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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  It Goes Forever With No Problems - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Beamer - August 6 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 99 CRV new in January of 1999. We now have 102,000 miles without so much as a flat tire. Incredibly reliable vehicle, and it handles well. We purchased the 5-speed manual transmission version, and it is much peppier than the automatic transmission version. I highly recommend the 5-speed version. This vehicle gives you great visibility of the road, and handles like a car with the up-high feel of an SUV. Gas mileage has been real good and the Real- Time 4 WD works real well in the snow and ice.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid Review - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike - August 6 - 12:53 am

  What an outstanding car. Its quick, quiet and very well equipped. Very fun to drive. I prefered the Civic over the Prius because it is not quasi-futuristic like the Prius. It has a regular key and regular displays. Conversely the Prius display is extremely busy. Plus going from a Jeep Wrangler to a HCH I went from 18 mpg to 43 mpg - quite a savings. BTW - That was my real world mpg after my first tank.

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  I like it but have noticed some negatives - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 1stXminivanowner - August 6 - 12:23 am

  Best minivan available for the cost. The noise is unbearable if you open sliding door windows without at least cracking the front windows. It is so loud it is painful. Many of "safety features" are annoying to us. One that aggravates me the most is if I unlock car with remote from inside the house, it relocks itself before I get to it. Even with complaints, I would buy it again. Gas mileage not great.

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  Hybrid--The Best Choice - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kaintuckman - August 5 - 4:10 pm

  I have driven my Honda Civic Hybrid for almost seven months and I am totally satisfied with this automobile. I had to get used to the small size, coming from an SUV but was not a problem as this car is fun to drive and gets superior milage. I average 35-38 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway at 65mph. The gas milage is slightly overstated on the dealers sticker and the milage you do get depends a lot on how carefully you drive the car. The autostop control is slow to engage when using the car in cold weather which reduces mpg and makes you think its not working properly. The engine has to reach a certain temp first. This car is an excellent buy for anyone.

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  The Best Honda Just Keeps Getting Better - 2018 Honda Accord
  By aglobetrotter - August 5 - 1:53 pm

  I traded my very good 2014 Honda Accord EX-L for this 2018 Accord EX. So far I am extremely pleased. This car is better in almost every way. The look of the car is more sophisticated and luxurious. The technology is on par with almost any car on the market today especially at this price point. The layout of the dash is crisp and clean. Everything is very intuitive. You dont have to hunt for a dial or a switch. It is right where you expect it to be. The fake wood veneer is tasteful. The 8 in touch screen makes the tiny screen in my 2016 BMW look old and dated. I think the addition of knobs plus a touch screen is a winning combination. Road noise is down a bit...not Lexus quiet but a little better than before. The stock stereo is fine for most folks. There seems to be a bit more room in the newer Accord but I havent looked at the numbers. The trunk is large and spacious. Seats are pretty comfortable. This is always a matter of taste. My wife thinks my old Accords seats were better. The 2014 had leather. This time I opted for cloth with heated seats. I am crossing my fingers and using Scotchguard. I saved 2K by not going with leather but I dont know if I will miss it. Important to note is that you can get heated with cloth in the Accord for 2018. This was really an attraction for me. I also opted for the heated steering wheel and the USB plug for the back. The ideas was to get most of the benefits without the cost. We shall see. The ride is comfortable but not plush. If you have had Accords before you will know what I mean. A few small things to note. I love the new Honda Sensing , the blind spot warnings in the mirror are good. I also like the adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping assist. I have used it on the highway and it does seem to keep me in the lane a bit easier. It is not autonomous driving but an aid. I didnt opt for Nav The car has Apple Car Play. I dont think you can bring up Google maps on screen so you are stuck with Apple maps which I think are inferior...but I am not 100% certain.. the tech guy said.. Apple Car Play.. Apple maps..haha. This is odd... but someone else will care. You get Michelin tires on the EX but I dont think they come standard on the EX-L. Michelins are important to me so this was another incentive. I think the wheels are stock 17s. I am not in love with this design but didnt want to pay for better or bigger wheels. The professional reviewers say the 17s ride better but I only rode in the EX. before I bought the car. I had already made up my mind that it would be one car EX or the EX-L. I was satisfied with the EX after I drove it and then it just came down to color. There are a few nit picks. The CVT is just ok. Dont expect a miracle. Acceleration is adequate and only just so. My 320 xi BMW drives better as far as road feel but I really do like this car as well. Food for thought, you may not want to pull the trigger til after the 2.0 I think it is... 10 speed automatic comes out. All of life is about choices. I didnt want to pay more for what I perceived would be limited value for my money, nor did I want to wait. Others may disagree. I did like the wheels on the Touring by the way so of course there is that. All in all I am very pleased, I opted for no extended warranties nor maintenance plans. that is why I buy Hondas. I think Honda knew who its buyers were and built a great car for them. I think you will be hard pressed to find a better mid priced sedan.

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  Very reliable car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Bob3000 - August 5 - 10:00 am

  My mother got this car in 1996. Im driving it since 2000 and I had no problem with it. The engines working like a new one after 60 000 miles.

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  AWESOME SUV!!!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By crimmer02 - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Definitely a SUV of choice. I test drove both the RAV4 and the Xterra and neither of them could compare to the practicality of the CRV! The gear shift is a little quirky, and it can get in the way of the radio, but the smoothness of the ride and the reliability of a Honda should overcome that. Ive read some comments about a click when coming to a complete stop. I contacted a dealer and they stated it could be from the steering wheel airbag. Other than those minor glitches, a fine car!

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  2003 Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mike McMounter - August 5 - 10:00 am

  needs larger gas tank, some minor trim problems, great, great car for the price. fun to drive.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TexPilot - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt expecting my Pilot til mid October, but it arrived 10-3. Just in time for the Honda 3.9% APR, too! I reviewed this ride and compared with others in its competition and the Pilot was a winner everytime.

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  SWEET RIDE - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Lelandro - August 5 - 2:00 am

  A week before I test drove and bought this car, I tested a Corvette. The Hondas handling, feel for the road, and pure fun was far superior and at a much, much lower cost. Like the NSX, Honda knows how to build a sweet ride.