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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  Honda CR-V....Best in class - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By ONYXDJDIANA - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V is rated high for a reason! I test drove an automatic but preferred the manual for power...I own a 5spd and LOVE IT! I researched all the mini SUVs and Honda was rated highest. Now that I own it, I KNOW WHY! It is roomy, fun to drive, reliable, very quiet, and fully functional. Ive used it for DJ equip., distance travel, travel to and from work, etc. (versatile) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Only complaint: function of locks.

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  Could be better - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Ann - July 13 - 7:13 pm

  I tested this car as was interested in the 2017 revamp. The 190hp is weak and noisy. Sitting in the back seat its noisy there as well. I dont like the shifter being so far up and forward as its awkward and can block controls when in park. Honestly I wish they would bring back V6 engine as most of the fours are so noisy and lack sufficient power. Overall found the car like an appliance rather then something fun or interesting to drive.

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  Serious Safety Concerns - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan - July 13 - 7:13 pm

  My wife and I purchased a new 2007 Honda Odyssey. It has been in the shop several times. Recently after having service completed for a defective steering pump, my wife lost control of her van when the steering wheel locked up. The van was towed and the service department claimed they accidentally replaced the defected steering pump with a defected steering pump. All that said, be careful buying a Honda Odyssey, the so- called "Honda Quality" is not all that its worth. Please Be Careful!

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  Amazing!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By L7jr - July 13 - 5:30 pm

  I feel I can now judge the car after owning it for about 1,400 miles. The performance of the engine is more than adequate especially when moving the shifter from D to D3 and back again to get that extra power when merging or passing. The steering and handling are amazing. The styling of this car, especially the front makes me want to drool when I gaze at it. Fuel economy is also excellent. I consistently average 30MPG between my fill-ups. The two-tier dashboard is perfect as well as the great stereo. I love the fact that I can plug my MP3 player into it and let the subwoofer do its thing. This car is defintely worth the money when broken down dollar for dollar against the TC and Corolla.

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  Wonderful car, we love it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Thien - July 13 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent design both in and out. Very fun to drive and love to look at the MPG gauge to see how Im doing. Have to turn a 180 on driving habits. Just bought the car last week so I cant say much about the mileage. Currently the computer estimated at 35 mpg w/AC blasted all the time in city drive. Cant wait to get up to the EPA estimate.

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  Great car so far - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Thomas - July 13 - 3:13 pm

  Only had it a few weeks but its been great so far.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By CLS525 - July 13 - 3:09 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2016 Honda Pilot after my 2008 Odyssey (with 198,000 miles) was totaled in an accident. I test drove everything from a Kia to Lexus and but loved the Pilot the minute I sat in it. Maybe it was because it felt more like my Odyssey or maybe it was because it was a brand new car; Im not sure. Whatever the case, its now almost 2 months (and 3,800 miles) later and Im not so in love anymore. On the upside, the fuel economy is great and the "Econ" option button helps get even more out of one tank of gas. The seats are comfortable for a short person (52") and the front seat storage is great. The sound system is good....if you listen to Sirius radio. Not so great with local stations (lots of static & a very "tinny" sound). This is my 4th Honda (I had a Civic, and a CR-V before the Odyssey) and all of my previous 3 served me very well.....lots of miles driven and never had any trouble. All that said, this Pilot has had little hiccups from the beginning that Im afraid will eventually turn into long-term indigestion. As mentioned in so many other reviews, the touchscreen is extremely slow and way too complicated to operate while driving. Some of the controls really need to be on the steering wheel. In addition, some of the settings dont lock, i.e. the lock setting for the doors. I tried setting the doors to lock when shifted from "P". It works initially, but defaults back to factory settings once the vehicle is turned off for a couple of hours. Both the dealer and Honda state that they "dont have a fix for it yet." Another drawback is handling: it hydroplanes VERY easily. My husband was surprised when the car hydroplaned on a moderately wet road when traveling slower than the speed limit. In one instance where I had to stop suddenly (on dry pavement) to avoid someone who pulled out in front of me, the rear of the car swerved to the left almost like the ABS didnt work. Ive also experienced (a couple of times) the feeling that the cruise control doesnt disengage upon turning it off manually or by hitting the brake; the car will continue moving forward at the cruise control speed until I hit the brake harder. Its only happened a couple of times so Im not sure if its just a nuance of the transmission or if theres really a problem. I did purchase the extended warranty simply because I put a lot of miles on my vehicles and like that extra reassurance but now, after driving it for a couple months, I have a feeling there may be some failed features down the road that will make that extended warranty more valuable to me. Overall, Im disappointed in the 2016 Pilot and definitely dont feel as safe as I did in my Odyssey. If I had to do it over again, I think I would end up going with another Odyssey or another brand of vehicle.

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  first japanese make - will never go back - 2006 Honda Civic
  By neilb - July 13 - 10:53 am

  the interior is very nice. i was going to purchase the prius until i saw the interior of the civic. it is more refined and the strange center console on the prius bothered me. i really like the exterior styling. my gas mileage has averaged around 48 mpg and i expect it to go up after the break-in period. the navigation system is a must have. i have the silver opal and the color is great. seems to change depending on the time of day. safety features are unprecedented: 6 airbags standard, abs, a.c.e. structure protects during collision, front seat weight and position sensors, active head restraints are all standard.

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  Ideal Small SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Newbie - July 13 - 4:43 am

  Im a Toyota person having owned and loved my Highlander and other Toyotas over the years, but I wanted a smaller SUV. The Rav4 has a bit better "fit and finish" and lots to like, but I did not want the rear door that opens like a car door nor the tire there. The AWD CR-V handles very well in snow, and the 4 cyl engine performs well enough for me. The CRV is the perfect size for me. It looks beautiful to me and gives a panoramic view of the road like other SUVs. Its safety record is tops.

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  i miss my prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By bluemerle - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Drove it for six years and loved it. Just bought an SUV and wish i still had a fun fast car. Not one single mechanical problem in six years! Amazing.