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 the accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By danz857 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  great car specially at the gas pump, averaging about 30 miles to a gallon, prett good for a V6. And the nav system is great also.

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  One awesome Truck - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mom of 2 - July 13 - 11:16 pm

  This truck replaced a 2008 Volvo XC90. I never thought I would love a truck as much as the Volvo. I was very wrong. The Pilot has a very smooth ride and great pickup for its size. The interior is roomy enough for several kids and all of their gear. Road noise seems less than in older models. Gas mileage is not great - 16 mpg on average, but its mostly city driving. I have black interior/exterior and its really classy looking. Was mistaken for the big Mercedes SUV the other day!

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  Sporty Car at an Affordable Price - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Eric - July 13 - 7:10 pm

  In its price range, the Si stands out. Stock, its on par with the GTI, Cobalt, supercharged tC, and RSX Type-S. Yet the GTI and supercharged tC are limited as tuner cars and are more expensive for the setup and dont handle as well. The Si even compensates for low toque with its high rev short throw setup. Its interiors and Hondas build quality beat out the Cobalt and RSX (how it beats the "higher class" version of the same company is a mystery to me), and the GTIs exterior is a matter of personal taste. Whether its stock or tuned, the Si packs a punch behind the wheel and outdoes its competitors. It even has bonuses like a 300w audio system, moon roof, and a sleek racy design.

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  Great ride ! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DJ - July 13 - 7:00 pm

  Really great car to drive. I love the way it picks up speed smoothly. There are a few little rattles especially when its cold. Besides that its been a great car to me.

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  returnng to Honda CR-V quality - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Max Pugmire - July 13 - 7:18 am

  Getting an internet quote gave us the best deal because the CR-V is rarely discounted. We bought the Touring model specifically for the extra features, particularly the sensing package, which, now that we understand them better are terrific. The touch screen on Navigation has some "buttons" too small for my fingers. Most of the touchscreen is easy to navigate especially for us over 70. Fuel economy is just as advertised and a big improvement from our previous 2 Chevy Equinoxs. The variable transmission sounds strange at first but sure does make acceleration snappy. Noise levels are quite good. We have not experienced the aforementioned vibrations. Plenty of head and people room! So far we love it! Side note: We shopped 3 dealers and in all cases the salespeoples knowledge of the newer features was not very accurate.

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  Excellent car. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Rebecca Hamilton - July 12 - 11:20 pm

  Great car; comfortable, not one problem of any sort. It has plenty of room and everything on it works flawlessly. There is a small vibration when it idles for a while with all the accessories turned off. But its mild. I probably wouldnt have noticed it except for all the carrying-on. If I turn up the fan on the ac just a tad or use the headlights or anything that nudges the rpm up a bit, it goes away. But why bother? Its a non-issue. What is an issue is that this is a great car that runs perfectly, never gives a problem and is a pleasure to drive, both in the city and on the highway. My gas mileage is consistently better than advertised, but then I dont slam it around, either. I consistently get around 30-32 mpg in city driving. I have zero complaints about my CR-V and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. Then, Ill probably buy another one.

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  Whats not to like - a whole new car.... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By cvs18 - July 12 - 1:19 pm

  I was researching the new 2015 CVR and found an interest to examine the car , only examine......I owned a 2010 CRV and was not ever going to depart with it.....After examining the 2015 EX it was a new ballgame.....To me it is a whole new car......Great looking , inside and out , great safety features .. Rear camera , passenger side view camera ... Pick up much better 181 ft lbs of torque vs 163 ..... Quiet smooth new CVT tranny , ALL wheel drive , Electric steering , power driver seat , heated front seats , rear seat a/c - heater vent , fog lights .....Accessories for HDMI input , 2 usb inputs , 2 power outlets..... As for noise tolerable..Great New Car , Great riding , great feel , for me .

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  Excellence in Engineering - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Andres3 - July 12 - 8:53 am

  Absolutely light years ahead of the competition at the time in 2002/2003. Took the competition till now (mid 2006) to catch up.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Travis - July 11 - 11:16 pm

  This car is overall great. I love to drive it. I average about 32 mpg and do 95% highway driving. This is very confusing to me. One thing that I dont like it everytime you take off your seatbelt it smacks against the door and leaves a tiny little mark. These marks add up and now I have tons of them. I work at Honda in the service department so I have seen these marks on all the Civics that come in.

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  Cool Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kurt - July 11 - 10:03 pm

  I bought this car off a private party mainly because of the carpool lane stickers it had. We live in CA, and these are like gold; the state hasnt issued anymore for this year so if you buy new you arent guaranteed a sticker. Anyway, we also got the car for its fuel efficiency; we average about 38-40 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Prius gets better mileage due to its increased reliance on the electric motor, but I think the Honda looks better and is actually quite fun to drive. We added an Eclipse navigation w/upgraded stereo receiver that rocks. We also tinted the windows to keep it cooler in the summer (and it looks cool too!) For a small car, has a decent amount of room.