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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  Great all around car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By nathanapt357 - June 27 - 5:10 pm

  This is a $30K sedan that actually gives you a lot for the money; it handles well, is fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, has good acceleration, has plenty of legroom in both the front and the rear, the front seats hug the driver and passenger so they dont slide around in higher speed turns, and the 6-disc in-dash CD changer w/ XM radio is decent. The voice commands control the climate control, the navigation system, the stereo system, and the other electronics in the car-- a good thing since some of the manual controls are places slightly out of comfortable reach. At this price, the car should come with Xenon HID lights and Bluetooth. Navigation system is not as good as some portables.

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  Aging - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Brock - June 27 - 4:34 pm

  Has been a very satisfying vehicle. Have had a few problems with suspension, starter and steering but they were taken care of.

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  Celebrating Honda Ownership for 1 month - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Amber Davidson - June 27 - 3:10 pm

  I LOVE my Civic! I had been wanting one for at least 10 years. Instead, I bought a Jetta. My Jetta was great but super duper expensive on repairs. I researched and researched what I was looking for in a Civic and I got it. The one caution I would tell anyone; when I first got the car, I had downloaded iOS 10 beta. It and Apple Car Play didnt talk well. So I had to reset my phone - I hated the software anyway - and basically reset my car computers. Everything has been great since!

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  Solid SUV /Great Value - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - June 27 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent SUV. Build very solid with many standard safety features. Smooth and quite engine that handles very well, even on wet roads. Deceptively roomy inside with a back seat that can recline to add to passenger comfort. Excellent sound system and good MPG(22 local). Great value for your $.

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  Reviewing the reliable egg - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Cindy Stewart - June 27 - 9:21 am

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  Totally Satisfied - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ben - June 27 - 3:43 am

  Turned in a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan with 230000 miles in the CARS program and couldnt be happier. This car looks and feels fantastic. Could have a little more zip when merging on the highway, but it is certainly not a dog and it cruises in the mid 70s (mph) seamlessly. Absolutely comfortable and hugs the road. Nice interior design and two tier instrument panel is beautiful and ergonomic. Sound system is excellent.

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  Hondas are your Best Value - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Sheepless - June 26 - 4:30 pm

  I only just picked up my Pilot 4 days ago (2007)and I am thrilled with it! I test drove the Highlander and even though the outside is attractive, the comfort of driving one even for a test drive just didnt cut it for me. I wanted more from my vehicle for the price range. I went with the Pilot since it was over $8,000 cheaper. I know I made the right decision after bringing home the Pilot and driving it.

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  Great SUV, but questionable gas mileage. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By BONES - June 25 - 7:43 am

  For the most part this vehicle is awesome. Some people have had an issue with the exterior, but I have had nothing but compliments on its looks. Its one tough truck for sure. The handling is excellent. Although, it took some getting used to the transmission that slows you down when you take your foot off the accelerator. The turning radius is unbelievable. The only thing troubling me right now is the gas mileage. I went from a 4-runner with a V8 to the Pilot thinking I would get better mpg with a 6cyl. So far thats not the case. I primarily drive in stop and go traffic. I am only getting about 13 mpg. I do run the A/C constantly, so that may have something to do with it. Otherwise, I love it.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Honda Accord
  By L.T. - June 25 - 1:33 am

  I purchased my Accord after discovering that my Acura CL had manufacturing defects in the paint and transmission, (I loved it & the Acura line until then!!). Despite the unforeseen problems w/the Acura I loved its speed, agility and Bose Stereo. So, I got the Accord because it was affordable and practical, and did not expect to love it. But..the V6 is quick, agile, (not as much as the acura). I get tons of compliments on the smooth, quiet ride, more of a sporty,roomy sedan. The look is not especially sporty, but not boring. The brakes are overly sensitive/grabby, and there are some blind spots at the pillars and front end. Overall pleased & pleasantly surprised.

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  Run, dont walk - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mark - June 24 - 9:06 pm

  Get this automobile soon as possible. I recently received mine and Im absolutely thrilled! I never write reviews for anything but this car is very impressive. Fuel economy is an important part of the story, but just getting more for your money in every way is the overall benefit. My Taffeta white coupe just keeps me staring at it when parked!! Do your due diligence with similar models, you will come back to this Honda for sure as I did.