other side. The two I did not replace are still on the road and I can not see any tread ware on them! I am averaging 58.5 mpg over the life of the car and have gotten as much as 82 mpg out of a tank of gas. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat!

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  How can you go wrong? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jordon - August 21 - 8:23 pm

  This easily is one of the best cars on the market. It isnt a old mans car like the Camry, has better features for less money than the Altima, and isnt a rental car like the Malibu. The residual value on a Honda is above the rest, and the fit and finish is spectacular. You will read bad reviews here and there, but not every car off every line is perfect. To the folks who dont like your Accord, you must not have wanted it that bad and met a good salesman. I can talk all day about how good the car is, and if you dont believe me then go drive one! youll take it home unless youre too upside down in your American Vehicle with no value! The 2.4 doesnt have the power of the V6 but still flies!

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  Honda Accord EX v-6 Coupe w/navi - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - August 21 - 6:26 pm

  This is a great car! i am very happy with my purchase. I looked at the nissan altima, 350z, mustang gt, and knew this was it. i traded in a 01 mustang gt conv. I am very happy with my decision. Its almost as fast as my mustang, handles very well, and looks great. I love the sunroof and the navi. The design is great. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing. right now im averaging 18.2 mpg but i have been doing a lot of sitting and driving through neighborhoods looking for homes. I also i live in Phoenix so you need to use the dual zone climate control a lot(110 today)! This car is very smooth and fast. I got a ticket on the way home from the dealership (70 in a 55 on the fwy). GREAT CAR!

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  Great Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By PSXman80 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car that I looked at in the lot, it was a sad kind of dirty little car. I took her out for a test-drive and she really delivered a lot more than I thought she would for a 4 cylinder engine. I bought her the next day after not even thinking that much about it. She has only 60,500 miles on it, and shes running perfectly.

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  First 1100 miles ! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By SIMON BENTLEY - August 20 - 5:40 pm

  I took delivery of my Honda Fit Sport on September 4th ! The Sport seems to be the only model available in California . I have been driving back and forth to work for two weeks now . I drive down to near sea level from 3300 ft , so down hill one way and up hill the other way . I have driven at either 50 or 55 mph deliberately to see what the best fuel economy could be . You should also realize that I would get better fuel mileage had I driven these speeds on the flat ! I am a professional driver and have performed fuel tests before . I have driven 1122.7 miles which involved 4 fuel top ups . The Fit has used 26.116 us gallons this gives a fuel consumption of 42.99 mpg .