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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  its no ugly duckling - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By chattguy - May 22 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased a crosstour after driving a venza. The honda offers adequate room and versatility with good looks. I have not had long enough for the car to be broken in and see real world mileage, but the ride is excellent and honda eliminated their characteristic road noise issues. I also drive an A5 quattro coupe and this car suspension is less stiff as one would expect, but very compliant and predictable.

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  Love this Minivan!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michelle - May 22 - 5:23 pm

  This is a great minivan. It is very reliable and drives like a car. My husband drives a Lincoln LS and I think the Odyssey handles better than it.

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  YES!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dee Cooper - May 22 - 4:13 am

  I have loved every Honda I have owned. But the Pilot is the best. It provides versatility, performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency into one vehicle!

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  Nearly Flawless - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Stoney - May 21 - 9:13 pm

  Bought this new and have been extremely pleased with the performance, reliability, and overall "functionality." Our 4 cylinder LX accelerates and handles well. The fuel economy is very good. Seat comfort is excellent despite the lack of lumbar adjustment. Repairs have been minimal - oil changes, tire rotation, and new brake pads (typical for 50% city driving). If you buy this car used, be sure to pull a CarFax because there are thousands of "totalled" Accords out there being sold - and it is hard to restore a heavily damaged car to original specs.

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  No Surprises - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lamar Jackson - May 21 - 5:02 pm

  Having owned several Hondas, including a Gen 1 Ridgeline, this vehicle has been no surprise. The engine is smooth and responsive. Fuel economy is good. The exterior paint is excellent. The interior design, and quality of materials is very nice. Seats 4 adults comfortably, 5 in a pinch. Quiet, smooth, ride. Lots of tech to keep me amused. Lots of storage and versatile.

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  A Great Car Overall - Get it!!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Anthony W - May 20 - 1:00 am

  Overall this car is the best I have ever driven. The interior and exterior are simply awesome... definitely the typical Honda... 2 thumbs up to Honda this time! The seats are a bit uncomfortable, but not too bad to deal with.

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  Happy So Far - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Roger - May 19 - 4:30 pm

  This was our first SUV purchase and so far we love the Pilot. We looked at almost every mid size SUV on the market and decided on the Pilot. This is also our first Honda.

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  I love it. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By jeonghyun Lee - May 19 - 12:10 am

  Everything good

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  This car breathes - 2009 Honda Fit
  By sandan - May 18 - 2:46 pm

  Im 63 200lbs and plenty of room to spare in the car. I love manual transmission cars, and wow is the Fit a real treat. Theyve designed the engine in such a way that there is always enough over-lapping torque. Ie. Downshifting especially in traffic is extremely smooth. As a result, Im never hesitant about going in overdrive. Unlike almost all other manual shifting cars, the Fit seems to always get enough air into the engine. It feels like it has the lung capacity of Michael Phelps inside Shawna Johnsons body. It may sound odd to others, but I actually love to drive this car slow. The engine really knows how to purr with little sips of gas.

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  First Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By KK - May 17 - 6:10 pm

  I am in love with my Honda purchased 2 weeks ago. I feel like Im driving a luxury vehicle compared to the 1999 Rav 4 which I traded in. Sweetheart of a ride. I feel safe and secure - its a sound vehicle, comfortable, quiet, plenty of energy for a 4 cylinder, easy steering, decent radio, love the adjustable height in drivers seat, plus adjustable steering wheel. My first time with tinted windows - theyre fantastic - no bright headlights from rear cars annoying me anymore - the window tint completely takes care of that! A bit of a problem with rear vision during backing up, also I sometimes experience a slight vibration in steering wheel at highway speeds.