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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  NOW I KNOW WHAT ALL THE HUBBUB IS ABOUT - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JJJJSSSS - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! I came down from an SUV and have never looked back in regret.

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  Traded in a Focus - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Traded in a Focus - January 29 - 1:26 am

  I traded in a 2007 Ford Focus. The interior quality as compared to the Focus is way better. The car is very quiet with the exception of some wind noise. I like the two-tier gauge design, although it took a few days to get used to. I also like the fact that there is no radio antenna sticking up anywhere. The daytime running lights saved me on insurance. There are lots of little features that are cool; such as the automatic door locking/unlocking feature, telescoping steering wheel, etc. My mileage is 37 MPG with 80 percent highway driving. I gave it a slight deduction on exterior design for the lack of a rear spoiler and fog lights.

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  Dissapointed to say the least - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - January 29 - 12:31 am

  After having 2010 Pilot Touring we have been waiting for this to come out. With the excitement of it we bought it soon after dealership received them. We noticed the different feel of the transmission from the start but the salesman said they use this same transmission in the Acuras so I thought it was normal and would adapt to our driving habits. But after owning it for a couple months it never did adapt but actually got worse. I had the vehicle looked at to see if there was a new update for the transmission but they said it is normal. I cant believe Acura owners would accept a transmission like this. Needless to say this will be the last Pilot I ever own, looking at trading it in on a Toyota as my wife and I hate this car.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By stevem1225 - January 28 - 12:56 pm

  I was shopping for a car w/navi in the $35,000 range-G35,TL,ES330.I really didn`t want to buy an Accord because you see so many of them on the road.The more I shopped the better the Accord looked.For over $10,000 less than I planned to spend I got a well engineered car thats comfortable and fun to drive.The interior is well done with nearly all audio and climate controls avilable on the steering wheel.

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  Downsizing - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By wjs - January 28 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased our CR-V almost 2 weeks ago, and LOVE IT! We had a 1999 Expedition with almost 200,000 miles and it fit our needs really well, but with our oldest daughter getting her license and hardly ever being with us anymore we decided to downsize. We almost purchased the Accord we knew it fit our needs and was a solid car, but wasnt too thrilled about getting a car. Our salesperson asked if we looked at the CR-V and we thought it was too small but decided to look anyway. We were very surprised on how much space was inside our 3 long legged daughters fit nicely in the back (they are 58", 56" and 54"). We dont know how a long car trip will be, but know day trips will be just fine!

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  Good, but not perfect - 2007 Honda Fit
  By naydtklein - January 28 - 9:03 am

  We have owned our black Fit (automatic) for 2 months and love to drive it. However, our gas milage (mostly around town) is only 26.5-28.6 MPG, much lower than we expected. The a/c is anemic as well. We were in a limited time frame to buy and ended up paying $1000 over the sticker price for the only Fit in our area. Id love to see this in a hybrid, minus the dealer bribe and that would be much closer to perfect!

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  Sweet - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Evan Deutsch - January 28 - 8:03 am

  I have 2.5K on this car. Today I filled it up and was delighted to see that I am getting 46 mpg city/hwy. I think I am still in the break-in period because the last time I only had 30 mpg. Bottom line: Only 30 mpg aint shabby. The car has impressive pick up for 109 hp.

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  Civic EX -- EXcellent! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Roger, Penn Hills PA - January 28 - 1:56 am

  Quality is obvious. A subcompact with sex appeal. The car is a total fun ride from the get go. Tight and responsive, accelerating, braking and cornering -- almost a sports car feel. And, yes, it is sweet on gas! -- if anything Honda underestimates their MPG ratings. Other car companies would do well to model this. This is my third Honda -- two Accords, and now this, so my experience with better-than-stated MPG ratings has some background.

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  1 month and loving it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Juan Perez - January 27 - 9:10 pm

  Took it up to the mountains and it did very well. Got an average of 32 miles per gallon and made it there and back on a little over 3/4 tank of gas on the 350 mile round trip. We did not drive on snow but it handled well on the wet curvy toads of big bear.

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  Much improved over 05 Honda Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I owned a 2005 Honda Hybrid and drove it for 35,000 miles and loved the car. I could get 50 MPG if I was really careful and did not use the A/C. My overall MPG was about 4 5MPG. My son now owns the car and I shipped it out to him from Florida to California. He is getting 38 to 42 MPG. I purchased a new 08 Honda and we are getting 50 MPG using the A/C. The new car is much improved over the 05 Honda in every way. Honda has managed to make a great little car even better. I even love the two tiered dashboard. I only have one minor complaint. I wish Honda would reposition the hand brake.