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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  Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pixie - April 4 - 10:43 pm

  So I have not had the car for very long. I just got one. It was a tough decision between the Fit sport and the Scion xD. However I am very happy with my choice. I love the fit. being an art student I have so much stuff I need for classes it fits it all nicely. I highly recommend it. Smooth ride Im getting about 31 mpg with mixed city and highway. I got the black Berry Pearl.

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  Almost a Jeep - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By crm - April 4 - 1:02 pm

  Bought the Pilot used to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. Slid the Pilot on ice into a fence (minimal damage - breakaways and scratches only!), and rented my old favorite (Jeep) while being repaired -- found out I missed the Pilot so much! Solid vehicle, so far very reliable! Gas mileage depends upon my foot - have gotten 19.5mpg around town and 24mpg highway when driving carefully, but the 255hp is too tempting! So I average 18/22 instead! Am VERY happy for around town, long trips, family adventures - fits everything we do!

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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HVA - April 3 - 12:47 pm

  Approaching 50K, so far not disappointed at all. Runs solid, fun to drive, does not feel very big vehicle but roomy inside. Getting better gas mileage on highway with speed between 60-70 mph. Using full synthetic Mobil 1 oil may be helpful. Will write review every 25K.

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  Never thought I would consider a brand new car... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By dj - April 3 - 4:10 am

  Let me start by saying I thought I would never ever own a brand new car. Not because I cant afford it, I just didnt see the value...until Honda released this wonderful gem. I thought it was time for an automatic, and like a few others I was drawn to the design, cargo space and ride of the Mazda CX-5. But I wasnt sure I needed slightly extra height/width and engine power, and I also owned a civic for years so I was drawn to Hondas reliability and headache free maintenance. I do try to hypermile when I can, so when I saw the HRV had a manual it became a reasonable contender. I test drove it, and it shifted like warm butter (thats a good thing). So I started analyzing all other differences between these cars and I decided the Honda had nothing more and nothing less than exactly what I need in an SUV. Both my cars now fit in the garage nicely with plenty of room and I will never have to worry about finding a big enough parking spot. On top of all that the MPG could almost be overlooked, but is definitely a nice bonus that reminds me I made a good choice. If youre coming from a higher/wider vehicle into the HRV you will probably feel cramped at first, but strangely with the cargo versatility (Seats that fold completely flat and magic seats) it feels like the same size as a larger size SUV. Comfort for me was fine, Im not doing cross country trips and if I did it would be in a rental. My wife and I tested that we can both lay down in the back comfortably (59" and shorter), which will come in handy... were taking it to the drive-in this weekend :) Theres not much I dont like, but Ill reserve judgment on the thin cloth on the door uppers. I am concerned about its durability, as I like to put my elbow there when I drive. Other than that, I really wish the call button on the steering wheel triggered Siri like the EX model, but the LX model had almost everything I needed so couldnt justify the upgrade.

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  The perfect car! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By CivicFlyer - April 2 - 1:39 pm

  Ive had my 97 Civic since 2000 and as long as I keep it tuned up it is getting 40 MPG plus. That is with an hour commute with speeds up to 85 mph. The dealership offered a free warranty tune up once a year. I just had all the bodywork done and a high end paint 2004 Subaru Garnet Black (white and red pearl on black). With a Cold Air Pack you get that piece of junk 70s Honda motorcycle sound (+mpg). I got cool wheels, chrome exhaust tip, mirror tinted back windows... chicks dig it. It looks very similar to a picture I see on the edmunds.com 1997 Honda Civic Styles page. I have run alcohol and hydrogen through it with no problems at all. Very low maintenance and very good power for an economy.

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  2008 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Lynette Durbin - April 2 - 12:20 pm

  I went from a 2004 Toyota Tacoma SR5, with a lift-kit. I usually put $35 dollars worth of gas each day, and that only got me from home to work each day. It was pretty bad. Road noise on it was horrible, and just a few weeks ago I decided to change it out for a Honda Accord. I love this car! I dont necessarily like the color, but everything else I adore. Interior is superb, exterior is very stylish. Gas mileage is perfect. I filled it up with $60 dollars and it lasted me about 450 miles. Theres a lot more to say about this car but, to sum it up, its perfect.

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  Loaded Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By John - April 1 - 11:40 pm

  Have had the 05 Accord for about 4 months now, fantastic car. Im 62 and I still have a ton of leg and head room.

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  Si Sedan - Fun, but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By SiCop - April 1 - 6:20 pm

  Love the overall value of this car - the performance and "fun" you get for the money has no compare on the market. However, I think Honda skimped a bit on interior material choices. Ive sought and destroyed a few annoying rattles - still have some rattles I havent been able to fix yet. You really have to get used to some quirks in the drivetrain caused by the Drive By Wire (DBW) tuning - delay in responsiveness when you push on the gas and the car holds onto the revs (rev-hang issue). This tuning is all done to meet the CAFE standards and earn the Low Emissions Vehicle tag - ALL GOOD, but detract from the overall potential of this very fun vehicle.

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  I love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pamela - April 1 - 5:36 pm

  I absolutely love my Honda CR-V! It is my first Honda and I have to say I am very impressed! I love all the creature comforts-the back up camera, the Nav system, the 6 disc stereo and the electronic drivers seat-which is great for someone who is only 53" tall!

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  ** Honda 2009 Pilot ** - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By lufaca - April 1 - 2:46 pm

  I am pleasantly surprised with the pilot. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive but my only complaint is the fuel economy. Once you come to terms that the size, comfort do not come free then you can justify paying for the extra mileage. If you ask me if I would buy a pilot after knowing what I know now my answer will be yes. I will buy another one.