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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  proud owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Terry Tennant - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving my accord very much. I prefer the operation/comfort level of the typical "US VERSION" of the tilt wheel option. I was surprised that I needed rear disc brakes replaced with a bit over 19,000 miles!! Overall..............a great car!

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  The best car yet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Frankie Guardiola - June 1 - 2:00 am

  My accord and all accords are probaly the best cars out there. I have no regrets about my decision

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  Great - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PLaybunny113 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, fun to drive, and very comfortable. The only thing i would change is the space in the back seat. However, what could you ezpect form a 2 door car. All together the car is perfect for someone who likes speed and great performance.

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  surprised - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By eddie - June 1 - 12:40 am

  i have a new ridgeline with xm and moonroof.i was surprised as to how easy i got the dealer to accept my offer. i paid $29444.00 and that is near dealers invoice. they are dealing now as opposed to a year ago. the truck rides like a car and is very comfortable. the rear head rest i had to take off to see out the back windows.so far so good.they even dealt on an extended warranty.from 800 to 600.traded an f150 and am very happy i did. no major complaints so far.

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  Good by Expedition, Hello Honda! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Marco in Florida - May 31 - 9:40 pm

  Coming from a larger SUV like the Expedition, I wasnt sure how I would like the smaller SUV. It has room, comfortable ride, not noisey,very smooth on the road and highway, does great on gas, average 24-26mpg, the Expedition used to average 12mpg, so Im very happy with the price of gas buying the CRV. I test drove the Escape, Rav4, Edge, Outlook, and a few other crossovers, and I liked the CRV the most. Other vehicles compared to the CRV were $3000.00-4000.00 more, and the Honda CRV had more to offer for the money. My wife owns a 05 Acord, and never had any problems. The 05 Expedition was always giving me problems, Im done with Ford, and a happy Honda custmour for life!

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  Just bought it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dan Miller - May 31 - 1:13 pm

  I have had it for a month. So far so good.

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  It is a hidden gems. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Path - May 31 - 11:21 am

  We got our hybrid exl at 20% off MSRP. Above all things, you have to get EX-L or touring. The hybrid base does NOT have android auto or apple car play. Our sales didnt know this. I really like Hondas two display system. It makes reading map instructions extremely easy. I am an average driver. I tend to follow or get a little faster than the traffic, and I would never slow down for the sake of MPG. I have logged about 1000 miles, and I have yet to see mpg drop below 40 for any trip longer than 10 miles. For my commute, which is 15 miles all local, I got an average 45 mpg, while my other cars, honda pilot got 15 and toyota corolla got 26. This Accord is very quiet, nothing like previous hondas which sounds like tractors. But, the best part is when the EV mode kicks in or when it reaches cruising speed it just goes with little motor noise. I am sold on the technology and hope honda catch up with all electric car development soon.

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  The 93 Honda Accord is a Great Car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Mikael - May 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the Best!

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  Looking at Replacement - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By divers - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Researching new vehicles already. Pilot is a let-down. Great value & great protection for me & 5 month old when hit (back driver-side) by a light- runner (40 mph w/$10k damage). The problem - the roof rack piece falling off & after 5 trips to the dealer they cant get rid insane rattling (windows+). My husband hates the road noise & the signature sound rounding corners. After looking at the Yukon and Sequoia, Im going to miss the storage and my payment. If only...

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  First ride impressions - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Mark - May 31 - 12:56 am

  I really think this a decently well equipped vehicle. I seem to be different and unique to everyone else. This is Honda and as a Honda product it is well built. I get disappointed with vehicle options across the board and with all manufacturers. First, I absolutely despise black interior. Gray seats is an option but the door trim, carpeting , and trim panels are all black. I work in the construction trade. With the mud on my boots and dirt on clothing I hate black. It shows everything. Another disappointment is the Ex-L with Nav trim level. I wish an EX-L trim was available like on the C-RV. Factory Nav is a very pricey option. I have a smart phone. The factory system has screen mirroring and Bluetooth. I see no justifiable reason what so ever I should upwards of $1000 for a Nav system when a phone offers the features for free. In the bigger more expensive C-RV Honda takes this into consideration and offers Nav as a stand alone option in the EX-L trim. I live a area that gets alot of snow, but I drive about 45,000mi/yr. I wanted just FWD because of the 3MPG better highway fuel economy. I have used dedicated winter tires on all of my vehicles for many years. So far, I have held off on my purchase of an H-RV, as I can purchase a FWD C-RV EX-L w/o Nav for only a couple thousand more with current local incentives and market pricing.