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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  Love it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jane - January 31 - 4:03 pm

  My previous vehicle was a Honda Accord LX which I really loved too. When it came time to trade it in I thought I wanted another Accord but the black, CRV SE on the lot caught my eye. I love the sporty look. It rides great. I was amazed by the pick up. I love being up high and not feeling like I am driving a monster truck. There is a surprising amount of leg room in the back seat also. I am very happy with my CRV and look forward to driving it for many years.

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  Truck that drives like a car. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By julius - January 30 - 11:30 pm

  It is the best truck that I test drive. It feels like driving a car. The first Honda that I purchased, it will not be the last.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Saun - January 30 - 2:56 pm

  I was disappointed with many of the features of the 2006 Honda Odyssey, esp the fuel, the window EPA 19-26 was the selling point I used, I have never gotten over 19 and that is open freeway driving. There is a lot of road noise while driving. The dash features are very complex and distracting while trying to drive and adjust temp settings etc. I found the A/C very slow to cool and the heat very difficult to regulate, it should not be this complex. Overall ride is very nice just too many bells and whistles and terrible gas consumption in this day and age when ecomony is a huge point of consideration. It has performed over all very well with very little problems as far as mechanics.

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  eleven months of civics - 2006 Honda Civic
  By norman crawford - January 30 - 1:06 pm

  The 2006 civic hybrid has exceeded all my expectations. I average between 46 and 51 mpg. I took the car on a 2500 mile trip to the west coast from Denver and was surprised that it was more comfortable than I thought. I started the trip around 69 mph and soon was cruising at 75 plus mph on the interstates. My worst mileage was from san diego to green river Utah ( all uphill) mileage was about 37 mpg for that segment. The gas engine does really rev up climbing grades in cruise control, but it goes along fine. Probably if you had 4 people on board, you would some more horsepower (I was alone) For what it is , I give it a high rating and like its look much more than the prius.

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  Owning a second SUV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By BL in San Jose - January 29 - 4:52 pm

  I love this new 2017 CRV. The driving is very comfortable and the gas mileage is much better comparing to my 2016 Subaru Forester. The great thing about this CRV is that it has the option of Econ mode. This mode gives me roughly 30 MPG in mixed driving. Mind you that Econ mode still gives you the performance when needed. But you need to punch it in. When you are in regular mode, the acceleration is pretty good, feels sporty and great handling. Depending on the mood of the day, I can switch to different mode.

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  Ridgeline Happy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Clif - January 29 - 2:34 pm

  Bought the RTL-E top line model mostly for the tech features. Hard to find in exterior/interior color combination I wanted for reasonable price, but can be done with patience and negotiation. Replaced a 2004 Honda Element at 120K miles. The major selling point after a test drive was the ride quality and quietness. VERY carlike. Rides as well as my 2010 Acura MDX and 2013 Chrysler 200 hardtop convertible and a little better than our 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum. Great compromise between a SUV and a full-size pickup truck for light to moderate duty. 3 months and 1500 miles later, Im very happy with the Ridgeline. My wife is loving it and me for her truck.

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  Best Motor Vehicle in the world - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot EX-L - January 29 - 1:20 pm

  This is perhaps the Best Vehicle I have ever driven in. We always had a Mercedes Benz when I was Younger and I know the Best. It of course was always the Mercedes Benz. Guess who just beat them out of the Best Car in the World Club. You got it! The Honda Pilot. Without hesitation Honda has built a Motor Car second to none, The Price, the quality and the style make Honda the Leader now. I sorry, but Mercedes has a over priced as does BMW or any in the same Class as the Honda for little to offer but a hefty price tag

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  A Great & Practical SUV! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Heatherstone - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I am 30 days into driving my new Pilot and I love it! With three kids it gives me the flexibility to load all of them with friends at anytime. The DVD w/headphones allows me to listen to my favorite CDs or to actually talk with my wife! I especially appreciate the width and headroom...very comfortable. The interior design is well thought out and of high quality. Though not the most exciting exterior design it provides great visibility while driving. An excellent choice for a family man who wants something enjoyable to drive yet needs the flexibility to drive the cub scout den, baseball team, soccer club......

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  Best of both - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HappyHX - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my HX Civic for a year now and I thank Honda for making such a great car for people who want to be environmentally friendly without sacrifice. The lean-burn V-tech engine is amazing in that it produces good power and the best gas mileage of any non-hybrid car in the U.S. You have to rev it up to get it to go, but it happily revs to redline and spins the front wheel in second gear. The transmission is silky smooth and I love the styling inside and out. And I saved $6k by not getting the hybrid. Smart car.

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  Fun to drive again - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Don - January 28 - 11:39 pm

  Wife getting prepared for a knee replacement and wanted a vehicle that was easy to get in and out of. We decided on a 5 passenger SUV. We test drove Cadillac, GMC, Buick, Toyota, and Ford. The Honda stood out in Tech and comfort. We live in the mountains and the small turbo handles the climbs with no problem. Averaging 31.4 mpg. with an engine that has a lifetime warranty. The navigation is spot on and even shows your next turn on the dash (handy). Brake hold is a welcome feature that makes stop and go easy. Cruise control keeps a distance between you and the driver in front and breaks for you. I went from 70 to 0 as the car in front of me came to a stop. Amazing. Headlights and wipers are automatic. I guess I have to mention the only con I can think of (no CD player). What a fun car to drive and you owe it to yourself to test drive one.