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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  Happy Customer - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Kaikilina - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have no complaints about power because I know nothing will ever compare to my former Prelude. At about 78,000 miles the power locks are having issues (will be a few hundred $) and the breaks are a little squeeky, but this car is so adorable and I know it will last forever!

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  Ridgeline is at the top - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Marcus - June 21 - 1:14 am

  Rides like a car with more technology than a luxury car and at a terrific cost

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  Its The Best In Its Class - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dagoomba - June 20 - 11:18 pm

  I have had my 2012 Civic EX-L W/Navigation for about a week now. I have never owned a Honda before and for my 65th birthday I decided to get me a new Civic. My criteria for a new car was fuel economy, performance and resale value. The cars I considered were Elantra, Focus, Cruze and Civic. I read volumes of reviews and came to the conclusion that the so called expert reviewers felt the 2012 Civic did not make much of a change to the previous years and therefore they felt that Honda had taken a step back to the other models I was considering since they had surpassed the Civic in styling. Since styling was not one of my criteria points those reviews did not stray me away from considering a Civic. In fact since I never have owned a Honda I thought the styling was perfect for best fuel economy. Without going into all of the reasons I decided to buy the Civic (Elantra comes without a spare tire) I will give you my impressions of the first week of owning one. The Civic is very roomy and comfortable. I do wish the glove box and center console were a little bigger, but I can live with the size they are. The I-Mid and navigation screen give you more data than you could imagine. Some reviewers call it cheesy. I think its pretty cool and very informative. Civics come with an "ECON" button that optimizes your fuel economy. When your ECON button is activated your performance takes a hit and acceleration is not as good as it would be with the ECON button not in use. Some reviewers say they cant see any difference between having the ECON button on or off. Well, Im here to tell you there is a difference and its noticeable. But, if you are trying to get the best possible fuel economy that you can then using the ECON button will save you fuel. On my first tank of gas I used the ECON as much as possible in city and highway and got a combined 34.3 mpg. In that first tank I drove from Sacramento to Reno and got 37.5 mpg ( lot of driving uphill and ECON was off while climbing those hills) Coming home from Reno I got 45.5 mpg ( lot of going downhill and had ECON on) So far I am very pleased with fuel economy. The Civic handles well in the turns and with the ECON off it has plenty of pep as far as Im cornered. The air conditioning works great and cools off the cabin nicely. Those in the back seat were very comfortable in 97 degree weather. I do see me tinting the back windows though. The Bluetooth was easy to sync up with my Droid and call quality is very good. Im impressed with the sound system and love being able to use a USB drive. I still have much to learn about this car but so far it is everything I was hoping it would be. I got the EX-L W/Navi for $22,500. I added some other accessories and of course tax, license and doc fees. I also got an 8 year 100,000 extended warranty for $1,200. If you decide to get yourself a 2012 Civic you will not be disappointed. You may not have the sexiest looking car on the road but you will have a solid car that you can depend on now and in the future.

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  Honda Pilot - Very good choice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By RICHARD IN LAS VEGAS - June 20 - 2:50 pm

  We drove, studied & tested them all! Dealer was great! Got quotes from 20 dealers (within 250 miles) via the internet. Several offered over $4,000 off list. Always ask for the out-the-door bottom line price! The pilots a great open road vehicle. We thought a Toyota Highlander might be a better choice but the interior was smaller & less attractive. Nissan is very competitive but the Pathfinder was too new & unproven. We are retired & would give up the third row seats for more front leg room. Front seats are comfortable but no passenger side power seat. Mileage could be better 18-23 mpg. Gas mileage would be better if Honda had a 2wd option. The engine requires 5-20w weight oil & hard to find.

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  Yeah for the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Utah Student - June 20 - 2:06 pm

  Ive been driving a standard compact Ford Focus for seven years, so the CR-V is quite the improvement. I opted for a little upgrade with the moonroof, privacy glass, and AWD. Immediately after purchasing it I drove 250 miles through rural Utah. Had no problem accelerating, even going 75 on a steep incline, or passing. Also had no problem with the road noise that others mentioned, although Im used to way more road noise. The mpg has been around 20 in the city and 25 on the highway, I expect it to increase as i break it in a bit more. Even with the underbite of a front bumper, I couldnt be happier with this car.

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  Great new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By George Liapis - June 20 - 6:00 am

  Not only is the body style very much like the Acura SUV but the ride and gas mileage are great. I am getting over 30 miles per gallon on the highway and the ride is smooth and very quiet. This is truly a keeper. This is one of those vehicles that you will own for over 200,000 miles. After all its a Honda....what more could you want!!!

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  Probably one of the best cars ever made - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By johnnyVDO - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Odyssey because it had the highest reliability rating of any vehicle in Consumer Reports and because Ive had good luck in the past with Hondas. After 80,000 miles the car is still tight and nothing has broken. The only time I went to the dealer was to get a front brake job at 50,000 miles. I also went through a set of tires and a battery. Other than maintenance, the car has cost me $0.00 to repair! WOW! I get about 22 mpg around town and the car handles like a sedan with independent suspension and 4 wheel disk brakes. Fantastic car! No wonder the resale value is so high.

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  Love My Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By mommiemae - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This care has been zero maintenance (except for routine maintenance which I have performed according to schedule.) It has certainly turned me into a Honda owner.

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  Great auto - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Judy - June 19 - 11:35 pm

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  My first Honda after 36 years of Toyotas - 2017 Honda Accord
  By JG - June 19 - 12:24 pm

  I love this car. It has the space, the luxury, the technology, and the pep that I wanted. The Accord is not as quiet as my Toyotas, nor is the music/sound system as good. But both complaints are minor, and this car offers more bang/value for the buck than the equivalent Avalon. Im happy with my choice.