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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  An excellent vechicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mikem - April 14 - 3:36 am

  This is our first new Honda after having a used one for several years. Only problem was with radio going out causing all dash lights to be dark. Replaced under extended warranty, but have since seen this has been a probem for them. I love the radio controls on the steering wheel and the sound of the 6 cd changer. The performance of the 4- cylinder engine is remarkable, and well over 35 mpg on the highway even in the mountians. Everyone who rides in is surprised with the room in the back seat. Overall we love this car and expect to keep it for some time to come.

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  First SUV is WOW! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Susan Spohn - April 13 - 11:25 pm

  After reading all the specs on the Honda CRV, I knew I wanted the EX with the advanced safety features. I drove it off the lot yesterday and am thrilled to have it. I’ve had two Honda Accords before this and drove both of them to 150,000 miles with no major problems. I will always drive a Honda. This, however, is my first SUV. It runs so quiet and smooth you almost don’t know the engines on. Love it!

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  Work Transportation - 2006 Honda Civic
  By countrysHCH - April 13 - 10:53 pm

  My 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid has proven to be a comfortable fuel saving purchase. I’m 6’2”, 210 lbs, 44 years young. I drive 20K miles/year, mostly to work and back. Drivers seat is supportive, all gauges and buttons have the perfect feel to them. In fact the entire interior of the car is spot on. Fit, Feel and finish of interior pieces is terrific. Steering wheel controls for radio/cruse control seem backwards. Cruise is on right, radio on left. Be careful about the “XM Ready” radio. Not as ready as buyer might think. Cost to purchase and install needed components are very high. Exterior fit and finish is some of best Ive seen. Body panels line up perfect. Paint is smooth.

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  awesome vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hedr - April 13 - 10:00 am

  feel and rides flawlessly.

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  cell phone trouble - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ebony5 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Great family car.

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  quality & comfort - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Dv8r0710 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This CR-V is my first Honda. After owning chevys, Mazda, and Toyota, these vehicles dont have near the quality that is put into this vehicle. The ride is sooo comfortable its unreal. My only drawback with ALL cars today is the gas mileage. With todays gas prices you would think that auto makers would get on the ball and make them ALL more efficient. Still, I get about 24 mpg as i do alot of highway driving. The inside is very roomy with everything displayed well where i dont have to do any reaching. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an suv that is classy, comfortable and well affordable.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mdbrown - April 13 - 10:00 am

  If I would have known how nice this car is, I would have bought it long ago. Thought about the Altima and Passat, but the Accord is the clear winner. The 2.4 has plenty of acceleration. The transmission, brakes and steering are tight and responsive.

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  CR-V is hard to beat! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Shaun - April 13 - 8:33 am

  Were very happy with our CR-V. We traded in our 98 for this 07 and love it even more than the first one. It has more legroom for the back seats and bigger cargo area in the back. Gas mileage is about 25 mpg--not bad for an SUV. We had zero problems w/ our first one, and expect the same this time.

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  Surprise! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By HondaHappy - April 12 - 3:13 pm

  I just got the 2009 Fit Sport AT yesterday. Im very happy with the acceleration and handling when entering the highway. Im getting 35 mpg so far in mixed highway/city traffic (in Houston). However it looks like the mpg will continue to increase. Visibility is excellent and the Nav is easy to use. Voice command can be a source of hilarity. The ride is smoother than my Subaru WRX but a little rougher than Honda Civic. Cockpit feels airy and open. Driving position/feel is a cross between driving a small sedan (Civic) and a small SUV (Element).

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  Better than I had hoped - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - April 12 - 9:26 am

  I have owned many Honda Accords and recently traded an 07 Accord EX 4 cylinder. I am very pleased with the purchase. The CRV has great acceleration and many standard features that I enjoy. There are many little improvements over the 09 model that really add up. The new 180 hp CR V engine is very smooth, quiet, and willing. I test drove the new Subaru Outback and Forester models. This Honda has better fit and finish, a more refined drive train, and a high quality standard sound system. On my first tank of gas I am averaging 24 mpg - mostly city driving. Since it is a Honda it should be very reliable and have excellent resale value.