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 that S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By vernfin - October 19 - 6:08 pm

  This car is all about performance. If youre looking for cushy luxury it isnt for you. But I get out of the car with a grin every day and the howl it makes over 7000 rpm is pure joy.

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  Fun, Perky, Efficient Urban SUV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By nolarobert - October 18 - 7:05 pm

  I just drove our new HR-V 400 miles on the Interstate. It has plenty of technology, a peppy engine, that cool Honda Magic interior and it looks sharp. The CVT takes getting used to as I have never owned one before. I would punch it and it would respond well but it just felt different. I got 31 MPG on the highway but the HR-V is brand new and I tend to drive fast. It handled the highway well even during the thunderstorms I encountered on my trip. So initially, it feels solid, well-built and capable. Well see how I feel 10,000 miles from now.

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  I love this car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Heather Rooth - October 18 - 11:57 am

  My parents got me this car for my senior year of high school and for college. The car is in great shape despite some parking lot dings from careless drivers. I have 35,800 miles on it and never had a problem yet. The car runs beautifully no matter what the weather is like and the a/c is powerful and will get to the right temperature within 5 minutes of turning it on. The frame of the car will protect the people inside from almost any impact imaginable and I still snicker when I pull away from the gas pump with a full tank for less than $25. Its incredibly easy to handle and a great buy for any driver, but especially for college kids trying to save a little money. I love my car!

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  2018 Black Edition Honda Ridgeline - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By bcomer - October 17 - 10:16 pm

  Love it all around.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Greg Sauls - October 17 - 4:25 pm

  Very good reliable vehicle. Never had any problems. Smooth riding. Pull my 21 foot boat up the boat landing like it is not even there. Love this vehicle.

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  CR-V has a few glitches - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By cally - October 17 - 4:14 pm

  Consumer Reports recently came out with a report that stated that the Honda CR-V 2016 has very poor traction in the snow. Takes forever to stop. This completely defeats the purpose of buying a 4 wheel SUV. When I called the dealership to tell them about the report, they said they had no idea what I was talking about. Should they not know?!; they sell the product! Now I am afraid to take the car out in the snow. Also, the rear view camera was fogging up on a rainy day, so I took it to another dealership to be looked at. They basically wasted my time; "found nothing wrong". And sometimes when I click the door unlocker twice, it does not open the passengers side door. Also, they force you to buy "packages" when you order a car; we are senior citizens, and do not want or need all these extra bells & whistles!

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  CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike D - October 17 - 4:11 pm

  Great vehicle overall but uncomfortable on long rides. Poor fuel economy, nowhere near the 25-30 mpg that is adverstised. Harsh riding because of smallish wheelbase.

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  A Blast to Drive, But Will It Start? - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Stash - October 17 - 11:46 am

  Have had this car for a month now and have found it to be a blast to drive, very powerful and smartly designed interior. Last week in 85 deg heat, car wouldnt start--would turn over, but not catch. Dealer replaced fuel pump sensor module and said that should fix problem, but will it? Prob has not recurred, but only time will tell. Like the fact that it goes over 100K between tuneups, 7500 between oil changes, depending on the conditions you drive in. Beautiful paint job-- got a lot of complements on this car. Car could be better on gas, mileage average--have to use premium or mid range per the dealership.

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  CR-V Passenger Seat Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By david_2015 - October 17 - 11:37 am

  I just purchased a CR-V EX model yesterday. After I got the CR-V from the dealer, I immediately found that the passenger seat vibrated at idle with in D drive position when air condition is off. You cannot find this in your test driving since the dealer occupied the passenger during the test drive. Do all 2015 CR-V have this passenger problem? This is exactly showed in the following by other https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR-YQAJRRB8&noredirect=1 In the ABS 7, Honda spokesman said that Honda is aware of the situation and is researching whether a meaningful fix can be forthcoming. He expects one this year.

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  Very poor residual value after 5 yrs & 70K miles - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Guy Gaspar - October 17 - 4:44 am

  This Honda Pilot EX-L (it has everything except navigation) does not hold its value like a Toyota product, which is very disappointing. My Toyota Tacoma 4X4 w/90,000 miles, is two years older and has a higher trade-in value. I have not had to repair anything on it, just fluid and oil/air filter changes by the car computer notification, a few recalls, new battery at 5 yrs., new Michelin tires at 30,000 miles which greatly improved the ride quality. The tires still look new after 40,000 miles. I want to keep it but she wants a new vehicle at her retirement. I purchased it certified used with 20,000 miles. MPG mostly city is 16.5 MPG, while highway got up to the best at 22.5 mpg. at speeds between 60 - 75 mph. Jan. 5, 2017 update: Made several dealership visits over the past week and have received trade-in offers between $14K - $18 if I purchased their vehicles: 2016 Acura MDX demo w/5K miles trade-in offer of $14K one day then $15K the next day. A new 2017 Buick Enclave trade-in offer went from $16K to $18K as I walked out the door. A new 2016 Honda Pilot Elite trade-in offer was $15.5K. A Mazda CX9 offer was $14K. Although these offers are within Edmunds published values, I turned them down because they wanted me to pay their bloated prices that were above MSRP prices in most cases for their add-on trinkets of $1K -3K. Still hunting for the best "win, win" deal.