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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  Pilot after couple of months of driving - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Zaffi - February 28 - 5:46 am

  I tested in snow by taking it for a spin, and it maintained its grip on the pavement. Engine sounds powerful and responsive. My biggest issue is with the mileage claim. Honda say 17/22, and I have consistently getting no more than 18 miles on mostly highway drive.

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  Love the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Matt - February 28 - 3:26 am

  After owning this car for three weeks, my wife and I are still looking for excuses to drive somewhere. I have no idea what the other review with the stiff steering wheel is about. This car has some of the lightest steering Ive ever driven. I test drove 4 competing brands and the only other I even considered was the Toyota RAV4 because the 4 cylinder had a little more power. The interior is laid out well, seats are comfy. The ride is a little stiff over expansion joints, but the trade off is excellent handling in corners. Averaging 23.5 mpg in city driving, 30-33 on the highway. I will say the sound system could be better. It just doesnt seem like I can get it adjusted right.

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  I chose to give my money to Japan - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lewie Tillman - February 27 - 8:00 am

  Overall, a great little car. I wish it was a "peoples" car, but I think its as close as we are going to get. The power is good, although the hesitation on takeoff was hard to take at first until it taught me that that hesitation meant more money in my pocket in fuel savings. Down here in Florida the a/c shutoff at dead stop isnt going to go over well. Nonetheless, in winter, spring and fall it will be manageable and, there again, save bucks. One reviewer said a/c stays on out of Econ mode--I will try that. My overall mileage has been around 43 mpg by the cars calculator. It has a really solid, comfortable ride and tight steering. I think I may be falling in love again.

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  Honda Shmonda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By towbotr - February 27 - 6:46 am

  After all the "Hubbub" and hype, I finally decided to let the economic side of my brain take over when buying my last car. Honda, they all said. Well, its not all it was cracked up to be. The ride is hard and interior layout is awkward. Radio controls require you to take your eyes off the road and the voice activated feature is cumbersome and the delay is frustrating. The GPS navigation tracks next to the road and even shows the car riding over water. The map has "breadcrumb" dots all over it. Fuel mileage barely makes the 20 mpg advertised on sticker. Service departments in more than one dealership try to find excuses to get out of warranty repairs of which there have been more than afew

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  Awesome Car!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Erawan Sujana - February 27 - 2:43 am

  I bought it on May 2008. This is my 2nd car after my 97 2D Toyota Tercel which was I bought from my friend was getting old and worn out. I was really impressed when I test drove it for the first time. It is really smooth drive. The interior and exterior are nice. I will keep this car. The gas mileage is awesome. Some reviewers were complaining about gas mileage. I dont see anything wrong it if you obey the speed limit and use cruise control on the highway. I can play my iPod because it came out with the aux jack. What I dont like from this car was the engines emission system is very sensitive.

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  2007 CR-V -Im Liken it. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tabitha - February 27 - 2:16 am

  My first crossover/SUV, and Im lovin the view! Gas mileage is good, average 22/26-28 city/hwy - of course depends on how you drive. Freeway pickup is noticably lacking (it is a 4 cyl!), but once you get past initial on-ramp speed, CR-V drives awesome even going 70-80+ mph. Smooth, feels sturdy, and the handling is excellent. Stiffer handling of Hondas is great, gives more control of auto. Surprised at the power going uphill. Rear hatch is so easy to open/close. Road/wind noise w/closed windows is becoming apparent. Not sure about the automatic maintenance reminders yet. Overall, fun to drive and love the features.

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  Love the Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Fit Freak - February 26 - 12:13 pm

  I have owned this car for one week and I am so happy with my choice. Very fun to drive,great acceleration and braking. Handles very well and has an excellent interior layout and dash design. I am averaging 32 mpg which is mostly stop and go traffic in the burbs. Coming from a bulky minivan, I love the ease of driving, parking, backing up etc. The room inside this car is truly amazing. I dont miss the van at all!

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  What Vibration Issue? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By justsomeguy6 - February 26 - 9:07 am

  I have read the complainants about vibration at idle with the eco on and off. There is a slight vibration but that is with all cars, even the 2013 Nissan Altima, I bought brand new. If setting the RPMs higher fix the issue has no one asked a Honda Tech to reprogram for a higher idle. Think of a washer, the slower it spins the more vibrations it is going to have. Not nearly enough to give this car less than 4 stars. Some have even admitted that there was an issue during the test drive. Why buy then?. Honda is notorious for being a little more sporty than Nissan or Toyota, hence the road feel. Drive a BMW 5 series supped up, that is some serious vibration at idle.

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  So so - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - February 26 - 8:03 am

  I find my Honda to be uncomfortable to drive, it doesnt have a lumbar support adjustment. The head rest lean too far forward, I actually took the drivers off. Great fuel mileage.

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  Want the worst car - get a Honda Accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By DavidG1023 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my sesond and last Honda. After reading all the reviews here and in Consumer Reports I figured my first experience with a Honda (car had to be sold for junk with less than 100,000 miles) was an anaomoly. Wrong. My second Honda is just as bad. Fuel pump blew, electrical system has more things wrong than right, alternator had to be replaced. If you want to be stranded multiple times then the Honda Accord is the car for you. Im going elsewhere