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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  The Wait was Worth It! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rmartiz - March 15 - 3:08 pm

  Always wanted a Pilot but was unwilling to pay going price...finally got used one with trade of CRV. Rides high and big like a truck which gives me an added sense of safety/security on these narrow mountain roads. Love the ride and handling. Storage compartments are very functional. Drivers seat with lumbar knob makes for VERY comfortable ride.

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  I love my Accord! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BarbieInConn - March 15 - 1:01 pm

  As a 3rd-time Honda owner, I can vouch for the Accord. Once we had our child, safety was key, and I never felt unsafe in this car. Roomy, comfortable, and stylish, the Accord gas never disappointed our family.

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  Most Excellent - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Aubrey - March 15 - 11:36 am

  Im a Honda fan and had been looking at the Civic . I had seen the Fit from a distance and thought it was too small. When you really look at it seriously, you will become a believer in the Fit. It has plenty of power. You can drive in the high RPM with paddle shifter, but you will suffer on the MPG. It has all the power features. There are many seat configurations and are easy to adjust. I just got my first real mileage numbers in 75 highway/25city driving: 39 MPG and I wasnt trying to conserve fuel. Everyone in my family is enjoying driving the Fit.

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  Shake, Shake, Shake - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - March 15 - 11:11 am

  I blame myself for buying this vehicle. I noticed the vibration in idle but let the salesman explain it away to me. It is also at 30 mph, and maybe highway speeds---I cannot decide if its the tranny or the tires. You can put the transmission in neutral at idle and it goes away. I certainly have buyers remorse. There are some supposed fixes ranging from rubber vibration isolators to replacing the entire transmission. I dont have time for this crap. It is a fine car in the snow and it gets great mileage but I will not own it forever as I had planned.

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  The Fit fits me - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Josel - March 15 - 6:46 am

  The standard equipment, mechanical, safety and ride-handling characteristics rival the premium brands. Dual front, dual side, front-to-rear side curtain airbags, ABS, versatile seating arrangements (MagicSeat), and upscale interiors are wonderful even to the base Fit (I have the Sport AT trim). Paddle shifters in my Fit are awesome too, close to totally driving in manual without the stick-shifting and clutch. MP3 aux outlet is a nice bonus too. Buying the Fit is like buying years of fun, safety, security and total peace of mind. If you can stretch budget, go for the Sport trim MT or AT.

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  Pilot Comes Out On Top - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Fluff - March 15 - 5:04 am

  I researched and test drove all the competitions models and the Honda Pilot came out on top in every area except its weight. You can really feel the weight dragging behind you during acceleration. If this is a problem for you, then the 2005 model may be what you are looking for. The extra hp make up the difference. This "Sport Utility Vehicle" will not take you off-roading or exploring treacherous terrain, but it is the best at being a "family adventure vehicle." Its a super value with the Honda quality and reliability we have grown accustomed to. I am a very proud owner.

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  Value, features, Car&Drivers 05 10BEST - 2005 Honda Accord
  By piturra - March 15 - 4:23 am

  Honda reliability & industry leading fit & finish, a hallmark for the 2005 Accord Sedans. Overall size is a little larger than my 93 Accord LX (@ 155k miles still going strong) which means more comfort w/outstanding European-like road manners! This Honda Accord 4 cyl. AT i-VTEC is PZEV (Partial Zero Emission vehicles) Rated/Certified, you get a car that doesnt contribute to the earths pollution! After a week of ownership (bought May 6th for $22,961 OTD) & 160 miles, I can see why Car & Driver choose the 2005 Accord as the "Best Family Sedan"!!! Fun to drive, excellent road feel, confident handling, relatively quiet (moon roof closed), w/appealing, comfortable interior and EPA 24/34 MPG!

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  Not So Good - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Cinelle - March 15 - 1:19 am

  All the negatives are true, I never read or made any reviews but I have to read about HR-V, coz for a brand new car, Im like whats going on with my brand new car? So, I have to see what other people are saying about this car. I thought it was just my car. And also, not even a month when I got a check engine, an electric parking symbol, and it keeps blinking, at the Honda service center, they said thats weird, they fixed it, the problem was ,oxygen valve or something...they have to changed it..

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  Very practical - the right choice for us - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By s54 - March 15 - 12:26 am

  This is one heck of a value: well built, well designed and well priced. Sure, it lacks some of the "luxury" touches you find on other makes - HID, memory seats, Bluetooth, wood trim - but for us these items were not worth the extra $8k - $10 even though we can afford it. Put it in the 529 for the yutes

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  115,000 miles and Counting... - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Filthy Ike - March 14 - 6:38 pm

  Considering its a first-year model,this is a very reliable vehicle with few problems. It generally needs your usual maintenance and keeps on going. I bought mine used (68000 miles on the odometer) in 2000. Its been used to haul many things from top soil to 36" TV (the box barely fit in the back). Its been taken on and off road, on regular commute and 6-hour trips. My only complaint is its WAY underpowered, which can be a pain when you need to get up to speed on the freeway.