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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  I love my Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By LM Hardin - March 10 - 4:26 am

  My last 2 cars were hondas, a civic and most recently a CRV. I Loved both vehicles and decided to upgrade to the Pilot. Not only do I consider my comfort but I have one large dog and a medium size dog that travel with me everyday and they are every bit as happy as I am.

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  My second one - 2005 Honda Element
  By kathleen sims - March 9 - 2:10 pm

  I loved my 1st Element and Im sure I will love my second. I am constantly hauling something, flowers, antiques, laundry to the cleaners etc, etc. Loading and unloading are a breeze when you can open both doors to one space. I didnt trade in my 1st Element as my daughter is now driving it. She has 2 sons and needs lots of room and a cleanable car.

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  Lets Go Camping ! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By bob - March 9 - 1:56 pm

  On our second weekend of ownership, we took the teenage grandsons to Cownans Gap SP in south central Pennsylvania. Doesnt matter if its overnight or a week, when camping you have to "load up"; and we did including 4 bikes. The trunk was great, placed backpacks with clothes and bike gear in the water tight cargo space. Carried 1 bike in the bed and 3 on the hitch mounted rack. Round Trip 323 miles of mountains, turnpike and secondary roads... 24.0 mpg ! Everyone was comfortable in the cabin; A/C in the front set at 73; rear 68. Storage under the rear seat was invaluable; no hump, all usable space. Downsized from a 2013 Silverado, didnt need the big truck any longer. The trip proved it. Great Ride, Great Weekend. 2-18-17 Follow Up: Truck has been tremendous, does everything required. Everyone comments on how much room there is in the back seat. I have a short 12 mile commute to work, hilly back roads mostly; getting 18 to 21 mpg. Downsized from a full size pick up. Handles great. No problems in the parking garage. Really satisfied with purchase; no buyers remorse.

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  Roominess and storage with mpg and value - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Terry Gerkovich - March 9 - 12:04 pm

  Wanted roominess for travel without sacrificing too much in mpg. Also wanted high quality and value for price paid. The Honda CR-V with trim level EX-L met all our criteria better than any other vehicle.

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  Just ok not what I expected from Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lee - March 9 - 10:40 am

  First of all the vibration is real folks, there is now a tsb, out for it which greatly improves it at lower speeds , but it just seemed to move it to a higher speed. At 70 mph its like sitting in a vibromatic chair and it really wears on you over a distance. Its a weird vibe because it doesnt change frequency, regardless of road speed or engine rpm, its just there. Will be soon going back to dealer before warranty is out. We have gotten 36+ Mpg on trips and 24-28 around town with it so no real complaints there. Interior noise is 1000 x better than older crvs, we test drove some. Its my wifes vehicle and overall not bad, and she is happy with it, but being a former mechanic and tuned to notice small things in a car, the vibe does bug me especially with todays technology I think they could have done a better job on the drivetrain.

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  Comparing to a Prius - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Simon - March 9 - 10:20 am

  My wife has a Prius and I have the Civic. The Civics gas engine runs more than the Prius so its not as fuel efficient but still VERY good at 44 mpg 90% city driving. The Prius shuts off its gas engine whenever it has an opportunity but the Civic does it only when the car is stopped at "D" or at VERY light throttle. If the car is in "Park", the gas engine will keep running, unlike the Prius. Its much more fun-to-drive than the Prius thanks to its sportier ride and handling. It doesnt have as many gadgets to play with but it has all the essentials. If your only concern is fuel economy, buy a Prius. If you want more fun while saving gas, get a Civic Hybrid.. shorter wait, too! 6wks vs 8+ wks

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  Great choice - 2006 Honda Accord
  By pdk - March 9 - 6:36 am

  It had been 10 years since I had owned a car similar in size to this Accord. The ride is extremely comfortable and it is fun to drive. There is little to no wind noise however there is some unexpected road noise. This is a great all around car for any age buyer

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  Bought used; tranny went bad - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Christopher Chapple - March 8 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this car in Nov of 2004 with about 42K miles. I come to find out that I am the third owner! At approx 60K miles, the transmission went bad and it will require $3200 in repairs. Thank God I bought an extended warranty. Another complaint I have is headroom-- there is none. Im constantly banging my head against the ceiling when I check my mirrors to go in reverse (and Im only 5-9). The stereo is pretty cool but it had to be replaced by Honda (they did it for free) because the whole display went black one day. So far, this car has been high maintainence but it is a fun ride. Im hoping I wont continue to have problems with it. My 95 Accord lasted 185K miles.

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  Good, not super - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Clayton - March 8 - 5:43 pm

  This car is very nice, but after driving an Accord, even an older one such as mine (94-97), it doesent feel substantial. It drives real light, which is good for cornering, but not for feeling safe pulling out into traffic!

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  finally! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Xath - March 8 - 12:00 pm

  I wanted a small SUV to be able to handle taking my dogs to the vet, get up some local snowy hills, provide some "extras" and have good gas mileage. I got it all with the CRV SE. I love the size, the reliability of this make, and price. It fits in the garage and still can handle a load from the local home improvement store. Four adults fit comfortably but five could squeeze if needed. It also reaches a nice middle ground between car and SUV for handling curves and bumps.