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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  2008 Si is great - 2008 Honda Civic
  By peter - October 7 - 2:10 am

  This car is strictly fun to drive. You can drive it "soft" if you want to, or rev it up all the way to 8000 RPMs and fly around the corners. Easy maneuvering, great road grip, and I think relatively quiet for a "sports" car.

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  Nice face but ugly butt - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Matt - October 6 - 11:10 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and kind of surprised I bought the 2004 because when I first saw the 2003 I was turned off by the styling. It looked as if some bean counters at Honda had to cut some where so they lopped the rear end off. It took me a good year to get use to it. When it came time to replace my 94 Accord(which we gave to our son)the 2004 still offered the most bag for the buck. All the bells and wistles for $26K was too hard to pass up. I just dont look back(at the back end of the car unless I have to). Matt-Maine

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  LOVE! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - October 6 - 9:39 am

  My mechanic (and owner of shop) told me this was the car to buy over a Rav 4. This car handles amazingly in the snow!! It handles well and is comfortable to ride. I purchased the EX-L and I am glad I did. Like others said, there is a slight vibration when you have the foot on the brake at a stop, but not a big deal. Honda has a great reputation and I am so glad I bought this car. The back has great leg room as well. No regrets

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  Best of the best - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Mohusker - October 6 - 3:05 am

  After three months, 32-33 mpg (measured). PROS: Mileage, comfort, room, handling, ride, quality of materials, cargo capacity, value, push-button start, walk-away locking, collision mitigation, android auto, shifter location, up-front bag storage, standard equipment on EX, visibility, styling. CONS: No tuning knob, digital instruments, small gas tank (14 gal), funky gas & temp guages. Italso easy to turn off the info illumination when adjustung the volume. The cloth seats are of high-quality fabric and well-styled.. We like the matte wood trim, but we would prefer that all dash panels not be black regardless of the interior color chosen. Too bad the safety equipment is not available on the lower trim level.

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  Element-Like it a lot - 2003 Honda Element
  By Big JDHS - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Its funny looking...so well thought out. Three weeks old. So much room and easy to get at all interior areas. Why did it take a car mfg. so long to come back with these doors from the Nash? Im 55 yrs and love this car. Color black, manual trans. Fun to drive. Great visability, comfortable. I put sheepskins on front seats and it couldnt be better. Needs passenger arm rest.

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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2003 Honda Civic
  By west517 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend this vehicle to young and old buyers who want to have fun when driving their vehicle. The two-door EX (especially the Blue Pearl color) with the standard alloys is the one to get because it just looks so good on the road and many people will envy you even though it is "just a Honda Civic". So yes I am satisfied with my decision.

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  Good second car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Leon - October 5 - 6:13 am

  I was looking for a second car to make our family less dependent on each other with commuting. This car is probably the best compromise between the price and quality for a compact sedan. I enjoy driving it every time

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  Five New Accords and Still Buying - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Austin McCown - October 4 - 9:00 am

  This is really a great little car. It is extremely dependable. This is not my first Accord. If it proves to be, as it has so far, having the dependability of its older brothers, it will be unbeatable. It is a blast to drive, handling like one of the cars in the 40-50K price range. I do wish they would improve on the quality of the leather. It just isnt durable. Cheap leather coupled with cheap vinyl! The brakes are also still a problem. I am already seeing signs of problems. These are my main complaints. I dont understand why Honda cant get the brakes to be more efficient. Other than that, I love my Accord. I was at 1st concerned about the 4-cyl. Not to worry! Power Plus!!!!!

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  Great SUV for the money - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rodney Dahlgren - October 4 - 8:06 am

  Pros: Very quiet, smooth riding, handles good for an SUV, high quality interior, fit and finish, loads of interior room, excellent sound system, lots of safety features, can surf the web and watch Youtube videos. Cons: Hondalink doesnt work more often than not, bluetooth drops out occasionally, Wi-fi doesnt always connect to phone (tethering), gas cap cover doesnt fit correctly, no dual exhaust tips, 9 speed transmission acts hesitatingly at low speeds and when downshifting going downhill. Overall, this car is expensive (Elite model), but you get more for your money than most other SUVs. This SUV is actually fun to drive like most Hondas are. It is very quiet and smooth riding on smooth roads. Rough roads, not so much. It is actually quieter than my Mercedes. No car is perfect but this one comes pretty close. I love this car.

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  Im Cooking with Gas - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Konstantin - October 4 - 4:46 am

  I just got my Honda a few days ago and it definitely looks superb in terms of driving fun & reliability. I myself highly appreciate Toyota and the same goes to Honda features. What a gas mileage and smooth tranny in comparison to my previous 2000 Honda CR-V . The exterior designs just marvelous and it really satisfies you in roomy Interior as well. Honda got that little bit extra. Cmon. Come ride with us.