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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  Great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Garman - April 16 - 5:26 pm

  Comfortable and fun. Owned 2002 Accord and have found this car to be a great replacement. Recently got 37.8 MPG on a trip. Handles well, brakes are smooth and responsive. Recommend as astrong buy.

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  honda pilot- a rare vehicle - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By bigskybob - April 16 - 2:06 am

  We are amazed how this vehicle does so many things well. It has all the functionality of an SUV, but on the road it rides more like a luxury car! Its truly the best riding vehicle we have ever owned.

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  title - 2001 Honda Insight
  By ronsugiyama - April 16 - 2:00 am

  handles like a real sports car, exceptional performance through the corners. it really needs to have cruise control.

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  Best Car - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Tiger12345 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Awesome! Fast, fun, handles better than a go-cart!

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By crvboy - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CR-V for almost 4 years now and other than oil changes, 2 tune ups and a set of tires, never had a problem with it. It could use a bigger engine, especially the 126 hp 97 & 98s, but its still a great car. Its got hondas reliablity, comfort, build quality and everything else that makes honda a great vehicle manufacturer, and a great buy. With the newer model, a great honda vehicle continues.

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  One of the best Hondas Ive owned - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Wilson Webb - April 15 - 10:18 pm

  If you use 100% Synthetic Oil, this car will love you. At 182k miles, my Mechanic says the engine is good for another 130k miles. Because it has variable valve timing, torque and rapid acceleration is great through all speed ranges, including the 5th gear where acceleration is so good, I dont need to downshift to fly. Handling is superb as I can take curves at amazing speeds without too much lean. All of my Hondas have been good, but this one is the best. Ive only encountered 1 repair so far - the Alternator.

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  Good car crappy gas - 2002 Honda Passport
  By ldizzy516 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  it is a very good car but it gets the worst gas mileage. Honda needs to make this one fuel efficient.

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  Shake, Rattle & Roll - 2007 Honda Civic
  By pokey - April 14 - 1:43 am

  I purchased this car to make up for all of the emmissions I was spewing from my 1997 Saab. I thought the design and handling of the car were great. It did have a lot of road noise, but the gas mileage - 37- 42 mpg makes up for it. The only complaint I have is the fit and finish. I have been to the dealer 3 times already with interior replacement issues. So far I have had to replace one broken sun visor, a door panel(rattles), and a seat frame (rattles). Unfortunately, a new noise/rattle pops up every day, depending on the temperature and conditions. I was hoping for a better fit & finish for a $19,000 vehicle.

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  The best of ALL SUVs! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By J.C - April 14 - 12:25 am

  Ive only test driven this car, have not bought yet due to lack of money. the model I test drove was the EX-L edition. Lets just say, I test drove the Haundai Tucson, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4. They dont hold a candle to the new CRV! I love almost everything about this car! It drives smoothly in every area, and the handling is amazing. It feels like you are in a small crossover. The interior features are great, such as the 20-way power lumbar (on EX-L and higher editions I believe), the seats are extremely comfortable, even for people like be with back problems. Every single part of the car is high quality. Love the soft materials all around including the dashboard. A major plus for me is that the NAV screen doesnt glare and reflect in the drivers face, unlike the Ford and Toyota. I also really like the full LED headlights (on Touring model) and full LED rear lights. Im a fan of all of the styling elements except for the wheels. Many people like them and you might as well, but they dont fit my style. I do like the rims style on the LX (base model) they are less detailed but still high quality. All around it seems like really high quality materiel. The plastics, leather, trim, and the Navigation system work really well. Doesnt take forever to load on the setup screen. Sitting inside, you feel like youre in a BMW or Volvo! Not kidding. Oh and the wood trim! Is amazing!! Its a high quality, non plastic looking fake wood trim that looks real. Its has a matte finish and a real wood color. And the reliability. CRVS last forever! Not uncommon to get over 300,000 miles on the engine with no problems at all. Test drive this car if you want an amazing SUV! You will want to buy it.

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  Excellent Small SUV with good mpg - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By KP - April 13 - 2:13 pm

  I purchased my CR-V in a snowstorm, picked it up in another snowstorm and have driven it through 4 snowstorms since. I am 150% pleased with purchase. I looked at the RAV-4, as well, but didnt like the handling and tire on the back of the Rav4. MPG is about 22.5 right now with mixed bumper to bumper city driving and highway driving in Chicago. Given that the AWD has been used frequently and the engine still isnt broken in, I expect this figure to go up. All total I have about 4-500 mi on it. Performance has been great for a 4cy, though it would be nice for more hp or a 6cy option. I had a 05 Accord 6cy prior to this, and I do miss the power, but I still love my CR-V.