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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  Whattacar - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By nuzedit - June 27 - 9:40 pm

  This is our third CRV (we still have the other two - a 2000 and a 2001) and this is the best yet. Love the styling, fit and finish. Very comfortable even after a 15.5 hour, straight through drive from McAllen, TX, to Albuquerque, NM. Averages between 21 and 23 mpg in town and as much as 31.5 mpg on the road. Our other CRVs were LX models - on a two-wheel drive, the other AWD. Decided to go top of the line this time and feel it is well worth the difference in price. Full well expect to keep this one for up to 10 years. Our 2000 has 158,000 miles and it still running like a champ. We traded in a 2002 Accord on this CRV. The way if figure it. You cant go wrong with Honda.

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lily - June 27 - 9:04 pm

  I have only owned 5 cars in my life and I am now 50 Years old. My first car was a Honda Prelude, then a Honda Station Wagon, and two Honda mini Vans to follow. The 2016 Pilot is my 5th car. I am a Honda advocate and normally one of their biggest supporters but the new Pilot has disappointed me immensely and the dealerships ability to help as well. I have now owned the car for 6 months and have been plagued with issues that no one can solve from day one. The first issue is the radio. Regardless of whether I am listening to XM or local radio, periodically a crackling sound will occur and the only thing that will make it go away is turning the car off and then restarting it. This however does not always work. I have even driven the car to the dealership (making me very late to work) to prove to the dealership that this irritating crackling noise does exist. The technicians listened to the noise and tried to determine the source but were unable to give me a definitive answer/solution. I have since been back three times and still no results. I now have the pleasure of listening to music with a loud crackling noise in the background. The second and more serious issue is the acceleration problem. This to me is extremely dangerous and an issue Honda needs to address ASAP, as other owners have also mentioned this problem. it doesnt matter if the car is in the ECO mode or regular mode, when you are at a stop sign or light and go to accelerate there is a distinct delay and abrupt jarring that follows. It is very dangerous because you assume when trying to pull out into a busy intersection that your car will move quickly to avoid getting hit. This however is not the case because your acceleration is delayed and frequently panic ensues because you worry if you can get out of the way in time. Again, I have brought the car into the dealership three times and they tell me the computers have been reprogrammed. The issue has not improved or been corrected. I have now been told to go back to American Honda Motor Company to see what can be done. I am now in the process of seeing what my options are because I do not feel safe driving a car that does not accelerate properly. The third issue is the same as another writer who wrote a review about the Auto Idle Stop is also a problem and will only work sporadically. If you think Im the only one you better go on line and research the acceleration problems and Hondas denial that they have a problem. Getting ready for battle and hope you dont make the same mistake I made. Its a shame that after 35 years of being a loyal customer they have lost my business.

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  Great all around car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By nathanapt357 - June 27 - 5:10 pm

  This is a $30K sedan that actually gives you a lot for the money; it handles well, is fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, has good acceleration, has plenty of legroom in both the front and the rear, the front seats hug the driver and passenger so they dont slide around in higher speed turns, and the 6-disc in-dash CD changer w/ XM radio is decent. The voice commands control the climate control, the navigation system, the stereo system, and the other electronics in the car-- a good thing since some of the manual controls are places slightly out of comfortable reach. At this price, the car should come with Xenon HID lights and Bluetooth. Navigation system is not as good as some portables.

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  Aging - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Brock - June 27 - 4:34 pm

  Has been a very satisfying vehicle. Have had a few problems with suspension, starter and steering but they were taken care of.

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  Celebrating Honda Ownership for 1 month - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Amber Davidson - June 27 - 3:10 pm

  I LOVE my Civic! I had been wanting one for at least 10 years. Instead, I bought a Jetta. My Jetta was great but super duper expensive on repairs. I researched and researched what I was looking for in a Civic and I got it. The one caution I would tell anyone; when I first got the car, I had downloaded iOS 10 beta. It and Apple Car Play didnt talk well. So I had to reset my phone - I hated the software anyway - and basically reset my car computers. Everything has been great since!

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  07 Civic LX Sedan Review - 2007 Honda Civic
  By lhase - June 27 - 1:40 pm

  I agree the headrests are painfully forward (but I guess thats to help in a crash. May try the Accord headrest swap, thanks!) Road noise on certain surfaces, otherwise nicely quiet. Getting 28 mpg on my 60/40% city/hwy commute. Good handling (0.81g!) on Eagle RS-A tires. I like the surprisingly quick steering ratio for an econo-sedan. The digital gauges do work well - you can keep your eyes on the road ahead while checking speed/temp/gas. Accelerates quickly enough, esp. considering the fuel economy. Headlights work well with wide even light pattern and flat European cutoff.

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  Solid SUV /Great Value - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - June 27 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent SUV. Build very solid with many standard safety features. Smooth and quite engine that handles very well, even on wet roads. Deceptively roomy inside with a back seat that can recline to add to passenger comfort. Excellent sound system and good MPG(22 local). Great value for your $.

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  Reviewing the reliable egg - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Cindy Stewart - June 27 - 9:21 am

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  Totally Satisfied - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ben - June 27 - 3:43 am

  Turned in a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan with 230000 miles in the CARS program and couldnt be happier. This car looks and feels fantastic. Could have a little more zip when merging on the highway, but it is certainly not a dog and it cruises in the mid 70s (mph) seamlessly. Absolutely comfortable and hugs the road. Nice interior design and two tier instrument panel is beautiful and ergonomic. Sound system is excellent.

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  Hondas are your Best Value - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Sheepless - June 26 - 4:30 pm

  I only just picked up my Pilot 4 days ago (2007)and I am thrilled with it! I test drove the Highlander and even though the outside is attractive, the comfort of driving one even for a test drive just didnt cut it for me. I wanted more from my vehicle for the price range. I went with the Pilot since it was over $8,000 cheaper. I know I made the right decision after bringing home the Pilot and driving it.