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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  Better Than the Envoy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jdah3 - July 27 - 12:09 am

  Traded 2004 Envoy for my Pilot. So far, pretty good. Nothing has gone wrong that affects performance, anyway. Been to the dealer for clips in front seats (seat backs were squeaking). Brakes grinding and sound horrible, but told "Theyre fine, theyre just not Honda". Passenger R side of seat doesnt heat. I still feel good getting behind the wheel. Feels very solid, sure, and safe. No issues with leather as others have had. No engine or transmission problems. Radio/nav work beautifully.

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  Nice overall package! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By hspatz - July 26 - 3:24 pm

  This car feels very roomy for such a small car for both people and cargo. Average is around 37 mph overall. On trips can exceed 400 miles (10 gallons) on a tank. Steering is fast, borders on twitchy over 65 mph. Handling is excellent with rear breaking loose slightly with aggressive driving. Suspension is somewhat too stiff for bad New England roads. Acceleration more than adequate with manual trans. Front sometimes touches at end of driveways--be careful. Engine noisy over 70 mph. 65 mph is sweet spot. A/C a little weak, but doesnt sap much power. Controls work well and are easy to use.

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  What youd expect from Honda - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jod - July 25 - 11:30 pm

  I went from a 2 row 4Runner to an EX Pilot, cloth interior. Very spacious and well laid out interior. Build quality, materials, and overall feel of the car is superb. Third row seat is surprisingly roomy. I love the maneuverability of the 2nd row seat to accomodate either seating in the 2nd row (recline feature) or 3rd row passengers (moving 2nd row forward). Big plusses are fuel economy with VCM (24mpg highway) and safety features. Pilot is 5 star all around in safety. Road manners are smooth and predictable. Engine is quiet, powerful, and refined, although a bit lacking in torque when compared to the 4.0L from Toyota. I recommend going with EX over LX, if possible.

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  Simply Reliable - 1991 Honda Accord
  By D Himes - July 25 - 10:25 pm

  Purchased brand new in 1991 and to date still driving with 291,000 miles. Simply a dependable and quality car all the way around. Handles the road very well and still has great power. Hondas are simply great cars.

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  Above average small compact - 2004 Honda Civic
  By alljoy214 - July 25 - 1:56 pm

  Buying vehicles can be tough. Honda has been one of the leading dealerships that have economical cars that are reliable and fun to drive. The 2004 Honda Civic LX is very fun to drive. At the same time, bland as a banana. Overall, one of the best in the small compact division.

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  Refined - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GAB - July 24 - 9:02 pm

  After 1.5 years I am very pleased. Zero problems, very refined for this price point, immensely practical. City gas mileage over the last 3.5k miles: 23mpg. Best HWY mileage: 33mpg. Excellent build quality. Performance and mpg improved slightly after the first couple K miles. Would buy again in a heart beat.

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  Very intelligent car and much quieter - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gerald Baker - July 24 - 5:12 pm

  The road noise of the previous model CRV was very annoying. We liked our previous model but would not have purchased one if the road noise was not significantly improved. Fortunately, the 2016 is much quieter than our previous model. I am extremely impressed with the electronics package on the Touring model we purchased. Adaptive cruise control, lane monitoring alarm, "Lane Keeper" that nudges the car back to the center of the lane if the driver lets it drift toward one side of the lane, very smart audio system even talks to a smart phone to initiate Pandora without having to touch the phone. The USB port allowed us to put dozens of CDs on a stubby USB memory stick (MP3) and play them whenever we want. The interior of the car is very nice and comparable to our other car - an Audi. We did purchase the top of the line CRV - Touring version - so I cant attest to the interior of other CRV models. The only thing that could be better is the navigation display. It is hard to identify streets and the labeling on the navigation display is hard to read. Considering the rest of the car is very well designed, I am surprised at the shortcoming of the navigation display. However, overall we are very happy with the car.

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  Civic si sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By robgib6 - July 24 - 1:50 pm

  I just bought this car 3 months ago and it is awesome. I get so many comments on the look of the car. The exhaust and racing options on the car make it stand out. This car is much better than anything else in its class. Great car!

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  Revin Hard - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By matt - July 24 - 12:43 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Prelude from PA and I love it. The V-Tec Mode kicks in hard and the cars sleek body makes it look pretty damn good. It handles like a true racing Machine. I only wish it had more stock HP. I added 200 HP of my own when I rebuilt the engine. For anyone planning on T-Charging the Prelude engine beware of the H22A4 RING LANDS!!! THEY WILL NOT LAST! I recommend this car to new drivers, its cheap, reliable, safe, and a real blast to drive.

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  Good value economy car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mike S - July 24 - 9:54 am

  Out of college I had a long commute into work (about 75 miles a day) and bought this car as a result. Ive put about 60k miles on it in the last two years. It does a great job providing cheap, reliable transportation. Gets 33 mpg and is simple to work on. The only things I have had to do are change the muffler and midpipe (both rusted out) and drivers side window regulator. I also just recently put in Tokico HP struts because the old ones had lost a lot of their damping ability at 155k. In another year or so Ill do the timing belt/water pump. Still has the original clutch, well see how long it goes.