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:

• 

  Great so far - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Moon - September 8 - 7:05 am

  All models should have the blind spot monitoring system, not just a camera in the right side mirror. Everything is great so far. Maintaining 21 mpg around town. Ride is great. The 9 speed transmission does hunt at lower speeds but I use my cruise control and that stops some of the hunting. A lot of gadgets to distract you, so be disciplined while driving and use the voice command. Well build and very functional vehicle.

• 

  What a smart purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BreezyNCC - September 8 - 3:03 am

  The 07 CR-V is a great vehicle. While some claim that the fuel efficiency is not what the company claims, this is largely due to your driving style. The mpg indicator on the dash shows you how your driving is effecting your MPG use...you learn to drive better with the CR-V. I am getting 25 city and 32 highway with the LX model. Interior cloth is very nice and easy to clean. Rear storage space is quite large, especially when you fold up the seats. Outside the CR-V is up to par with other, more expensive small SUVs.

• 

  Honda civic Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By easter - September 8 - 1:23 am

  I love my Si. This would have to be the best Civic built to date. Honda has done a great job with the new design and I am looking forward to see what they have in the line up next!

• 

  One awesome car! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By C Holmes - September 7 - 1:20 pm

  Easiest car ever in terms of driving around. Getting in and out, handling, safety. All great. Nothing bad to say at all, after one month of using it.

• 

  Great Value. Great ride for its class - 2005 Honda Accord
  By B.C. - September 7 - 10:50 am

  Paid $17988.00 including destination. Enjoying a comfortable ride. ABS is good, but not excellent. Transmission is as smooth as they come. The highway ride is an A. Cornering could be a bit better. For every day performance I would rate this 4cyl.a # 9 Handled well in rain storm. This car is worth considering, noise is not an issue. Wish me luck. I am counting on Hondas reputation!

• 

  Excellent Vehicle with Good MIleage - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Sri - September 6 - 10:34 pm

  Excellent Vehicle with Good MIleage

• 

  Happy Person - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Craig - September 6 - 3:23 pm

  I just bought the car in May 06. I have driven it for several weeks and wow, what a ride!! I think it handles well and looks good. I cant wait to see the true gas mileage. Great idea of a make!!

• 

  Honda Civic- T - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Go Ishak - September 6 - 2:49 pm

• 

  Nice ride for the $$$ - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bill - September 6 - 3:56 am

  Overall experience has been very good. The cars ride and styling are very nice. I do have to agree with other reviews in several areas, excessive road noise and the VCM is very noticeable. If I could turn off the VCM I would and sacrifice the 1 mpg. Come on Honda...would installing a little insulation for the road noise hurt your bottom line that much.

• 

  Awsome for such a great price! - 2003 Honda Element
  By JGLazam - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Great mileage, great turn - not wide, comfort and quietness of any moderate to high income car. Cute, very noticeable. Just a great deal overall.