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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  Piece of Junk - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - August 19 - 9:03 am

  Extremely underpowered, and the AWD doesnt work. The shifter is extremely akward to operate, and often gets stuck. Aside from the decent gas mileage, I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone and am looking to get rid of mine.

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  Very Disappointed! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Michelle M. - August 19 - 1:43 am

  Well, were one of the ones that got a REALLY bad Passport. We got this car for my husband. We went with Honda because Ive had GREAT experience with Acura and because of Hondas reputation. Passport styling is great, performance is crap. Dealer had to do a complete engine within months of purchase, problems occurred within weeks (rear wiper blades stuck, fuel injector leaks). Car burns oil like crazy--just not a reliable vehicle. We, too, are now stuck with a $300 per month payment and weve got many months to go before we pay this thing off. Currently, it is sitting at the dealer, undriveable--stalling and emitting white smoke from the tailpipe.

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  Worth for your money - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Chetan Motamarri - August 18 - 9:13 pm

  I brought new civic last month. My feeling is its worth for the money you paid.

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  Low City Mileage - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Areb - August 18 - 7:36 pm

  Only have 1900 mile on car, but my city MPG has never been over 25, Usually 22-24. Hwy has been good average 40 to 42 MPG. My car was built in japan, no problems so far. hard to get used to the hood sight line, not being able to see end of hood is annoying, but i guess ill get used to it. Overall very satisfied, except for the city MPG, which is not much of a factor since i am retired, The Great Hwy mileage comes in handy when we go to Arizona to see the kids.

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  2004 Pilot EX-L with RES - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By klossfam - August 18 - 7:20 pm

  Figured a higher mileage review was due (40K miles at 1.5 years since driving off the lot) Perfect track record and we tow a boat (2700 lbs w/trailer) and snowmobiles (2000 lbs w/trailer) a lot. Average 18-20 in around town driving. Approx 22-24 for a dedicated highway drive. Realistic towing mpg is 15-16. Great overall ride but the spring rates from the MDX (slightly stiffer) would be nice. Power is more than adequate. If cheap Goodyear Integrity OEM tires are rotated every 5K, theyll provide a lot of useful life (still good tread at 40K). In Northern climates, running boards and rear splash guards are a must. MAKE the dealer throw them in (they will). Next SUV will be a Pilot.

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  My CR-V - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Sharon Hayes - August 18 - 3:29 pm

  Excellent gas mileage. Good ride. Could be more quiet.. Good in snow. Great for hauling stuff. Could be more comfortable on long trips

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  Dont buy first model year - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By leroy - August 17 - 11:04 pm

  The Pilot is comfortable to drive and has good storage capacity. However we have had multiple problems that have ranged from a stress cracked windshied to electrical problems ..... our 3rd Honda product and most disappointing.

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  This car gets great gas mileage - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dochollywood - August 17 - 8:33 am

  I have only had the car for a week, driven about 400 miles. The onboard computer says I am getting about 53 mpg, and I still have a little under half a tank left, so it seems like it is right on the money. And everyone says that it gets better gas mileage as you put on more miles, so believe it, this car can easily get 50 mpg if you drive like you are supposed to and dont try keeping up with the gas guzzlers going 75 mph on the freeway. I average about 60 mph on freeway and do both city and highway driving, and 53 mpg is the average of both.

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  Excellent features for the money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Miguel - August 17 - 5:03 am

  This is my 4th Accord in the last 10 years. I bought EX V6 with leather, no navigation. Ride is smoother, improved noise road, excellent A/C. Dont feel transmission changes. You get very good features same as higher priced sedans for less money.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jaye - August 17 - 4:56 am

  I have had my Honda Accord about 3 weeks.. I owned a CRV previously. I absolutely LOVE the accord! The NAV system, XM radio, and leather interior is the BEST. I am so glad I got all the extras because I really appreciate the luxuries.. I never had them before.. Drives like a dream and shifts perfectly.. The BEST car ever!