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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  2007 CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tim - April 26 - 9:53 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Honda CR-V for the new 2007 model. I bought the EX Model with the rear spoiler as an add on. The spoiler makes a BIG difference. LOVE the new model. Rides much better than the 2004 with the 17" alloy wheels. The new model LOOKS GREAT! HONDA has a winner with this one...a great price for a really great car!

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  Moving up from a Fit - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Selden - April 26 - 6:04 pm

  I purchased a Fit sport in 2009, and its been a fantastic car. Excellent gas mileage, incredible cargo space given its external size, great handling, especially on mountain roads, and typical Honda reliability. At 104,000 miles, it has had one repair, a recharge of the A/C system 16 months ago. All that said, a Fit is a noisy car with a ride more like a sports car — you hear and feel every bump. Despite a lot of new features, the 2015 Fit didnt excite me, mostly because of the horrible CVT, and less cargo room. Thank goodness I waited until summer 2015 to pick up a HR-V. Adjusted for inflation, the EX model costs very little than a 2009 Fit Sport, but is a huge improvement. Its better in almost every way, quieter, more comfortable, stronger performance, better sound system, far better A/C, heated seats, moonroof, and the side and rear view cameras, which are more useful than I expected, plus "just enough" extra space, without adding excessively to exterior dimensions. About the only place where the 2009 Fit bests the HR-V is the dash mounted cup holders, which are very convenient. Living in the hot and sunny south, the improvements in the HR-V A/C system are greatly appreciated. The Fit A/C is adequate up to 95° in constant conditions, but it takes a while to cool down. In contrast, the HR-V climate control system is both more powerful and quieter, and gets a hot car down to a comfortable level in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, the front seats are no better. They arent bad, but I have had better. I have only had the car for 24 hours, and already have put a mesh lumbar support on the drivers side, the same one that I used on the Fit. Seats are very personal, so what works for one person may be torture for another. The HR-V seats are "good enough" but could be improved. Between the adjustable seat height and telescoping/tilting steering wheel, it should be possible for almost anybody to find a good seating position, but even a perfect position cant compensate for a hard, flat cushion and too little lumbar support. The HR-V is an extremely versatile car. Number 2 on our short list was the new Mazda CX-3, which probably offers a better drive experience, but the screen sticking up from the middle of the dash, and much smaller cargo space made it a non-contender, even without a test drive. As of summer 2015, HR-Vs are in extremely short supply; we waited 5 weeks before getting the one we wanted, and were pleasantly surprised that the dealer offered a significant discount off the MSRP was a pleasant surprise. Overall, I am very pleased with the HR-V; no car is perfect, but at this price point, the HR-V comes pretty close.

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  Great Family Vehicle...and FUN too! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HondaMom - April 26 - 7:00 am

  Bought this car in the midst of a noreaster in February; its been a great vehicle! It handles the road well and is a lot of fun to drive. I find myself making excuses to go out driving now, just so I can enjoy the leather seats, the moonroof, and the six-CD changer. My kids love it too, its a great family car for day trips. Im a very satisfied Honda owner.

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  Fast, inexpensive, and fun! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jodokast - April 26 - 12:43 am

  This Accord is the 4th Ive owned in my life, in addition to my 99 CR-V. The coupe has a lot of room, front and rear, and the seats are very comfortable. The engine is very responsive and great accelerating at higher speeds for passing. The gas mileage is great for a V-6. Leave it to Honda to deliver a perfect coupe without depleting your finances.

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  Hybrid liberation - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Robert E. Lassiter - April 25 - 10:03 pm

  The Civic Hybrid has lots of features that add to the fun of driving this car. It seems to be very well designed to give it a sportscar feel. The interior is very well thought out. It has enough pep to pass and merge into interstate traffic quite well. We have only gotten 43 miles on the first tank of gas. If it doesnt get the 49/51 miles advertised, we will see if the dealer can make it happen.

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  a keeper - 2006 Honda Accord
  By will keep - April 25 - 6:13 pm

  i only had one problem with my accord driver weather strip around door other than that none i had 21,000 nor repair problem its runs like a champ

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  hondas has done it this time - 2005 Honda S2000
  By sterney - April 25 - 10:00 am

  the raido quility is ok but need inprovment but over all it is my fravit car out of all my cars which include lexus, mini,audi and bmw

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  Fun car - 2004 Honda Element
  By DogLover - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a little over a month now. I love it. The interior is great if you need lots of space ( foldup rear seats or take out completly) It has decent power, and is pretty good on gas for an SUV. It also looks a little different than most SUVs making it distinctive in looks. You either love it or hate it.

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  Wow, Big Package - Small Price - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By John Sharp - April 25 - 10:00 am

  What a great machine! Plenty of power. Good Ride. Roomy.... Great purchase.

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  Best sedan for the money - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bruley - April 25 - 10:00 am

  First experience with a Honda but wont be the last. Have owned American cars for the past few years but the Honda is far better in build quality, handling and resale. Love the acceleration of the V-6.