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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  Great upgrades on new model for 2016 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By jerome mcnealy - April 28 - 8:24 pm

  Love civic and Honda quality & resale value.

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  Unacceptable harsh ride for family sedan - 2016 Honda Accord
  By cc - April 28 - 6:35 pm

  Ive always loved Hondas, ever since my college years when I started with a plain old civic hatchback, then in 2000 I got a new Si, with superb handling and still great reliability. After getting my wife a brand new 2016 Accord, I was surprised by how harsh the ride was, specially the rear of the car seems like its riding on lowered suspension and I felt every bump on the road. I can understand having a sports suspension, however this was not the well behaved suspension I had on my Si! It transmits too much of the roads imperfections and its definitely much worse than my old Si in handling the roads imperfections and transmits more of the vibrations to my back than the civic. And are we talking about a family sedan?! The worse is that the Accord nearly went airborne on the toll way with one of the bigger bumps, something that alarmed everyone sitting in the car (5) at that time. Wow... how did the Accord go from a family sedan to something I wouldnt recommend to anyone buying a sports sedan I dont know... bad Honda. This is definitely the worst riding sedan Ive owned and driven from MB C, S class, to Fords Mustang and CV.

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  Our first Honda and its great! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By David - April 28 - 6:06 am

  Weve have had the Pilot for a few weeks now and we love it. Much better than our previously owned Grand Cherokee. Interior is great, seats are comfortable. All around outside view is very good.The Pilot handles well for its size. Gas mileage is far better than the Jeep SUV, looking forward to a long trip in the Pilot, the ride is comfortable. Very responsive to acceleration and braking. The engine is quiet, ride at freeway speeds is also quiet and smooth. Navigation system is an excellent tool, the backup camera is a big plus for parking when backing in. Radio, CD and sound system performs very well. Side impact air bags another big plus for safety features. So far we made a very good choice.

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  Great Vehicle - 2017 Honda Accord
  By David Garrett - April 28 - 4:54 am

  I knocked off 1 star from the reliability because the battery had to be replaced two weeks after purchasing the new vehicle. Other than that, I love my 2017 Honda Accord Touring!!!

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  2000 Honda S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Larry Saccone - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is a blast! Most fun I have ever had driving! Honda reliability and ferrari like performance!

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  I love my prelude - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By npenta1 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a lot of fun driving my car. Never have any problems.

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  Long Haul Reliability - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Corporate Traveler - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Loved my Honda when I bought it & continue to enjoy it. Currently has 70k + miles & is strong! Traveled for 2 years throughout the SE on business which placed lots of miles on CR-V. Havent had one trouble with my car as of yet! Feel comfortable taking it on all my long trips esp. in stormy weather. Yet, it has lots of room for family, kids & pets. My 62" father sits comfortably in the back seat too. And, who couldnt love the convenience of a sturdy card table in the back! Definately a car a woman can appreciate!

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  CRVs - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Great CRV - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My Crv has been nothing but trliable in the four years I have owned it. It Has taken me and my family on many trips to the Rockie mountains. I read the review of the last guy who reported transmission problems and i believe he may have got a very rare lemon. I see nothing but honda quality in my crv. I have never had to do any unscheduled repairs and it still runs smooth and great.

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  What an excellent car - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Tyler Chaffee - April 27 - 10:42 pm

  I just rolled over to 180,000 miles and my green cr-v still runs like the day I bought it (now I know why I see so damn many of these around. They last forever!). Though the car is a little on the uncomfortable side, with hard, non-supportive seats and loud road noise, it has a unique charm to it and is fun to drive. Handling is super responsive, giving good road feel and traction is superb due to the awd. It revs up high, and has good power above 4000 rpm XD. Shifts are a little bit rough at lower speeds, and the transmission seems to need fluid changes often. Id say no more than 30-40k between tranny fluid changes or youll probably regret it. Braking feel is perfect, and the brakes themselves work extremely well and are quite sharp on response. Overall this is one of the most talked about and recommended choices for reliable transportation, and for good reason. While I try not to jump on the Honda fanboy bandwagon (all manufacturers have bad years or models), this car makes it especially hard not to, as it has treated me so well. I use it for long distance trips, and as a delivery vehicle, and it has yet to let me down, outside of regular maintenance and small bits here and there. The only things Ive needed to replace (besides tires, etc.) are a control arm bushing, a cv joint boot, and an engine mount (all well under 100$). The damn thing still has the original battery. It doesnt get much better than this! What a freaking great car.

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  Great for kids - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By apple - April 27 - 1:36 pm

  We have parked the large SUV and are driving this small one. Our mileage has gone from 13 on the old SUV to 26 on the new one. This car is great for carpooling to school and the room in the back seat for the three kids is excellent. I havent heard a single complaint about space. I have learned to drive differently to save on gas and I am careful with the acceleration because I am used to a V8. We gave up leather and saved $2000 which we rolled over into tuition! I dont regret that now and hopefully wont in a few years. Thoughtful design, kid friendly, easy to drive and our first Honda. All in all a good deal.