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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  My Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ricardo - February 26 - 2:36 pm

  Its been a month since my purchase and I cant be happier. I went into the dealership looking to get the EX but for an additional $250, I could get the SE; less than the cost of the 6 disc CD changer upgrade and the in dash system plays MP3s! The leather steering wheel is also a nice extra. Its the perfect commuter car with some extra oomph. Theres good compromise between comfort, low emissions and performance.

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  fit as a fiddle - 2007 Honda Fit
  By w snyder - February 26 - 2:23 pm

  only owned for a week and about 400 miles but already in love with this little car. first tank of gas delivered 33 miles to the gal combination highway and town 70/30 we are fit to be tied at least untill honda comes up with another winner

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  Great Car for The Price - 1997 Honda Civic
  By SSS - February 26 - 9:50 am

  This car gets fantastic mileage averaging 32 miles per gallon in city driving. The hatchback offers a lot of space considering its compact size (always easy to find parking)! Great performance without a high price tag.

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  In Honda We Trust - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Captain Nemo - February 26 - 8:52 am

  Why did we buy the 2017 Honda CRV Touring?   Below is a little history of our car ownership: We owned a 2005 Toyota RAV4, which we privately sold recently. We were happy with the RAV4, but after 12 years of ownership, our family made a decision to buy a new car. First, we visited the Toyota dealership. The 2017 Toyota RAV4 was much larger than our 2005 model, plus we werent impressed with the way it looks (especially the interior). It is still a great car but the reasons I have mentioned above moved us toward Honda . Our son advised us to get a Honda Fit, but after we owned a SUV, it is difficult to switch back to a compact car. We decided to buy the 2017 Honda CR-V Touring model and have owned it for a little more than as two months. We love this car. It is a very smooth driving vehicle with a lot of safety features (Honda Sense), great design – interior and exterior. All wheel drive adds stability and if you can afford this feature, it is a must have. Fuel economy is excellent. We love the large digital display because it is easy to see the speed you are driving and see the road at the same time. Great information system with navigation provided by Garmin. If you own an Android phone, you can use Google maps for navigation. Originally, we planned to get 2017 Honda CR-V EX-L, but we changed our mind when we saw the LED headlamps in action. Before buying, I have read a lot of reviews about the Touring trim level and was really surprised that there were some negative reviews about the sound system. You simply need to adjust the treble and bass levels. If you listen to low quality recording dont expect a great sound. I have downloaded my music collection to a USB drive. All the music I play has exceptional quality but even so, some sounded better than others. For example, Jaime Valle’s “Round Midnight” album sounds outstanding. If your budget permits, go for the Touring trim level. From now on, Im a Honda fan.

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  2017 elite pilot - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Elizabeth - February 26 - 7:27 am

  Acceleration takes some time getting used to, as it feels different with the 9 speed transmission. Safety features are great, but sensitivity of lane keep assist and auto braking can be overly sensitive. On a hilly road it will sometimes go off when no other cars in sight. Comfort and convenience is superb. I love this vehicle.

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  Worth my wait - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lou - February 26 - 6:56 am

  I waited 10 months to get my Fit with a 5 spd. Honda has decided to make almost 90% automatic. It was worth the wait, though. I love the car. It is a perfect replacement for my 90 Civic wagon. Ive noticed a lot of folks complaining about the interior noise. They dont realize this car will be noiser than a sedan with a trunk! Compared to my 90 wagon this car is very quiet and huge. I love how it drives. I love the neat layout and all the amenities are a sheer pleasure.

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  Owner and lover - 2005 Honda Element
  By stan bost - February 26 - 5:20 am

  I love this car. It has orignal ideas, great visiabilty, good fuel mileage, and is very easy to get in to and out of. I would have put lights in the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The price of the add on options like side steps and mud guards and other items is way too high. Also I would make the sun roof in the back a slide back not a lift out so it could be used while driving

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  HR-V not worth it - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Brian - February 26 - 4:19 am

  I bought a 2016 HR-V in December 2015. I drove it for 18 months and put 30,000 miles on it. This car is a big rattle trap! Driver seat squeaking, rattles from the rear end, rattles from the dash, rattles from the sunroof, and several more that I care not to get into. It didnt matter if the road was smooth or bumpy, the issues were prevalent. I finally had enough and traded it for a 2017 Honda Civic EX-T Coupe. I figured that since my daughter has a 2016 Civic EX-T sedan since December 2015 with excellent gas mileage and no issues, I would give the Civic a try. So far, I LOVE IT!

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  Honda Accord Homerun - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Bill - February 25 - 9:27 pm

  Know what others paid for it before going to the dealer. Check out Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima too! Accord 2018 is really a sharp looking car. I love the technology like lane departure and auto high beams and blind spot, cross traffic, etc. I have the Touring and I love it so far.

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  Experienced hybrid driver puzzled - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dan Hurley - February 25 - 3:53 pm

  Have had Civic Hybrid for 5 weeks. Avg mpg is 22!!! ? hwy up to 44 mpg but genly 39. City and overall avg ends up at 20-22. I drove a Honda Insight hybrid on same roads for the last five and a half years. Hwy was 69-70 mpg with max of 83. City was more like 39 mpg. The point is, I am a hybrid driver. Insight was stick. Civic automatic. Cant imagine Im doing something so wrong to get less mpg than most small cars, much less what hybrid should get. Any thoughts from anyone? Brought it into dealer twice. They said they got 35 city/44 hwy in 10 mile test drive. I have driven 1000 miles now, with a continuous avg of 20-22 city. With heat on or off. looking for answers