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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  Mine! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By chancencinny - September 1 - 7:33 pm

  I feel in love with CR-Vs the first time I saw one. I bought my 2000 CR-V when it was 4 years old and was always happy to see it. When the third generation was announced I was counting down the days until I could buy mine. It has yet to disappoint me. The little quirks were worked out from my first gen and I am so happy I sprung for the EX instead of the base model. I love the feel of driving it and everything. Mileage while not bad could be better I average 19-21 but I mostly do city driving. On the freeway I can usually get 25+.

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  Excellent all around vehicle - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Steve - September 1 - 4:41 pm

  Bought this car new 16 years ago. Now has 175K and it still runs well and looks good. It has needed some repairs recently, which I would expect with all the miles, but overall it has been an excellent and very reliable car. The four cylinder engine is economical delivering 23 city/28 highway, yet offers plenty power to "get up and go". Easy to drive, with excellent handling characteristics. Comfortable seats and nice view of the road with low dashboard and large windshield. Economical to operate and maintain. Tires wear like iron, I get almost 50K miles on a set of tires. Brakes last a long time too.

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  Excellent Vehicle So Far - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - September 1 - 4:34 pm

  Looked at the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9, which simply did not stand up to the size and features of the 2009 remodeled Pilot. Bought the Pilot in September of 2008, and have been very happy so far with no problems. Towed a tent camper trailer without any problems -- hardly knew the trailer was behind us -- did not have any issues with sway.

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  Civic 3rd one and happy - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jose - August 31 - 11:56 pm

  I love the reliability of the engine, and the ride. Fuel consumption is good to great. Plenty of leg room, and stereo is nice. At this time I have 60000 miles on this Civic and hope to catch the other one I had at 210000 miles which did not burn one drop of oil. It was an older model and the timing belt broke on it, or it would still be running. The newer civics dont have that trouble because of clearance in the valves. Keep it up Honda. Youre the best.

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  Milage better than advertised... - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Paulzfun - August 31 - 3:38 pm

  Really enjoying this car... have driven 2 BMW 3 Series and MB SLK350, but decided to go smaller for the mileage. This car has TONS of room and is even fun to drive. Not super fast, but certainly adequate, and handles well. I had the back windows tinted and it looks sharp that way.

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  just purchased - 2016 Honda Fit
  By marshall walker - August 31 - 6:54 am

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  Perfect for dog lovers! - 2008 Honda Element
  By MastiffMobile - August 30 - 3:12 pm

  If we had purchased any other vehicle, wed have ruined the interior by now! As an active, young military couple we are avid beach-goers, dog lovers, and spend lots of time traveling 13-15 hrs to see family when we get leave time. This vehicle is perfect for it all! We easily fit our two English mastiffs in the back with room to spare... The waterproof interior holds up great against all the sand, ocean water, and drool! Its comfortable to ride in for all of our long trips, and its been great for driving to and from dog shows! Weve actually had the discussion about "what will happen if Honda stops making the Element by the time we want another one," and we dont know what well do!

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  Best choice for $20K! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jamie - August 30 - 1:36 pm

  Ive had this car two weeks now and Ive put 600 miles on it. I got the Fiji Blue Pearl coupe. This car is really fun to drive. I got 28 mpg on my first tank of gas. I havent been letting it rev high. Im really impressed with how the car handles. The build quality is great, as Honda is known for. Ive added a few things to this Civic. I put 18" chrome Acura TL wheels on it, HID headlights, and LED taillights. Ive had a lot of vehicles. Ive had BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, and Acura. With gas prices going higher, and the economy going lower, this is a wise choice if you still want fun and dont want a hybrid.

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  Excellent Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jmcycle - August 30 - 1:00 pm

  Bought the EX-L new. Bad: Paint job-scratches easily. Wind noise-Honda replaced seals as a recall, but still noisy. Steering pump-Honda also fixed steering pump under warranty. Good: The van is extremely comfortable. Drives excellent-like a car. Good power, handling,and brakes. Excellent in snow. Tons of room in back even with seats up. Fuel Economy=18city/27highway-great for a heavy and tall van w/244hp. Replaced tires at about 36,000 miles not sure why other reviews say Michelins required b/c my replacements are GoodYear @ $120/tire. Few minor problems were unexpected for a Honda. Still much better quality and ride than my two Caravans. Would definitely choose the Odyssey again.

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  2017 Honda Accord Sport CVT - 2017 Honda Accord
  By BdeB - August 30 - 5:32 am

  This car does everything well- very comfortable.