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:

• 

  Excellent Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By jwsmiths - October 28 - 3:00 pm

  I just traded in my 02 Civic EX for something a little nicer. Its not that the Civic was a bad car, but if you do a LOT of highway driving then you understand how much of a nuisance excessive road noise becomes. The Accord EXL offers an excellent, smooth ride with adequate power even in the 4cyl version. The body is well insulated and provides much less road noise than my previous Honda without feeling overly "heavy" as some sedans do. The interior feels every bit as nice as our 01 3-Series and offers many of the same amenities, but at a much lower price tag. The transmission is very smooth and the dashboard is a work of art in and of itself. I highly recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Best suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jane S - October 28 - 1:23 pm

  The gas milage is the best of ANY suv out there. It handles great! very comfortable drivers seat and passenger seats. Be sure to look back left and right. The camera in all of the new cars show straight back. Watch for cars and pedestrians.

• 

  Best SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Mo - October 28 - 9:13 am

  Excellent and smooth drive. Very good fuel efficiency on highway with the Variable cylinder management system. Smooth turns with Vehicle Stability Assist. I feel safe when driving with 8 air bags and ABS brakes. Low maintenance cost with maintenance minder system so you will only do maintenance when it ask for it. Lot of cargo space with all the seats fold down.

• 

  Great family truckster - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Felix - October 28 - 8:20 am

  We bought our Odyssey primarily for long road trips. Its been fantastic. Plenty for room for everyone, no one complains about being cramped anymore. Its so comfortable inside that long drives are much less fatiguing. The main reason I picked the Honda is because of its great handling. Its seriously better than most SUVs and even some cars. There have been a lot of comments about the fuel economy. The vehicle is heavy, so its city mileage is poor. But on the highway with 6 people & 4 bikes on a hitch rack, I get 22 to 25 mpg on the highway. Better than my 4 door sedan with bikes on the roof! In summary, Id recommend it to anyone looking for a minivan, especially if you like to drive!

• 

  King Honda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Johnny4Wheels - October 28 - 3:52 am

  Fantastic vehicle! I bought this with 164,000 miles on it and youd never know it by the way it runs. Heck, the interior looks practically brand new! The paint hasnt held up too well, but it is 11 years old. It is a fun car to drive with plenty of pep with a 5-speed. Also, I think this generation Civic is the best looking. Im 66", so its a bit tight, but not too uncomfortable. Lots of legroom helps, but the seats dont support my back too well. Small price to pay for 43 mpg (not running AC), though! I foresee many more enjoyable miles with my new best friend.

• 

  An SUV that hauls - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kathryn Watts - October 28 - 3:01 am

  Am in love with the 10 way driver seat with the lumbar support and the adjustable arm rest. This should fit any driver. Was looking for an SUV that was comfortable for 4 adults that would pull a lightweight trailer. This will do that, plus I can haul gardening supplies or camping gear in the back without trashing the inside. It handles like an SUV, the best turning radius of any truck I ever owned. Love the locking huge trunk under the bed. I think its very attractive and I cant wait to take my first road trip.

• 

  Its all show, no go - 2007 Honda Civic
  By djwilson - October 28 - 2:10 am

  This car lacks power. You have to really "drive it like you hate it" to keep up with traffic. Most of its power is reserved at 6000 to 8000 rpm. Who wants to thrash their car trying to keep up with a mini-van or a truck. This car is an economy car without getting good mileage or a cheap price. The six-speed tranny shifts good, but in this car with its lack of torque, you are shifting every few seconds. It is loud inside the car too. I find myself saying “what” a lot while on the freeway. I have had the car less than a month and the seats are a magnet for lint and dirt. The paint seems to scratch very easily. The car rides like it has not shocks.

• 

  great Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mr. Marsch - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had two of the vehicles. The car is so fun to drive. We dont do too much long distance, but on a long trip it was fine. Got best tires available and that seemed to be a plus. It is just great and fun and economical and holds 4 people with plenty of room and lots of baggage or purchases. No complaints on our 2004.

• 

  Honda wins my money, hands down! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Chad - October 27 - 10:21 pm

  I bought my Accord EX 4 cyl in October 2003 as a certified with 42K on it already. At 73K still perfect, with not a single problem, not even a burned out headlight. While it wont win any huge styling awards thats not what Honda cares about. They build and engine, then the car not a "cool" car with a crappy engine. Honda owner for life!

• 

  Inconsistent manufacturing quality - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By wrod - October 27 - 7:39 pm

  After looking at other peoples reviews it appears that Hondas quality control is on this vehicle is poor. Overall the Pilot has nice features and is a practical SUV. But while others have raved about the power and the mileage, my Pilot has not excelled on either. When it was brand new it had good power and got about 19 mpg (mixed city/hwy) but at about 25,000 miles it started having problems with both. Mileage is now 15- 16mpg and power is poor. It sputters and loses speed at times on a level hwy. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times, and the Honda district service rep has looked at it. According to them everything is "normal". I have owned many Hondas, but this may be my last.