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:

• 

  Best Yet - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Jimd - February 21 - 3:17 am

  This is the best Honda I have had and it is my fifth. I really enjoy the ride and appearance.

• 

  Excellent - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Adam Corder - February 20 - 11:40 pm

  I dont understand the criticisms of the new Accord that I have read, particularly regarding the seats and the ride quality/noise. I found the seats exceptional and the ride quality to be fine; its a great compromise between the mushy Camry and the stiff, sporty ride of the Maxima. The build, quality, and price paid for quality are all excellent - it looks great (black with tan leather - yes!), got the windows tinted, and it looks as sharp as any car on the road.

• 

  A lot car for the money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jazzbo - February 20 - 8:30 pm

  This car met all my expectations, in handling performance. It is quality built.

• 

  Satisfied Honda Driver for 8 years - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Derrick - February 20 - 7:30 pm

  Nice car. Handles very well. It is easy to avoid possible accidents, road debris, etc. Accelerates well considering itÂ’s a four cylinder. It has a excellent air filtration system.

• 

  I love my CT - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Leilani - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I guess I never posted a review on my CT. Ive had it since 2/10 and it was an impulse buy. I had seen the CT at a Costco display and fell in love so when we went to the dealer and went through the car - the selling point was the hatch with the tray and the latch to lower the back seats among other things. I had an 06 Accord and it seemed like the CT fixed the things that bugged me about my Accord (which I loved as well). I drive fast and its smooth and corners very well. This car runs very quiet and the Active Noise makes it quiet inside although I play the stereo very loudly. I love my CT even more after eight months of driving it.

• 

  My Mothers Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Michele - February 20 - 5:36 am

  My Mother has had her car about 2 weeks now and we have noticed on this car, her first civic but the 13th Honda in the family, that their is no light in the ignition and we miss that-A LOT!! Also, you cannot lock or unlock the car from the passenger side. To us that is another negative point esp. for a 76 year old lady. She wishes that their was more storage space up front. The car drives as well as her previous Accords so she is happy with that. My daughter will end up with this car in about seven years and their is no doubt in my mind it will ride and run as good as it does now.

• 

  Great on Gas AND Fun to Drive! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jeff - February 20 - 4:26 am

  When I drive Highway @ 55-60 mph, I average 35 miles/gallon. Fun to drive and very dependable Its a Honda!

• 

  Great Value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JC - February 19 - 8:20 pm

  First off, its an ugly car but its a great car. Function over form is how this car was built. It gets good gas mileage. For those who complain about bad gas mileage, you need to learn how to maximize your mileage. Learning when and how to press the gas and brakes is the difference between 20 mpg and 25 mpg from my experience. Lots of features for the money. Nice interior design. Handling is good, but this causes the ride to be stiffer than normal cars. As a consequence the car stays planted and doesnt float. This is not a car for people who like a sofa ride.

• 

  Love My First Four-Door - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BeornBear - February 19 - 12:46 pm

  I actually became interested in the car after seeing a friends Acura TL. I was very impressed with the voice activated navigation and integrated XM stereo. I did some research and realized that I could have 9/10 of that car in a much lower priced package with the Accord V-6. Ive been extremely impressed with the interior quality and abundant features. This car has plenty of power and decent handling. I think my cars looks have been enhanced simply by adding a rear lip spoiler and fog lights. Judging by my short time with the car so far, Id buy another in a heartbeat. Pretty good dealership experience as well.

• 

  2018 Honda Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank DAngelo - February 19 - 1:55 am

  Excellent vehicle. Great ride, handling and performance which are the most important criteria to us. It also has allot of cargo space and the third row seats are comfortable and useful vs other minivans and SUVs. I do wish Honda had kept the right side camera to show you the right lane when changing lanes. Honda does not have a sensor on each side, but it will not go on till there is a vehicle very close. I feel they should have both: the sensor and the camera to make sure there is room and you are not cutting someone off. The GPS should also be able to order your saved destinations alphabetically, vs only by distance. Apple Car Play is excellent.