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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  Glad We Upgraded - 2006 Honda Accord
  By melissa - February 19 - 6:53 pm

  I average about 20,000 miles driving to and from work so we were looking for a reliable car. My past experience with vehicles hasnt been very good-lots of mechanical failures, expensive repairs. We did the research and were very impressed with the Honda Accord and sold after the test drive. Very smooth ride, lots of great features, and Honda has a great track record with their products. Cant go wrong investing with Honda!

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  Safe and Maintenance free - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By raghu - February 18 - 7:46 pm

  I did an exhaustive research for almost 2 months for a mini-SUV and finally decided on CR-V. Its really sturdy and safe in the snow. The 6-CD changes with stereo/FM, height adjustible drivers seat, ABS, stability and traction control among other features make it really worth for the price. Since, its a honda, i am not really going to talk much about reliability (i guess thats a given).

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  We Still Love Our CR-V even after 75,000 miles - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jeff gray - February 18 - 5:14 am

  My wife and I still love our Honda CR-V even after 79,490 miles. Safety, reliability, comfort, and style are all features we enjoy with this car not to mention the great visibility this car has. We leased this car new in 2012 and then purchased the car in 2015 which helped avoid $4000 in over mileage fees. Considering we are also a Subaru family (both of our children drive Subarus) , we recently looked into trading in our CR-V for a 2016 Outback. After test driving the Outback, we decided to keep our 2012 CR-V and plan on keeping it well beyond the 100,000 mile mark. Surprisingly......we are still on our original brakes with nearly 40% left on the brake pads which is a good indicator of how many highway miles this car has been driven". Our car has all suggested maintenance as indicated on the Maintenance Minder done at our local Honda garage. WE ARE VERY HAPPY to have the current CONVENTIONAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION rather than the newer CVT transmission on some of the newer Honda CR-V models. Both the Subaru Outback and the Honda CR-V has had issues with CVT transmissions..... with the Outback having a delay of the transmission when placed in reverse. While I believe CVT is or will be great technology in both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback.....I prefer to wait until all the bugs" are worked out before I invest in a new car. For now, my wife and I will be enjoying our comfortable, reliable, safe 2012 Honda CR-V as many others have experienced. High mileage does not concern me on this Honda as it would on many other vehicles....

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  grandchildrens toy - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich J - February 17 - 6:02 pm

  so much better than your fathers Odyessey

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  Lets be fair - 2008 Honda Accord
  By chuck - February 17 - 4:36 pm

  Lets be fair, how many cars out there with the price around 21K to 24K and gives you what Accord LX offers? I drive 100 miles everyday since Nov 07 and I absolutly love this car. Its fun to drive, handling is great. The moonroof is cool to have, it gives you good ventilation in the cold days when the heat is turn-up, and of course the exterior look is a killer.

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  Great but a little boring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jake Holvey - February 17 - 6:45 am

  Its big. Takes up more space in our garage than our old pathfinder. Great comfort but not much personality. Family loves it.

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  Better than my RX350 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By amr - February 16 - 7:58 pm

  I traded my 2015 RX350 for the 2016 Pilot EXL. The RX was loaded with every option available and the Pilot is stock but I would never trade back! The ride is far superior and the handling is perfect for me, it steers like an arrow. There is less road noise and vibration than the RX had and the seats are far more comfortable. The interior is spacious and attractive with plenty of cargo room. If I have to complain about anything its that the driver seat seems a little lacking in range of motion compared to the RX. in my opinion there should be just a little more forward tilt to the seat. I have to set the seat in a lower position than I like to compensate for the lack of tilt because if I sit higher the front edge of the seat presses hard into the back of my leg causing it to feel numb. Im getting used to sitting lower. I like the back up camera that comes as a standard option, again its better than the RX and the signal light rear view camera is also a great option, it makes changing lanes safer than just a shoulder check. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Michelle - February 16 - 9:43 am

  This car is a great value for the price. Drives smooth, great gas mileage, sleek design and interior, great turning radius.

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  Dont Buy American,Honda that is. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Eileen - February 16 - 7:56 am

  This car has been a huge disappointment. I think that the quality is VERY poor compared to my 1991 accord. Already the road noise in this 2004 is louder than my 15 year old car. With only 8000 miles on it, Honda has had to replace the cylinder head. The mileage is worse than my 1991 vehicle which had the same number of cylinders and less plastic than the 2004. Does not say much for the engineering. Honda engines made in America do not seem reliable at all. Next for them to fix is the heater and A/C. Oh well, live and learn.

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  Civic Poor Quality - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JackBruno - February 16 - 12:20 am

  We bought the Civic for fuel economy and reviews that indicated the Civic was a high-quality car. We drive mostly in the city, with an occasional long highway trip. The car has been very frustrating because of the overall poor quality of the construction. We will never consider buying a Honda again. Major problems: Driver side front door not aligned. Took 3 visits to dealer to get it close. Right side of car is 3/16 inch higher than left--Honda says this is OK. Many body noises, especially loud rattle coming from wheel well on right front. Transmission grinds (this is an automatic!) when trying to decide what gear to be in--Honda says there is nothing wrong.