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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  2016 Honda pilot Elite - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Martin M. - January 6 - 8:58 am

  I would not recommend for anyone else to buy a $50k+ SUV or car that is an electrical hot mess. the radio, navigation and entertainment system do not work properly even after an update was done by the dealer recently; its 9 speed transmission makes noises when changing gears specially at around 27 to 30 MPH; it also some times while driving down hill with your foot on brake wants to accelerate rather than slow down... (not sure if it just another electrical problem and the dealer told me they are not sure is the noise is coming from the transmission) the dealer has not been able to find out what the problem is after 2 days and over 150 miles of test driving it; now they have a field engineer from American Honda coming to take a look at it.

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  VIBRATIONS AT IDLE !!! Not an issue, a problem! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By badvibration1 - January 6 - 8:24 am

  Bought in December 10 2014. After a 2 block test drive I really liked it. After purchase I noticed a vibration in the seats and between1000 and 2000 rpm and a droning noise. Thought that was the way a 4 cyl. was supposed to be since I have always drivin 6 cyl. Well I looked online and omg! This is not what is normal prior CRV s . Honda is telling thousands a fix is coming, if a fix is needed for a new car how can you sell them knowing there is an issue, Honda calls it an issue, to a consumer its a problem! Honda uses the word issue to downplay it. Look out Honda! You tricked the wrong person. Imagine your an ant, all others are stepping on you to kill ya, well Im a 20 lb sledge.. Fix it!

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  Car of the year - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RICHM - January 6 - 5:20 am

  Fantastic, fun car to drive--have owned suvs for years, gas was driving me to the poor house on these vehicles, not on my honda hybrid, averaging 49 mpg,yeah!

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  Classy truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Eric Watts - January 6 - 4:15 am

  Despite being equipped with a towing hitch the electrical wiring is not complete. In order to tow you will need to purchase the final hitch working harness and have it installed.

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  Gaining Attention - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BJ - January 5 - 1:53 pm

  After the timing belt went on my 99 dodge stratus. I decided that it was a good time to purchase a new vehicle. With only 450 miles on my belt, the new 08 Honda Accord is making me one happy person. The gas mileage not up to were I like it to be, but I hear that over time it will improve. The car a bit on the pricey side, but for all the features, great ride, and enough room for a 6 to 61" guy; its will worth the money.

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  Exceptional fuel economy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Amy V. - January 5 - 1:36 pm

  Ive purchased this new 2009 Fit (Sport, auto). Exceptional fuel economy. Exceeded EPA rating!!! Have put 650 miles on it and the mix drivings: 39/44.7/42.3 (fastest speed is 80/85 mph and slowest is 40/45 mph) - Would recommend this lovely car to anyone! I can see the new EPA as of 38/48/45 pretty soon after engine breakdown.

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  My first Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bruce - FL - January 5 - 12:13 pm

  The 2008 Accord is the first Honda Ive ever owned. This is one great automobile. the fit and finish is unmatched. not a single item needed post purchase service or attention. The engine and transmission is the smoothest unless compared with a vehicle costing $20k more. the variable cylinder management changes to 4 cyl when not under load, this helps with fuel mileage. I highly recommend the Honda Accord.

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  Six Trouble Free Years - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ATB - January 5 - 6:46 am

  We love our Accord, and feel that it is, without a doubt, the very best quality vehicle we have ever owned. We like it much better than a previous Camry, a Mazda 626 and a Ford.

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  Know what youre buying. A top notch sedan. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Zak - January 5 - 4:26 am

  I think most people have always confused the accord and the civic with some kinds of wannabe track car. These are passenger vehicles. Front wheel drive and fuel efficient. Everyone wants these tight handling sedans. Honda would not survive if they did not grow. In this country we have wide open streets and long straight highways. Yes; we will have the occasional twisty. Think of this car as a step up from the 07 accord. Similar to the 2000 Acura RL. It is a safe reliable family and passenger vehicle. If you want performance, you want rear wheel drive. Get an S2000. Its a great car with good firm wheel feel. Consistent steering and solid brakes. Roomy and comfortable.

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  Awesome Power! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Steve Austin - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car to look at and a joy to drive! Closet thing youll ever get to driving a race car! I will get it on the track for some fast laps!