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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  Real Honda satisfaction - 1996 Honda Accord
  By hondaboy - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Simply a great, dependable car that drives very well. Accord currently has 113000 miles, Ive owned it for the last 40000. Outside of routine maintenance (tune-up, timing belt, etc.) only expense was a faulty emission sensor. As with every Honda Ive owned, the gas mileage has been better than advertised. I consistently get 30mpg+ with this Accord. I cant imagine owning a different brand of car.

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  Best in Class - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By RickE - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Odyssey for 1 year today. The car has exceeded expectations in every way. With 2 young boys, the car is very roomy and provides tremendous versatility. Mechanically- flawless! The fit and finish remains impeccable. When on the road with the family, there is no substitute for being comfortable and secure.You wont find a better family car.

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  fun to corner - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Fang - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Whenever I made a sharp turn in my prelude, it just makes me feel handsome. The build quality is also outstanding. The only problem is that the car feels bumpy on uneven road. I think Honda could not avoid this problem since the car is too light.

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  Excellent! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By josteelers - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I ever bought. I bought it used, off a Honda Dealer and I got to say, so far, its been the best decision Ive made! It is great on fuel, it looks great and it is very reliable. I just make sure I get oil changes every 3-4k miles, and its good to go. Since Ive owned it, all that has need replaced are "wear and tear" items, such as brakes, tires, muffler, battery. The exterior still looks great - my car is black, and there are no rust spots, or chips in the paint - its still has the glossy finish.

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  Owned for 3 months - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Alicia - May 8 - 9:23 pm

  Ive had this car for just over 3 months. And I have to say I truly love it! I knew this was the car for me from the second I sat in it. I find that the seats are very comfortable, unlike some other reviewers. I think this is just because Im very small, while my average sized bf find it to be just ok. My only complaint is that it can occasionally get louder than my old Prius at high speeds. But its really not even that loud.

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  Oh how I wanted to love this CRV. So disappointed - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Run from Honda - May 8 - 4:33 pm

  Beware! Do NOT purchase any CRV made in 2008 or later. My 2013 CR-V that is cared for per manufactures recommendations and driven moderately has been making a terrible grinding noise since about 1 year after purchase. Honda Service has diagnosed the noise as emanating from the VTC Actuator. Noise has become much worse over time and this noise occurs after every cold start. The noise is so loud that it turns heads in parking lots. What is really frustrating is that Honda has know of this issue since 2008 and still has not corrected the problem and does not disclose the issue prior to purchase. Honda simply states, "Yes there is a loud grinding noise but dont worry it is not doing any damage to the engine." This is my fourth Honda (I typically purchase a new car once every 4 to 5 years). This experience has left me resolve to never purchase another Honda. By the way three of my family members own CRV (2011, 2015 and 2016 -- two of the three make the same LOUD grinding noise when starting the engine. Toyota or Subaru here we come.

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  Great truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By clifford carroll - May 8 - 12:26 pm

  Love it.

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  Lasts Forever - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Happy Civic ownre - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda LX 4 door with 55,000 miles on it.I now have over 340,000 miles on it. I maintain car as recommended. It does not consume/burn any oil. The last two sets of tires averaged 75,000 miles due to me not rotating them regularly. I have not yet had to replace the clutch or shock absorbers. I have had to replace the front brake rotors on two different occasions due to warpage and have had to replace the distributor and the alternator. This has been a phenomenally reliable and inexpensive car to own. I am wondering how many miles I can get on this engine. Has anyone heard of a Civic engine with more than 340,000 miles on it?

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  VERY GOOD!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By shen0282 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A NICE CAR.IT IS FUN THAT I DRIVING EVERY TIME.THE NEXT CAR,JUST HONDA ACCORD.

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John - May 8 - 12:41 am

  I traded in my 2010 Toyota Sienna last October. The first thing the 2016 Pilot impressed me is its fuel economy. It is much better than my Toyota van. In the Minnesota winter, I could get average of 20 mpg for mixed local and freeway drivings. The new Pilot is also very quiet, much lower road noise compared to the minivan I had. The ride is so smooth and stable. On a smooth road, you just cant feel the speed you are driving. With the AWD, it handles so well on snow. The car doesnt look big from outside, but sitting inside you feel its quite roomy. I had 8 adult rides several times and never heard anyone complained. Before I bought the Pilot, I read much about the problems with the same 9-speed transmission on Jeep. But I never had any issue with my transmission. It always shifts smoothly up and down, and reacts swiftly. I guess Honda must have a better software control. The lane keeping technology works very well even with poor road marks, at night, and in rain conditions. I really enjoy driving the 2016 Pilot.