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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  Great car. Great features - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JO - June 26 - 9:46 am

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  Great SUV, but questionable gas mileage. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By BONES - June 25 - 7:43 am

  For the most part this vehicle is awesome. Some people have had an issue with the exterior, but I have had nothing but compliments on its looks. Its one tough truck for sure. The handling is excellent. Although, it took some getting used to the transmission that slows you down when you take your foot off the accelerator. The turning radius is unbelievable. The only thing troubling me right now is the gas mileage. I went from a 4-runner with a V8 to the Pilot thinking I would get better mpg with a 6cyl. So far thats not the case. I primarily drive in stop and go traffic. I am only getting about 13 mpg. I do run the A/C constantly, so that may have something to do with it. Otherwise, I love it.

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  Transmission Problems immediately and terrible A/C - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tammy Campbell - June 25 - 4:53 am

  My 2016 Honda Pilot has 2600 miles on it and it feels and sounds like it is about to break down. The gears jerk when traveling around town, and a loud grinding noise occurs during acceleration along with jerking. I live in Florida, and my last vehicle was the Honda Oddysey that had poor A/C, and this new Honda Pilot is even worse. I prefer an A/C setting at home of 76 and my Pilot cant seem to get that low in my car when the outside temp is above the mid to high 80s. I have owned the car for 6 weeks, and I am not happy. I dont recommend this vehicle unless you are a mechanic who lives in a fairly cold climate.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Honda Accord
  By L.T. - June 25 - 1:33 am

  I purchased my Accord after discovering that my Acura CL had manufacturing defects in the paint and transmission, (I loved it & the Acura line until then!!). Despite the unforeseen problems w/the Acura I loved its speed, agility and Bose Stereo. So, I got the Accord because it was affordable and practical, and did not expect to love it. But..the V6 is quick, agile, (not as much as the acura). I get tons of compliments on the smooth, quiet ride, more of a sporty,roomy sedan. The look is not especially sporty, but not boring. The brakes are overly sensitive/grabby, and there are some blind spots at the pillars and front end. Overall pleased & pleasantly surprised.

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  Run, dont walk - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mark - June 24 - 9:06 pm

  Get this automobile soon as possible. I recently received mine and Im absolutely thrilled! I never write reviews for anything but this car is very impressive. Fuel economy is an important part of the story, but just getting more for your money in every way is the overall benefit. My Taffeta white coupe just keeps me staring at it when parked!! Do your due diligence with similar models, you will come back to this Honda for sure as I did.

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  Whats that noise? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Not so happy - June 24 - 9:36 am

  I have 12,500 miles on the Accord. It gets great gas mileage and love the car. I dont agree with the oil life gauge but the dealer said if I change it any sooner, Ill mess with the scheduled maintenance. How will an engine last 300k mles with the oil changed every 10,000 miles? The rock chips on the front of the car are annoying. Horrible road noise and now I have what soundss like a front wheel bearing gone bad! Also my lights dim every time the a/c kicks on! HMMMMMM!

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  Great Investment - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stephanie - June 24 - 7:13 am

  We have sincerely enjoyed our Civic hybrid. It has been fully reliable and great on gas mileage, averaging around 45 mpg. Its beautiful on the inside and outside, and has plenty of leg room as well.

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  Disappointed in our first Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By W. Mathews - June 24 - 3:34 am

  We have owned our 2016 CR-V for about 8 mos. In that time the windshield has cracked, mechanics failed to fully secure the oil filter so we had oil stains on our driveway -- and this was the first oil change for the car! The vibration at idle is excessive; the main data screen is dim at cold startup; the drivers window will briefly engage without warning (when fully up it continues to engage up). Finally, the tan seats are ridiculous! Even a sweating water bottle leaves an indelible water stain! Likely my only Honda vehicle. Meanwhile, my F150 just runs like a clock!

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  bad fuel economy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gary - June 23 - 12:16 pm

  I got fascinated by the fuel efficiency before buying this car. It was misleading advertisement. My car gives me 450 km with full tank (70 liters). Almost half the mileage as compared to advertisement. I have 2000 Toyota sienna, with 67 liters of fuel it goes more than 500 km. Bigger size, big engine and better fuel efficient than brand new 2008 Honda Accord ex-l (2.4l). I realize that I made a mistake, I should have bought the Toyota Camry instead.

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  2009 honda civic Lx 4 dr.sedan ,1.8L 4cy - 2009 Honda Civic
  By honda civic - June 23 - 5:46 am

  I have owned my civic for 2 weeks. I did not test drive the car. I wish I did. I dont like the braking takes too long to stop. The wind takes the car. I had a 2002 civic, I loved it. I just turned in my accord. I am so sorry I didnt get another one. I am stuck with it for 3 yrs. lease.