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:

• 

  Just got it yesterday... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By H-guy99 - December 16 - 3:10 pm

  This review is not intended to offer a long term analysis, as I just got the CR-V yesterday. In a nutshell, the car is amazing. Quiet, fun, handles like a car and quite luxurious, considering the price. I got mine (on the road) for a tad over 27k. Interior is perfection and IMHO, better than the higher priced Acura RDX and blows away the RAV-4, which were the other cars I was considering (the car is actually for my wife). Weve been driving it around for two days now, and the fun factor is enormous. The RAV-4 will give you more bang for the buck, but I think other than sheer performance, the CR-V is a much better vehicle. The others arent even worth mention.

• 

  Gets you home - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Todd - December 16 - 2:51 am

  My old vehicle ran well but when it was unable to get me home, it was time for a change. This gets better mileage and with AWD much better traction. Where I live they do not plow well or often, combine that with snow drifts and it was a simple choice.

• 

  MOST FUN CAR - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Fred - December 15 - 9:02 pm

  I have four cars....Mercedes 280 convertible,VW Cabriolet convertible, Mazda truck,and the Honda....It is the most fun car I have ever had and I never feel like I ever need to fill it.The only thing lacking is leather uphostery but I love zipping around in it more than any car I have owned.All my cars have a reason. The Mercedes 280 SE is probably the most beautiful car ever but too heavy for engine but still knocks people away...ALWAYS used in movies whenever they want a classy car for stars even today.Mine original.

• 

  2008 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - December 15 - 7:53 pm

  Our family was badly in need of a car. Starting price of anything of any type of quality was approx. 25K. Looked at several vehicles. Jetta TDI: great mileage, poor build quality of the car. Passat: nice car, addl $$ for premium gas, not as big of interior as accord, dealer that we would utilize for service not clean. Volvo S40: nice car, small in size, about same as Jetta, very well built. Accord Sedan 4 cyl: great car, great quality. Our winner: Accord Sedan EX-L V6: great car, great quality, excellent fit and finish, lifetime dealer warranty on eng/trans, ULEV/PZEV, power when needed/wanted, best financing avail., nearly identical mpg as 4 cylinder d/t VCM.

• 

  Love my first hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By hch2socal - December 15 - 2:30 pm

  Gave up my Acura TL after 7 great years. Was a little worried about "trading down" to Honda, but I couldnt be happier. Was looking for a commuter car, & this definitely fits the bill. Its very well built, nice interior, and easily fits 4 people (5 might be cozy, we havent tried it yet). While not the most powerful car, it delivers what it needs to in most situations. Its quite loud around 3- 4K RPM (going up steep hills). But by far the best feature - 42MPG, as advertised. Got 51MPG today on a 74 mile drive. I dont mind sitting at stop lights as much anymore, since the car shuts off. It does lack in some "luxury" things (push button start, HID, etc), but for 22K, cant complain. Great car.

• 

  Awesomely Insane !!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sixspeed - December 15 - 10:16 am

  This is my 3rd Civic. I had a couple years ago and have been with GM for many years. After constant problems with GM and fuel prices, have gone back to Honda. Im 63" 210 lbs, and I had to have the drivers seat customized and moved back 3" to accommodate my legs. Now that Ive done that its totally comfortable. I didnt realize it was just a bit to short in legroom until a long drive, my Hondas years ago had more leg room. Other than that, a real great car. Totally worth the $ for the Si. I think the other models I would be disappointed in lack of power coming from a 3.8 V6 Grand Prix GT but this Si is even faster and performs better than the Grand Prix. Gas mileage awesome!

• 

  Love my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By daves element - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just what I wanted. A small SUV like tote that I can get a lot of stuff in if need be. And it even fits my golf clubs in the back if they are laid caddy corner. And when I wanted to buy 4 packaged of 4 cubic ft each of peat moss I just flipped up a seat and it all fit. Rides like a larger vehicle but easy to park. Also looked at RAV 4 but it is not as flexible in being able to tote things (back seats just flip down) and it rode rougher.

• 

  Handsome Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By senior thomas - December 15 - 10:00 am

  My pilot came with a bubbled windshield with a ton of bubbles in the sunscreen part of the windshield. Aside from that (and it was repaired under warranty) it has been a great rig. I tow a 2400 pound hardside tent trailer with it and it acts like it barely knows the trailer is there. The brakes are really strong 4 wheel disks. Corners really well. My back hurt all the time in my old car and now, I can drive for hours with no problem. Great car on the freeway with all wheel drive for in the snow.

• 

  - 2004 Honda Civic
  By You Already Know - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Got it as a high school graduating gift. First car Ive owned. I usually get an average of 33 mpg. I think that is bad knowing I should get more.

• 

  My Third Accord - Best Yet! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HondaNut - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first Accords with an A/T in 76 and have been a fan ever since. In the last five years Ive owned an Odyssey, CR-V, and this new Accord. This is the best of the lot. Super comfortable, amazing handling and really quiet. I was amazed at the leg room in the back seat, even with the front seats pushed back. This is my around-town car, so the four banger is plenty of power with sweet gas mileage. 17+ gallon tank means passing a lot of gas stations along the way. Even the paint is superior to other cars in this price range.