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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  Pewter SE Problems - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By ClaytonHonda - July 18 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my Pewter Pearl SE on 2/14 from a dealership. It had 24 miles on it when I got it. The next morning there was a puddle on my driveway. Took it for repairs, and they changed out the power steering reservoir and hoses. The next morning, I had a smaller puddle, but this time it was oil. There is a faulty seal. It is 2/17 now and the car is still in the shop. The drives from my house to the service center have been enjoyable. The car is comfortable and seems to drive a lot like a nice car. My wife loves the room and the way it drives. Anyway, the dealer will not replace it, so I guess I will be trading a CRV SE with 100m in and taking a hit. Obviously this one is bad.

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  Beats a Volvo V70 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bonnie - July 17 - 7:30 pm

  I have finally taken my Pilot EX-L w/entertainment system on a road trip and Im very pleased. Mileage with cruise on most of the time was 24 mpg. The trip was 6 hours long, I only stopped once and was very comfy the whole time. I loved the XM radio and 6 CD stereo on this trip and all the space in the vehicle made placement of maps, drinks, cell phone and snacks very convenient. I had to dodge road debris several times at 80 mph and the Pilot handled beautifuly. It also rained on this trip and the handling was no different. I traded in my 2000 Volvo V70 for this and I only wish I had done it sooner. My husband drives a 2000 Accord and we are convinced Honda is the way to go.

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  Please change the rear seats! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ray - July 17 - 6:47 am

  HONDA DESIGNERS BEWARE...The Touring model is really a beautiful car until you notice the front and rear seats are completely different!?! The front seats are perforated leather worthy of luxury cars, but rear seats are of plain jane variety reminding you of police cruisers and taxicabs (puke!)

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  The best Hybrid-truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Croy - July 17 - 5:33 am

  I call it a Hybrid not because of the engine but because of the design. The inside comfort and room plus a truck bed, trunk and the reliability and engineering make this a great truck. I cannot express how nice it is to drive. I have had mine a month now and I sometime just go out for a drive in my ridgeline just to enjoy the vehicle. I have hauled a diverse payload in the past month from mulch to a ton of concrete. So far this truck has done nothing but please me.

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  A Lemon Honda? I didnt know those exist - 1990 Honda Accord
  By lanec - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Some highlights of the last 4 years: Replaced the transmission ($3,000), engine work ($900), brake system repairs ($1300), cv axle boot ($250), cv axle boot ($250), cv axle boot ($250), ANOTHER cv axle boot ($250), AAARRRRRGGHHHH cv axle boot($250). (Yes thats number 5.) sunroof ($100).

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  Honda S2000 2002 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By toto122 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car about 5 months and it was run perfectly. The fit and finish is excellent. The transmission and engine are extremely smooth and feel like a formula I race car. The 9000 rpm red line really is a different experience. It takes a little getting use to the powerband being in the 5500- 7500 rpm range. Not a lot of space but then again I didnt expect much. I did upgrade the speakers and add an amplifier to ensure clearer sound at highway speeds with the top down.

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  Do not buy - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Bekelech Getachew - July 16 - 9:22 pm

  Do not buy this car because Sliding door has creaking noise, Honda service Department also they cant fix , dont west your time. On 10/09/2016 I bought 2016 Honda odyssey from Round rock Honda, They repaired 3 times sliding door creaking noise, but it is not work, I recall Honda America with calmed Number 05092045. but the so cold recall Manager wont answer my request. so this car good looking but sliding door is not good, Round rock Honda service department also they dont now how to fix the door.

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  New 2017 Accord LX Sedan Overview - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Paul S. - July 16 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had my basic Accord LX for a month now. Its a great car for the price: quality, steering, comfort, brakes, climate controls, even the CVT is great. The only issue I have is with the mileage. Im driving mainly at low speeds around the city - and Im averaging 18mpg. According to other owners, the CVT (in reg or econ modes) at low speeds (under 30mph) does not get the advertised 26mpg. I put it in S gear now below 30mph. After I got the speed up - and out on the highway - mpg is right where it should be in re or econ modes. Im happy with the car

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  Prepare to fall in love it. Incredible comfort - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Andrew Werner - July 16 - 5:33 pm

  The control handles for headlights and wipers do not glow in the dark. Location may at first hard to see & find. Once you get use to it no problem. The engine is a little noisy at first thats because of injectors cutting on & off. Honda made a good product with this truck. Get the AWD makes a big difference on road control.

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  Second worst test drive ever - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SUV Searching - July 16 - 4:45 am

  Was seriously considering a new 2016 CRV. Went for a test drive and car had a obvious shudder or vibration around 35 to 40. It also had the a slight vibration while stopped at intersection. I would never buy a car that rode this poorly. I was driving home wondering if I was being too critical and realized my 11 year old Toyota rides way better then the new Honda.