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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  12+ Year Old Accord - 1995 Honda Accord
  By autoboy16 - March 10 - 2:15 pm

  My dad bought me this car because I was getting a job soon, and going back and forth to school. This aging car still has pep! 170 hp and averaging 24 MPG in the city and I dont do much highway travel. Its not Super Fast but it does have get up and go!! It rarely leaves me wanting for more. The leather seats are in great shape without rips or tears. The sunroof is FUN(ctional) and I use it almost daily! The trunk has more than enough space for me. I love the ergonomics. Everything falls right where you expect them to be. From the cold ac to the amazing old stereo with CD player! The windows are slow but tolerable for a 12 year old car. Some elbow grease fixes that.

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  02 Honda Accord Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jhebrink - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very positive. Although the fuel economy was a bit disappointing. I would sacrifice fuel economy for the V6 though. Very comfortable ride for a 45 mile each way daily commute. 0 maintenance problems I think it says alot about the car that one of my suggested improvements is as petty as cup holder placement.

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  30+ yrs of Driving Hondas - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By ML Sylvester - March 9 - 5:38 pm

  Ive been driving Hondas since 1977 (accord, civics, hybrid and acura) and this is my 6th. I really enjoy my 06 CRV/SE. It handles well and is the perfect size for me. I traded in my Civic Hybrid because I wanted more room for camping, etc. The Hybrid got about 42+ mpg so its a bit tough getting used to the new 22 mpg at 30%/70% city/hwy driving in the CR-V. I havent decided which model Im getting for my 7th.

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  A few things not quite right - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lisa M - March 9 - 11:46 am

  Ive had this car for three months, 2100 miles so far. My concerns are the following: the engine revs when I step on the brakes (but not always). The brakes seem flimsy and just dont feel right. The paint job seems to be cheap. Im noticing orange peel surface and there are spots, especially near the windshield, where the clear coat is worn off or never existed. I dont seem to get the gas mileage that I should be. I drive about 85% city and usually get about 31 mpg. I dont think Ill keep this car long and I worry about how it will look and run after 2 years. Dont get the chrome shifter knob. After three months it comes loose all the time and no longer lines up properly.

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  Loving my Pilot! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Carla Guido - March 9 - 12:11 am

  I went from an 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L to a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L and I am very happy with my purchase. Honda makes a great durable family vehicle with lots of bells and whistles for an outstanding price. Sure, there are things I miss from my odyssey like the ability to remove the middle seat in the second row (touring offers captain chairs) , large deep cargo space and passenger ceiling vents for quicker temperature comfort. You can still find those options with a mini van but I was ready to make the switch. Ive owned 3 Honda vehicles in my 26yrs of driving and by far they are the best made.

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  A Little "Timex" on Wheels! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jennifer - March 8 - 1:59 pm

  Thats right! I call it my little "Timex" because it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin! I bought this car in March 1998 with 15 miles on it, and had factory AC installed--but aside from that the car was stripped down and completely utilitarian in nature. Love this car because it is a study in simplicity! In the 9 years I have owned this car, NOTHING has ever gone wrong with it and it has never left me stranded. Aside from oil changes, the occasional purchase of new tires, and a new battery, everything else has been regularly scheduled tune-ups, maintenance, or replacement of things such as a new timing belt and a manifold. Great car! Very pleased with the reliability and affordability!

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  Cabin noise - 2008 Honda Accord
  By PDX - March 7 - 12:13 pm

  A lot of cabin noise. Front side pass. door panel make noise(s). Glove door panel rattles. Something in the driver panel makes a spingy noise (kinda like a PC hard drive running). Other then weird noise. everything else is pretty good. Dealer service department told me that there are other Accord 08 are having the same problem.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Darryl - March 6 - 8:50 am

  I have had the Fit (base manual) for about one month, and have about 5,400 miles on it already (wanted to get a few on it before I did a review). I cant say enough about the great gas mileage. I am getting over 38 on average with a mixture of city and highway driving. Highway only I cleared 40 mpg. For a small car it is very roomy and comfortable, even on the long trips. Anti lock brakes and 6 airbags are a nice feature for a small inexpensive car. Wish I had gotten the cruise control. No noticable lack of power except when the AC is on.

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  Ford,Chevy,Dodge, take some lessons!!!!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGOLDS5 - March 5 - 3:36 pm

  Fast, fun, reliable, does it all. Ive had all the American trucks and none come close to the comfort and ease of owning a truly versatile truck like the Honda. Honda thinks of everything and doesnt screw it up. Everything from a passenger side lighted vanity mirror to the 2 way tailgate makes everyone happy. Parks easily, steering is fast and precise. Loaded 600 lbs of slate on the trunk hatch and it handled that easily. Quality is far superior to Chevys crappy interiors and ill fitting parts. The Canyon is total junk and cannot believe that GM still produces such unforgivably poor quality vehicles.Who designes such junk? maybe refrigerator mechanics. The Honda is also very comfortable.

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  1997 Honda Passport LX - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Dennis - March 5 - 12:59 pm

  I think this Isuzu built vehicle was designed well for 1997. Ten years later (2007) leads me to believe that better fuel economy and interior design improvements highlight the weaknesses of this vehicle. Ive got 140,000 miles on it and maintain it on an above average scale and although it runs fairly well, engine power is weaker, fuel economy has slipped and interior amenities (e.g. lack of any cup holders and minimal front/back seat storage space)stand out. The spare tire location on the exterior of the tailgate blocks some rear window view.