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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  Grown on me - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ljgbjg - March 16 - 9:56 pm

  We have the car 6 months. Initially the VCM was horrible - constantly hunting, vibrating, etc. much like others here and as reviewed elsewhere. MPG? Not great - around 25. At 3000 miles it all went away! Have no idea why. VCM hardly noticeable, 30 MPH HWY at 75, 26 at 80, so 75 seems to be a significant speed. Seats are firm but not uncomfortable - very BMW like. You either like them or you dont. Advise anyone considering the L to drive one for awhile if you can - some cannot stand the seats. Check the Edmunds long term test comments - they hate them. Car is now very pleasant and performing as expected. None of the squeaks, rattles or wind noise that others have complained of.

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  Every 15 years - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By mark gidjunis - March 16 - 1:51 pm

  The eco mode is hard to get used to. The car feels like the transmission is sticking in city driving. Once you understand what is happening its not that big a deal. Eco mode at highway speed does save on gas. I think this van is not a great choice for someone living in city. Short stop and go trips get bad mileage in this van.

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  I love the car...excep... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dbarry22 - March 16 - 12:10 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone...It has made driving fun again for me...plus Im in love with the Honda reliability and styling...The car is great on gas, and also has a great looking interior and exterior. One problem though...After only 900 miles, I notice the the car is pulling to the right...not terribly, but too much for a car that is basically brand new. I brought it to the Honda dealership...they convinced me it was normal as long as you could go straight for 3 car lengths or 6 seconds without touching the wheel I left feeling unsatisfied, because I think a new car should go straight for a long time if youre on a straight road and the wheels are alligned properly.

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  Love my new Fit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By James T. - March 16 - 11:26 am

  This is the first Honda I have purchased, but it will certainly not be the last. As such a reasonably priced vehicle, I am astonished by the finish quality and roominess of a "compact" auto such as this. 5 adults fit comfortably and there is plenty of space with the seats down. Best yet, it is fun to drive!

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  Buy it! You wont regret it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Janelle - March 15 - 9:36 pm

  This is an amazing car. Exterior the rear LEDs are awesome. Front ones too. Great dynamic styling for an SUV I think. Interior the car is certainly solidly built. I love the shiny black trim. Amazing technology, and all of it works well. The only thing is the touch screen might be a little bit too sensitive, for me anyway. Drives like a BMW, or Mercedes...not kidding!!! It rides smooth, braking is amazing (may sound weird, but some brakes are better than others). Great handling as well!! As you can see, I love this car! Would not trade it for a X5 ever! Also, remember how great the safety is. The new Pilot beat the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Rogue, Ford Edge, and Mazda CX5 for safety. Buy it...you will not regret.

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  Best in Comfort - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Kranthi Chagarlamudi - March 15 - 9:16 am

  Best in Confort and full family vehicle with great safety features.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Ecofriend - March 14 - 7:50 pm

  Ive only had my Insight a week but love it so far. Its fun to drive and since I have about a 90 mile round trip commute I really love the mileage. Mine is getting 43 mpg which is right in line with the EPA. Plenty of room up front and not so roomy in the back.

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  This is one amazing truck 2 Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By A 2 Honda Family, JM - March 14 - 3:03 pm

  I just picked up my new Pilot after researching all the SUVs. We have an Odyssey that has held up for the last 3 yrs without a problem, so decided to look at the new Pilot. I am glad I did as I was close to buying a Highlander. The technology and design of this truck were well thought out. The handling is solid, plenty of power to get going. Lots of Room for the kids and their stuff. Fuel economy so far hgwy was 23.3. The truck performs well,is very smooth. The turn radius is incredible. Buy this truck if you need room and luv tech toys.

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  On the Mark! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Peachy - March 13 - 6:03 am

  The 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 is an ideal combination of comfort, economy, and pleasure! I have owned either a Mercedes or BMW for my last 3 cars and find the Honda as an ideal alternative to the high cost of ownership of those German automobiles. No, the Honda does not have the anti-sway of those vehicles in high-cornering speeds, but it is more comfortable. I have two herniated disks and the seats of the Honda have alleviated the pain in my legs and back when I drive. I owned a 1994 Honda EX and must admit that this new Accord is like the difference between watching regular and HDTV. Wow, a product that actually exceeded my expectations! Give this car consideration if you want a near-luxo.

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  Goldilocks SUV "Just Right" - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Beth Buck - March 12 - 10:41 am

  I am very tall, as are the rest of my family. The CRV has exceptional interior space, plenty of head room and elbow room. Windows in the front provide excellent visibility. Visibility to the sides and rear are limited due to the small windows. I dont like Hondas change to the new "squashed" version of its SUV line (Pilot, CRV, HRV). However, the "Lane Watch" and rear view cameras do seem to adequately compensate for the limited visibility out the side and rear windows. Personally I would prefer bigger windows. That being said, I do love my new car. I was originally going to purchase the LX base model, but the interior felt really light and fragile. The upholstery looked like it would stain and tear easily. I went with the EXL which is perfect. The car handles well, and gas mileage is good. I previously owned a Fit, which I absolutely loved, but I needed AWD for snow and mountain roads. I then bought a Pilot, which I also loved, but it was way too big for my needs, cumbersome to maneuver, and expensive for maintenance. The CRV is "just right" halfway between the two.