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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  Practical - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By clavicle - June 19 - 4:53 pm

  If youre shopping for a small SUV or a wagon type of vehicle, this is the practical choice. Its highly rated on most significant categories, not to mention competitively priced, considering Hondas are known to be a little more pricey than its rivals.

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  Bang for the buck - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Walker Boh - June 18 - 2:34 pm

  I traded a 1998 Civic EX for this, so I LOVE the seats- even after 18 hours of driving. Cloth seats may be more comfortable than the leather ones. Love that this car does NOT stand out, especially given my long break-in history. Motor is perfect: Smooth, powerful, and upper 20s in mixed driving. I feel a shudder from 1st to 2nd when the car is warmed up and vibration in tires from 45-65 when temps are 60 or below. The former appears to be caused by a TSB that my dealer says only applies to 03-05 Accords, and Im guessing the flat spots reported on another reviewers tires may be what I have on mine. If I can fix the former and confirm cause on the latter Ill keep her. I LOVE that motor!!

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  Could be better? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fitty - June 18 - 5:13 am

  Nice kick when starting out. Fun to drive and is rather nifty. But after the initial kick and going up any sort of slope, the engine kicks in pretty loud. I have small inclines when driving to work and I have to rev it up to go up those hills. Mileage is very bad. Only getting 26-27 mpg. Was hoping for above 30. A/C is pretty weak, does not blow "cold"air but rather "cool" air.

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  Problems with A/C - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bobbo63 - June 17 - 7:52 pm

  I recently had a problem with car such that the a/c was blowing only hot air. A trip to dealer showed an undiscovered leak in the refrigerant from the system. They were unable to find the leak after 4 hours and have placed a dye in the refrigerant to try to find the pin hole leak. Ive never had this problem with a Japanese vehicle. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I now am supposed to drive the car for 3 months and return the vehicle for discovery of the leak.

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  2006 Honda CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Honda owner - June 17 - 12:28 pm

  Overall the 2006 CR-V is a wonderful SUV, viewpoints very similar to all that have been said previously. Fuel economy could be better, I fill up sometimes 2 times per week, but the gas prices dont help either. I love the gated rear as opposed to my RX300 I "wrecked" last year..the CR-V was the replacement. The SUV is a little boring, miss my electric everything I will say. Radio is average, road noise is loud, comfort not bad.

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  Quintessential Honda Engineering - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bryan Lienesch - June 16 - 1:23 pm

  The powerful 3.5-liter, V6 engine gives the Pilot as much pickup as any Mid-size SUV out there without hurting fuel economy. A spacious cockpit gives the Pilots pilot roomy comfort whether they are 54" or 68". Functionality lets you flip seats up our down in seconds to meet whatever your demands are. But perhaps best of all, the Pilot rides smooth and is one of the more reliable models from a typically very reliable company. All in all, from its beautiful, edgy body to its fast and reliable engine, the Pilot will give you fun and let you keep it with few snags along the way. Maintain this vehicle religiously and the routine maintenance will be the only shop time it sees!

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  Four Wheel Drive on a Budget - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Squash - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Honda CRV is a good choice overall,given Hondas well known build quality and high resale value.It is well engineered and has plenty of room especially for this class.However I do notice some cost cutting measures taken. I am disapointed that only the drivers power window switch illuminates at night.I believe the Honda CRV EX is a good value with the features it does include.However if I was considering the CRV 4WD LX model I would give the Subaru Forester 2.5X a serious look.

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  Good buy for under 20K - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DRE - June 15 - 11:10 am

  Got a new Â’07 LX manual for under 17k. Great vehicle. I get a "true" 37mpg just about all the time (~70% hwy) except for in the winter. While I wouldnÂ’t call it powerful, it does show oomph if revved high enough (if you have the manual). Corners well enough for an economy car though back end tends to slide out early. Only 4 complaints. The ABS seems to kick in prematurely when doing moderate braking. I had to get both sun visors replaced at about 16k miles. They were both coming apart and would eventually not even go up. Shocks/suspension makes noises when car is very cold (after a few miles it goes away). And as most Civic owners already know, itÂ’s not the quietest ride.

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  No way it gets 49/48 mpg - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Jim - June 14 - 9:58 am

  I have had the car three weeks now, when I got it, the car had 25 miles on it and a full tank of gas. The dashboard said 629 miles till empty. I drove it with Econ on, Econ off, sports mode on and off, fast and slow and the low fuel light came on at 420 miles. I only average 34.9miles per gallon, hmm was up with that my 2016 Bmw 328i averaged 36 mpg on highway and that was driving it. They say cold weather effects it, but wow, had same issue with civic hybrid does not get anywhere near proclaimed mileage. Love the car but wow mileage estimates are way off, may go get me 335 or 340.

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  2008 Fit Sport, Audio System - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Portulaca - June 13 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle handles well and is a joy to drive. However, the road noise is greater than what I expected and the radio reception is unacceptable with constant static on local FM stations. The radio is fine as long as the car is not in motion. It immediately begins to crackle when in motion. The car has plenty of power for its size and the gas mileage is wonderful. The head rests are set at a severe angle for short people and cant be adjusted unless a person removes them and reinstalls them backwards, with the angle toward the back seat.