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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  Hybrid: not up to expectations - 2005 Honda Accord
  By berrytarte - April 16 - 6:56 am

  I have always loved Honda vehicles and at first glance this looked to be a great way to lower my fuel costs and payments. As time went by, I realized that I would have been much happier with a regular Accord. I am not getting the fuel mileage that the hybrid was supposed to have. I have also realized that the missing trunk space does become a factor when you are making a trip with several people. There is also a strange "lag" in the engine between 40 and 50 mph that I just cannot adjust to. The switching between hybrid and gas engines provides a very jerky feel when you are driving at those speeds.

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  Great little SUV! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chip - April 15 - 9:46 pm

  Only had our CRV for a week but we love everything about it. We were sold at the test drive. Averaging over 22 mpg on first tank of gas. Love the quiet, smooth ride and comfortable seats with lots of legroom front and rear. Glad the ugly spare tire doesnt hang off the back--looks sleek and sporty! Plenty of power--who needs a V6?

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  Very practical - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By J&N - April 15 - 6:30 pm

  I was sold when I drove my sisters EX automatic. The CRV is very functional and practical. If youÂ’re looking for more interior room this is the car to get. As far as performance the manual is so fun to drive and has a bit more "go power" then the automatic. Honda has such a great reputation for reliability and functionality. I know we will have this car for at least 10 years or more to come.

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  blind taste test - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron Steffens - April 15 - 4:47 pm

  Be prepared for the price to be higher for similar equipment than previous years.That said,theres much more technology in the new model available.

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  New Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Lou Tatulli - April 15 - 2:40 pm

  Great re-design of the Civic, especially the tail lights and overall body. Good value from one of the most reliable and almost maintenance free cars on the market. Air conditioner is loud when on full tilt so fan adjustment needed to hear music.

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  Honda 95 - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Eric - April 15 - 8:50 am

  This car is dependable with working air zone heat, defrost . Standard, electric windows.

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  Excellent Mileage..! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By md - April 15 - 4:15 am

  I just returned from vacation. I drove by myself, and Im an older woman. I felt comfortable and safe... And I drove over 2300 miles and got over 36 mpg...! How can you not love that... Shes a fun little car... Id buy another one... md

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  Very happy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By redandy - April 15 - 1:30 am

  Ratings are in the context of an economy car. Extremely fun to drive (90% of Cooper level fun), but you get the utility of a much larger car. Gas milage is very good, but not great (~32 mpg city in winter). Im hoping for the high thirtes on the freeway in the summer. I test drove vs. Yaris and Versa, and MUCH preferred this over either. If you value comfort over handling and can live with less gas milage, you may want to consider the Versa - its a bit cushier but much less fun to drive IMO. Cost is a bit higher than the others, but ABS, airbags, etc are all standard here. If comparably equipped, the competitors lose their pricing advantage..

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  Fuel economy? - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stephanie Morrison - April 14 - 7:40 pm

  My Accord is only 1,300 miles old, and I am consistently getting only 17 MPG when it claims to get 20 - 29. Is there something wrong here? I was expecting at least 22 MPG. I drive mostly short, city drives, but I still averaged only about 17 mpg on a tank of gas that included about 120 miles of highway driving at an average of 65 mph. Perhaps I will contact Honda to inquire. The drivers seat could be more cushy - its a little stiff and thin feeling. Brakes are a tad grabby - wondering if that will subside over time. Other than those issues, I think it is a well made car and the drive is very sporty and solid.

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  Solid performance great comfort - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Eric - April 14 - 7:13 pm

  Drove up mt hood with excellent performance. I encountered sleet / ice roads and snowed filled roads. With my all seasons tires that came standard with the Pilot I experienced no slippage, excellent handling and felt very safe. Two thumbs way up!