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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  2004 CR-V 4AWD EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Aurora Valle - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I had this car about 6 months and I love it. I had a 2004 Civic Lx and I was love, but I needed something bigger. The reason I bought this car because it was bigger, V4, actual spare tire, I can fit lots of items in this vechile. Great on miles giver, with my civic 335miles per tank and the Cr-v 300miles per tank(Hightest Oct.). Reason why Cr-v is only 300miles you have to remember this car has All Wheel Drive the civic dont. Overall of this car is great for people with a small family and have lots of things to put in Cr-v. This car has a V-Tech Engine

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  Great Car for the money! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Paul S - August 19 - 2:35 am

  I leased the base LX sedan in December. After 3 months - I love this car. I was concerned about the CVT - but Ive grown to really like it. No engine high revving through shifts. Also - the quiet ride for a $20K car is like a $30 or $40k car. Handling is sure, braking great and comfort good - although I wished I had upgraded to power seats so I could get a custom fit. Mileage around town is a little lower than stated - but I drive i a bigger city.

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  first honda ever owned - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Nadar - August 19 - 2:16 am

  This is my first time driving Honda and I am a guy who has owned Lexus, BMW and other domestic brands before. For this price, this is an excellent car in terms of handling, mpg, comfort and maintenance. I would highly recommend this car to all age groups. I drive about 200 miles per day and this is a very fun to drive car and the best choice for budget minded people.

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  Second Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By homerlly - August 19 - 12:16 am

  The only reason why I gave up my 05 Pilot was because of the additional safety features added in 06. I also opted for the Nav as well. The only 2 shortcomings as I see it are lack of "daylight" lights as found in other 06 Hondas and lower gas miles than the 05 I returned. You just cant beat the utility, reliability and fun that the Pilot gives - a perfect family car!

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  05 Accord Sedan Graphite Pearl V6 w/Nav - 2005 Honda Accord
  By nodaround - August 16 - 9:46 pm

  To dramatically improve the front, be sure to add the front under spoiler, fog lights, and half bra. To improve the rear fascia, add the rear deck-lid spoiler--not the raised lit one. To make the inside look even sportier, add the all-aluminum/metal trim. Makes the inside look that murch more classier. This is an awesome improvement from my 02 Accord Sedan...much more quiet and comfortable and smoother to drive. Interior is top notch, except for some little things mentioned below.

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  Not a Bad Car But Not a Great Car.... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By zy - August 16 - 11:58 am

  This is a very Mediocre car. The Good is it was under $25K done with the joke... ($24,995). The interior wasnt designed for people who like pockets for stuff like your sun - glasses, purse and or ? Other women have said the same thing. The console needs to be redesigned and it will be... Love the backseat manipulation designed * why I bought the car. Disappointments, yes more than one: 1) How bad it handles in snow for a 4 wheel crossover, 2) lack of Power even for a little old lady... 3) Hatch back sticks and no option for auto release or shut (old school manual shut) If you can get it open!!!! 4) HONDA SERVICE minus 10 company doesnt care. 5) Mileage is low more in the 25 in city. 6) Service at the Honda Dealer in Westminster, CO once youve got the car its your problem. Next car wont be a Honda already looking at the New Mazda 3X after only 18 month driving this car. Think hard Is Honda going on the past history and not living up to their promises. All good things come to an end.......Only thing IT IS Better is the Subaru Crosstreck which we all know is Subarus mistake.

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  Information from Edmunds was excellent! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By dd - August 16 - 3:49 am

  The information from Edmunds was excellent for negotiating the sale price. Just beware that unfortunately, some dealers will still want to haggle with you during the purchase process. I did not answer several questions on the survey as they do not apply to me as a new car owner.

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  impulse buy - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Hondarific - August 16 - 2:00 am

  After owning this car for a month I have to say.....I wish I would have waited. All the power is @ the high RPM bands which is great for highways and wide open roads but for day to day use in real world situations it leaves a lot to be desired. Another thing worth mentioning is that I had to have my wife take a cab when we got a flat tire because the damaged tire had to ride shotgun.

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  Hondas at High Mileage - 1997 Honda Accord
  By PTheofanis - August 16 - 2:00 am

  When you read high rated reviews about 97 Honda Accords, keep in mind that they are written by people who clearly do not have high mileage. I own a 97 Honda Accord LX sedan, and it has fallen apart exponentially after 80,000 miles. I admit that I drive my car hard, and this car will not keep up with others like me. Its seats are not designed well, the suspension falls apart, there is too much body roll, and the transmission isnt smooth during shifts.

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  Honda Accord LX 1999 - 1999 Honda Accord
  By DeepBlu - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Car is comfortable. Got a good price. Handles very well. Good in snow. Excellent 4 cyl. engine. Never a problem with it. Although 10 more hp would be great.