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:

• 

  Love it!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chipper99 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Only had it for one day, but extatic....planned on buying Infinit G35, or Acura TSX. We can do alot with the extra cash, and bought an awsome car!

• 

  My first SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Oldengineer - November 10 - 5:16 am

  The CRV is the first SUV Ive ever owned - having driven sedans for 40+ years. The vehicle drives and handles like an excellent sedan. I find it very comfortable on long trips. The engine performs decently enough and is well matched to the smooth shifting 5 speed automatic. I like the interior room and the large cargo capacity. Even though my CRV is an entry level model, its reasonably well equipped. Build quality is excellent, and the interior appears to be of high quality. My only beef with the CRV is its so-so fuel economy at interstate speeds. Other than that Im very satisfied with the vehicle.

• 

  Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By mc74j - November 9 - 9:26 am

  Rides like a high end car like no other Honda. It rides and feels like a Caddy or Audi. Roomy super nice in and out. Plenty of power from a strong name being a Honda.

• 

  My Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Marie - November 9 - 12:53 am

  Fun car to drive. Best pickup Ive had on a "normal" vehicle of any kind. GREAT on gas mileage and reliability. Only problem I have with this car is the driver seat is very uncomfortable. I am of average height and weight but the seat is terrible. Great interior design and roomy for a fairly small car. Would buy again except for the seats. If they dont improve on them, I would buy something else.

• 

  First Time Honda driver - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By First Timer - November 7 - 2:56 pm

  This is my first Honda and I am sold. We had a Town and Country for 4 years and the rattles, wind noise, and drafty interior drove me nuts. I bought the Odyssey and left 2 days later for a 2000 mile trip. Not only was it quiet (no need to turn up the radio) but in the dead of winter there were no drafts. What I cant figure out is why all the vans are not made this well. The gas mileage has not quite been as advertised but then most vehicles are not. I wish the doors would unlock when I push the remote to open the sliding doors (my Chrysler did) and I wish I could lock the doors while the sliders are closing (you have to wait until the doors close). Great vehicle, buy it.

• 

  Nice Ride! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Beth Kuzmich - November 7 - 2:47 pm

  I LOVE my new Pilot! It is comfortable, quiet, and a nice ride. There is plenty of interior room, and head/leg room, even in the 2nd and 3rd rows. Good storage between two front seats. With the 60/40 3rd row split you can put different size cargo in and only give up minimal seating. The rear trunk space is very limited, so I would suggest installing roof rack bars and investing in a sturdy storage container. The climate control and entertainment options keep all rows of travelers happy too. Plenty of cupholders too. One of the issues I have experienced is a seriously over-sensitive front impact safety sense. It screams BRAKE at you and shakes the steering wheel even when there is no chance for front impact (this is especially true when vehicle is taking a corner to the right and there is a car coming around the same curve on the opposite side). Can be very unnerving.

• 

  Stand-out for Best Value - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brad S. - November 7 - 8:23 am

  Ive had the Civic for a couple of weeks and love it. Dealer had a tough time finding a manual in Atomic Blue, so I took the automatic...great move. Compared several others and found it by far the best value for performace, styling, saftey and MPGs. Very distinctive car to drive. Everyone in awe of MPGs (especially coworkers with trucks and SUVs!) Two tier instruments fun and practical. Airbags and safety features abound.

• 

  Its a winner ! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By baxter james - November 6 - 8:31 am

  Get Edmonds price quote it saved us a little more money than the dealership was quoting. Smooth ride and quiet.

• 

  Couldnt be Happier - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - November 6 - 4:56 am

  Honda quality throughout. Tons of room. All three rows have plenty of space. I was amazed at the ride - I expected it to ride like a truck, but the smoothness and quiet are better than my old Lincoln Towncar. Acceleration is excellent. Extremely solid, safe feel. All the bells and whistles of a luxury car. Outlets are everywhere, pockets and nooks and crannies for storage all around you. Center console is so huge, I can fit TWO gallons of milk. A remarkable vehicle. Gas mileage is poor: I get 15mpg city.

• 

  Oh Yeah! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By RoaringRed - November 5 - 9:16 pm

  This is my third Honda, first Civic ( 2 Accords)- superbly designed vehicle. Runs tight and quick which leads to easy manuverability. Clear view behind and sides of vehicle.